Red Lake Pilot - Peter Traczuk Funeral

[brownbear]

I had the pleasure of working with Peter at the very beginning of his career. He showed up at Barrick Aviation with 198 hours and left with near 1500 and always was keen to learn his job. He got to fly with seasoned pilots and learned the ropes. An experience many would love to have. We had a Twin Otter that flew to Eskay Creek Mine. I was the AME who looked after the plane.

Peter was a careful pilot who enjoyed his job tremendously. He liked to watch the weather and his first priority was safety. My impression of Peter was he thought of passenger safety first and foremost.

Peter was a family man. I have fond memories of traveling to Springbank with him and his wife Christa and babies for maintenance. We used to get heavy maintenance done there. On one occasion we had a bee in the plane (over the mountains) and I remember Peter trying to "push" the bee out a window only to lose his checklists in the process. I saw a flash of white paper go by the windows of the plane.

What I know of Peter is that his main concern was returning home safely. His family was his main concern. I respected Peter as a pilot and valued him as a coworker and friend.

Peters memorial service is at Bardal Funeral Home at 843 Sherbrook Street Winnipeg at 130 PM on November 26 (Tuesday). I encourage all to come. Even if you did not know Peter it is good to show support for our aviation fallen, all is welcome.

I heard there was a fund for Peter's wife and three kids. Now sure on the details, if any knows please post details. They are going to need help.

[flyinthebug]

Thank you for posting such a nice tribute to your friend Peter. He sounded like a really great guy and I send my condolences to his friends and family. I flew my very 1st twin at the Bear when they still had T10-20s running medevac, and PA23-250 Aztecs for Fire patrol. Anytime an accident occurs at the Bear, I feel it hit close to home. I have a true love for that company and many of its team members are past or present friends of mine. Ive known their CP for over 20 years and the Friesen family as a whole for even longer than that, and I know how this will affect them as well. The Bear is a family and if you ever worked there (YQT, YXL bases) you`ll know what im talking about.

When you have a link to donate to his family, ill be honoured to send a donation.

I hope others that knew him will share their stories of him and his adventures.

God Speed Skipper.
RIP GBNF

[Takman74]

I too knew Pete quite well. He visited often on frequent trips through our airport. Pete is a stellar guy who loved to fly. It was apparent from the brief conversations that his family was important to him. He will be dearly missed by all of us at CYAG. May you carry on with the wings of an Angel Pete.

[brownbear]

Does anyone know about the donation thing? It would be good, as he had three little ones he was supporting.

[Ki-ll]

Does anyone know about the donation thing? It would be good, as he had three little ones he was supporting.

http://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/p ... r_Traczuk/

[HighBypass]

Thanks for your post brown bear. I also knew Peter very well as I carpooled with him to flight school.
I met you when I went out to see him in Smithers in march 06. I have 2 pictures of you and Peter and the captain (forget his name) standing outside the Smithers office.