Dave Hamel

xsbank · Post by **xsbank** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:30 pm

from the Conair Pilot's website:

It is with great sadness to announce that Dave 'Pappy' Hamel passed away in his home in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 7th.
Many pilots across Canada, especially on the BC coast obtained their float training from this fine gentleman. Dave had a veried career in aviation, as well as an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
A celebration of life is being planned for early November. I will advise on the exact date and time when it's all finalized.
Goodbye to an old friend, and a fixture in Westcoast Aviation.

canpilot · Post by **canpilot** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 4:06 pm

What a shame eh?

I got the news Sunday night! For the four years I had known Dave I looked up to him as a friend and mentor. His good natured personality and love for aviation will be missed by all!

Rest in Peace Dave!

harlan.

SkyWolfe · Post by **SkyWolfe** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 4:08 pm

You were are great float instructor Dave!! Thank you for all your help and advice!

Chuck Ellsworth · Post by **Chuck Ellsworth** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 4:38 pm

How sad that aviation has lost another great instructor and person.

We will remember you Dave and use you as a benchmark for what a float plane instructor should be.

Driving Rain · Post by **Driving Rain** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 4:49 pm

altiplano · Post by **altiplano** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 5:19 pm

We have truly lost one of aviation greatest guys.

Pappy - you were awesome. A fine pilot and a real gentleman. I learned more from Dave than anyone else I have encountered in my career. I really enjoyed those foggy mornings on the river, drinking coffee and listening to stories. Really made a no time wannabe feel like he was a part of something - always told you the way it was in this business and in life - thanks for everything Dave.

canpilot · Post by **canpilot** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 6:52 pm

Oh my god!

I drove out to Richmond even when the weather was shyte just for the Hamel chats! Funny, I learned more from Dave during these chats than I have in pre-flight discussions at my FTU!! And he didn't even charge me for it! He was giving me this insight knowing that it could one day save my life. If I tried to say and express all the amazing things that made Dave..dave..this thread would never end!

Alti? Me thinks I might have bumped into you in my times out there?

arcticbeaches · Post by **arcticbeaches** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 7:31 pm

The seven hours I spent with Dave in CDQ were the funnest and most exciting flying I have had so far in my career. Thanks for the good times and all the great stories.

SkyWolfe · Post by **SkyWolfe** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 9:29 pm

Aww!! Thank you for posting those pictures, they bring back fond memories

bohica · Post by **bohica** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 9:59 pm

I've met Dave a few times but never trained with him. I know many that have and they have nothing but wonderful experiences.

From what I have seen and heard from him at CAS4??? (memory failing) and YZF he was a first class individual. He had been there done that and in his talks and briefs he was passing on invaluable info to the newer generation of float pilots. Let me tell you we all listened intently as other posters have said.

Info from close family friends said he passed away peacefully in his sleep which to me is saddening but when the time comes I hope its that way too.

Dave, if they have rogers or telus up there with a decent connection....thanks for everything and we'll all fly with you again soon.

Rowdy · Post by **Rowdy** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:09 pm

I too looked up to Dave and listened carefully anytime he gave advice. He was a no BS straightup and likeable kind of guy. Always cheery and always there to help. I only hope that we can all take a moment and perhaps a lesson from him.

Treat everyone around you like a friend and peer.. help out whenever and however you can. Always smile.. life aint too bad.. even at its worst moments. Most of all.. listen.. we have two eyes and only One mouth.. Coincidence?

You'll be greatly Missed Dave. Blue skies my friend blue skies..

MichaelP · Post by **MichaelP** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 9:57 am

It's over a month since I last saw Dave.
My brother was working on the electrics and avionics in the C180.
I sat with Dave for a while talking, listening to his stories, and getting the straight talk on float operations.
Always candid, always interesting.

If we all live as long in aviation and perhaps music as Dave did we would all be very fortunate.
Sadly, unlike our aeroplanes, we can't be maintained for so many years.
Though the man's body has failed, the man himself will live on in everyone who knew him's memory.

gongshowking · Post by **gongshowking** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:29 pm

Dave was a great guy, he taught me to fly floats also. Its nice he was able to fly for so long and help so many guys. Hope is family is doing well.

jon_upsidedown · Post by **jon_upsidedown** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 10:08 pm

Dave was a great guy, and a great float instructor

Krashman · Post by **Krashman** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 11:44 am

DAVE!! thanks for all the great stories and the float raiting! I enjoyed the 6hrs in the airplane and the countless on the ground with our hands in our pockets discussing the 'old days'!

Deepest Condolences to the family

LYNX25 · Post by **LYNX25** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 9:00 am

Sad to hear - thanks for your contribution to aviation Dave!

ils09 · Post by **ils09** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 5:56 pm

We'll all miss you Dave! You are gentleman and a great pilot.

wasYKnowFJ · Post by **wasYKnowFJ** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 6:07 pm

Great guy.

Still seeing "Cats Paws", from "Bush Height".

ils09 · Post by **ils09** » Mon Oct 15, 2007 6:15 pm

hahaha I can hear him saying those words over and over..... great memories.

Barney · Post by **Barney** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 8:10 am

Dave was the best!