Peter Shewring, Canadian aviation icon, passes on

[Koizie1]

I met Peter this year at an ATPL course. I had heard all the good things about him and the course. I was not dissappointed.

Mostly though I left the course with a desire to be a better, safer and more knowledgable pilot. Or in Peters words. 'Be a profesional.' I have spent more time studying and learning since I passed my A's than I did before, because Peter indirectly reminded me its the right thing to do.

I also left knowing that I had just spent the last three days with a true gentleman.

My heartfelt condolences to Peters family and friends. A legend indeed.

[Widow]

By request:

The family of Peter Shewring would like to thank everyone who has posted their heart felt memories and best wishes on AvCanada.

We have read every word of every posting. Please continue to tell us your stories as we intend to keep a record of all that is written.

Thank you all,

The Shewring family

A small gathering will be held in Victoria this Friday.

The family is planing an open invitation May 1st at the Victoria airport, to celebrate his life. Details will be posted as they are finalized.

My sympathies to all those mourning the loss of Mr. Shewring. He will clearly be remembered with honour for a long, long time to come.

[overseasflyer]

I am saddend to learn that Peter has passed away. I had the pleasure to meet Peter in the aerocourse about 10 years ago while learning to fly, and have been lucky enough to run into him from time to time. Last saw Peter in Toronto at the end of January. We managed to have a few drinks, chat about people we knew,told some pilot stories and as always with Peter had lots of laughs. One amazing trait that Peter had, he always remembered people. He also had such a flare for teaching and enjoying himself. I will always carry some of the lessons I learned from Peter.

Rest in Peace

[EPR]

Very sad news indeed, Peter will be terribly missed in the aviation community.
With all due respect,
Rest in peace "you Rhodesian Roadhound"!

[clearmyside]

I had the pleasure of meeting Peter about 10 years ago, taking the Aerocourse and sometimes giving him a ride from YVR to YYJ. I remember standing in front of the huge map in the Juan Air office with him and discussing the various regions of the beautiful province of BC.

Peter lived aviation. There wasn't a moment I stopped listening to his every word when he spoke. His energy, enthusiasm, incredible wealth of knowledge, humour and approachability make him a bright spot in everyones live he touched.

Peter is not disillusioned aviation, but embodies every reason I became a pilot.
I am mourning his death and cherish every bit of time I got to experience with this incredible person.

Here's to you, Peter. Cheers!

Pierre S

[DaynaGamble]

"If a man is to shed the light of the sun
upon other men,
he must first of all have it within himself."
Romain Rolland

Peter had a "larger than life" personality which will never be forgotten. He inspired greatness in those around him and could capture a room's attention like no other. He never forgot your name as said in previous posts but I also thought it incredible how he never forgot a story. He cared about who you were and what made you tick and at each encounter would ask, "How's your father? How's that brother of yours doing with his career?"

I met Peter in 2005 and flew him to Bellingham in a C172 as my very first "paid flying gig". At the time I didn't know I was flying an aviation icon and that was probably a good thing. When we finished the flight back to Victoria, Peter came back from his car with all the Aerocourse ATPL Manuals and a whole stack of extra Citation Manuals with the explanation that, "you'll be flying the big jets soon enough, there's no better time to start studying". What inspiration!

Thank you Peter for your kindness and zest for life. You will be missed.

Dayna

[Mik]

Peter I very much appreciated all our afternoon chats at Juan Air the last few years. They were both entertaining and full of excellent advice. You taught so much valuable information and you will be missed very much.
Kim Hughes

[Probie]

Peter will surely be missed by all of us. Everyone he taught, or even talked to, will remember his great stories and quick wit. There is a great void in Canadian aviation today. Condolences to the Shewring family. You will be misses Peter.

Rob Diamond

[CJM]

In no way is it an exageration to say that Peter was my favourite teacher ever. An incredible person with unusual passion and kindness. I had the pleasure of sitting in a couple of his courses. After his classes you could barely get a chance to talk to him as everyone else already was.

Rest in Peace Peter.

[Tubthumper]

"...head erect, eyes caged, thumb-up-butt and mind in neutral...."

One of the many Peterisms not to be forgotten. The ATPL course he taught that I had the opportunity to attend was cutting edge from start to finish....and it didn't really finish with the classroom being empty. Afterwords, he would be eager to continue discussion (about anything) "over a Heineken" and great conversation with anyone who would join him carried on. With an unmatched sense of humour, he would assign you a nickname (that no one else would think of) which would stick to you and he'd remember it when he saw you, even if it had been years ago. Selflessly, he was always happy to share his vast knowledge and expertise with any pilot. I remember him wanting to fly above FL600 into uncontrolled airspace and 'Cancel IFR' while trying to imagine the look on ATCs face when you did it.

Peter, whether it be in the classroom, on the ramp, coffee shop or just passing in the hallway, it was always a pleasure to stop, shake your hand and say hello.
I hope to again some day.

Mr Shewring, I salute you, comrade.

Pat Gould
(Peripatetic Pat)

[mabcan]

Just discovered this bad news now : I feel so sad. He was clearly one of the greatest, a true gentleman pilot and instructor.
All my condoleances to his family and friends.
I owe you a beer. Will miss you.
RIP Peter

[Driving Rain]

I meet Peter in 1985 at an ATR course he conducted in YWG. He of course was brilliant and I passed my Transport exams with flying colours. By the time I took the course I was 34 and I'd already passed the point of having any kind of good study habits. I felt totally lost and helpless as I read through the AIP. I would most certainly not be where I am today if he had not been there with his course. He was a great teacher and Canadian Aviation has lost one it's pillars.
Thanks Peter RIP

[The Hick]

2010 Apr 28

Today is a sad day indeed, It's over a month, but although sometimes slow, the news does travel. Just talking to a bud who flies for A/C, and he just let me know. The shock is palpable.

Back to the Summer of '71... A class of 16. We were a tight group, that Air Cadet class housed at Naden, and taking Ground School (and flight) at the Victoria Flying Club. ...And, after the first day no one would even dream of skipping ground school. At the start, no one knew what to expect, but we all grew to love and respect that instructor through the humour, and the knowledge we all walked away with. Class average: 94%

There was more than one night spent phoning in to torment Peter when he was doing the night shift at the radio station.

His professionalism was always an inspiration for every ground school class that I taught. But no one could top the master.

I hope that some of the others who were on that course find this site, and can get hold of me in Ft. McMurray. I think we owe Peter some time to reminisce together.

It's so close, and that means I can't make the May 1st memorial, but the thoughts will certainly be there.

CAVU, Peter. Arrrrooooogaaahhhh!

John Hicks

[Airtids]

Saturday is May 1st. While I was unable to attend the funeral (flying, y'know- somehow I feel Peter would understand! ), I'd like to be at the memorial. Any further details?

[Big Pistons Forever]

Saturday 1500 - 1700 Shell West hanger