Peter Shewring, Canadian aviation icon, passes on

[kimchi1]

Peter Shewring, one of the greatest teachers and great mentors to young Canadian aviators passed away today. He was an inspiration to all of us that had the chance to spend time and learn from him. We send our condolences to his family and wish them strength. They should be very proud of what he has accomplished in his life and how many people he has touched. He has the respect and admiration of so many.












//title edit by Sulako to clarify content

[willing to fly]

He taught the Aerocourse ATPL in Calgary didn't he? If so, I remember him as a very pleasant and personable individual. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I am sure he will be missed by many.

[nimbostratus]

Godspeed Peter. A true mentor of mine and a gentleman like no other.

Nimbo

[MUSKEG]

Sad news indeed. Taught the most amazing aero course. I will never forget the coffee we shared and the constant message he projected "Be the best you can be" A true gentleman. His family should be so proud of this man and his legacy.

[Bruce Gorle]

I first met Pete in 1966 when we were both much younger (and lighter). He has been a friend ever since and as already mentioned a great mentor and advisor to anyone starting out in aviation. My heart goes out to Akiko,Lesley Dianne and Steven. We lost a great friend and fellow pilot today.
Bruce Gorle

[Airtids]

I first met Pete while working for Bruce Gorle! I too was much younger (and lighter)! He has always been a friend to me, too. I'm sure there are many who could say the same; that's just the kind of guy he was.

Many don't know, that before he distinguished himself as a great pilot, outstanding mentor and teacher, and reknowned manager, he was a DJ for a country/western station. It has been years since I called him Mr. Shewring, as 'Pecos Pete' just seemed to fit him better! He was always quick with a compliment, and had a great ability to make you feel good about yourself. I don't know who I'm going to find to address me as "Commandant" now!!

I know his family, and you can rest assured that they all know what an amazing guy he was.

To use Pete's own words "I feel the 'beer level low' light coming on, so I'd best go quench myself with a few Golden Throat Charmers"!

Pete: Old cowboys never die, they just ride off into the sunset. Have a good ride, friend. You will be greatly missed...

Robin

[winston]

Tids, Those quotes brought a smile to my face.
A true, true mentor to aviation. First met him when he allowed me to sit in his IFR class when I was still working on my Private at Juan Air, and again for my ATPL course.

I will raise a glass tonight!
Cheers Pecos Pete

[flyinthebug]

Wow. Tragic doesnt cover it. What a terrible loss this is to our industry. Peter was truly one of the best pilots i`ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He WAS Aerocourse, his baby, his brainchild. He got me through my IFR (written) 17 yrs ago and has always remained a friend. My condolences to his family and all his many friends.

God Speed Skipper!

[rigpiggy]

Peter was the reason why they accused me of cheating the Saron/Samra, his course was that good. I was choked that they wouldn't let me sit them both in the AM. I enjoyed his stories of the BCGAService, and his cautionary tales, and the fact, that I could actually stayed awake during the Course. Happy Trails Pete

[Sulako]

I'm sorry to hear this. Peter taught my Aerocourse, and he was absolutely fantastic - he was able to convey knowledge in a lighthearted, positive way that left me feeling good about myself, and I give him total credit for my positive exam results.

I guess the word I'm looking for is "kind", a word you really don't see used often in aviation.

Godspeed Peter, you will be dearly missed.

[xsbank]

Peter eased a me through some of the most poisonous parts of this career, forcing real pilot knowledge, with humour and spirit, into a reluctant bush pilot. Meeting Peter was a real milestone in my life.

[Cat Driver]

What a shock to read this, I never had the pleasure of taking any of Peters courses but we first met in the late sixties or early seventies I can't quite remember which.

He is a true loss to the industry and a benchmark for others to aspire to be.

[Flybabe]

Very sad to hear this. I only met Peter once, in YYC at an ATPL course. He was a great man, very personable and fun to be around.

Blue skies, Peter.

My condolences to family and friends.

[pitot]

R.I.P Peter! I never new him personally but flew with his son years back. I have heard nothing but great things from anyone i talk to who knew him. Condolences to his family.

P

[patter]

Include me in the long list of being Peter's students. It has been a pleasure to know him all these years. Peter always made time for a hello, how are you? What are you doing these days.
And every time I saw Peter (and we would often meet while teaching) his enthusiasm for his students and his passion for aviation was always present. We have been very fortunate to have Peter in our industry.

[ehbuddy]

I still have a copy of his ATR Primer from back in the early 80's.

Did his course at the Edmonton Flying Club in 1982.

[shitdisturber]

Add me to the long list of those who attended his ATPL course in YYC and thouroughly enjoyed it. Not just because he taught the subject material to get you through the exams but because he also passed along helpful hints not germane to the course but very useful to an up and coming pilot trying to make a career.

[Indanao]

His ATPL Course, which I took in YVR 1979, was great but the greatest thing was the knowledge he conveyed and true life experiences with BCGAS.

He was like the old style aviator - a gentleman.

[yycflyguy]

I benefited from his Aerocourse in YYC as well. To this day, I refer to some skippers as "El Capitan, supremo, grande". He certainly had a gift to combine humour and knowledge in his teachings. Nice to read all the support from other colleague on this sad loss.

[scot]

What a wonderful gentleman.
It was a real pleasure to attend his 3 day course in Vancouver last summer.
Education (and entertainment!)
He had obviously never lost that urge to give his students the best possible teaching.
Thanks Peter, and condolences to your family.

[Salty_Balls]

Rest in Peace Peter. Sadly there are not enough people like him in the aviation industry, a real classy fellow who will be missed!

[goaroundthrust]

I took his course in Victoria in the late 90' s . A great teacher, gentleman and one of those voices that will stick with you forever. A life well lived.

As you sit in heaven enjoy the view

[ahramin]

Terrible news indeed. I met Peter in the mid 90s as an Air Cadet. Peter took half a day to come prepare us for the PPL written out of the kindness of his heart at no cost. We all passed.

Just spoke to him a couple weeks ago and he was in Saskatchewan teaching a Citation course. I feel sorry for all those who never had the privilege of taking a course with Peter and now never will. Peter had the most comprehensive aviation knowledge I have ever run across and a way of getting that knowledge across to anyone. Far more important than the exam information his classes were loaded with was all the information and all the tips that would save your bacon for years to come. These classes were loaded with humour and rhetoric that kept everyone awake and paying attention.

Any course Peter ever taught would start with learning the names of everyone in the class and he retained those names for years afterwards, an amazing performance.

Peter didn't just stop at aviation either, he would learn from anyone who knew anything. It didn't matter who he was speaking to, he was always interested and interesting.

Godspeed Comrade Shewring.

[ILSfan07]

This is incredibly sad news. Reading through all of the posts I can very easily see that he has touched the lives of many, many pilots through his very long and successful career. I can hear his voice very clearly warning us of the "beer low level light!"

Like many others have said Peter is a gentleman and a scholar. It seems so recently that I was swapping emails with him and sitting in his seminar. He always took the time to catch up, and he was genuinely interested in hearing our answer. I remember several months ago he sent me an email asking how I was doing, I replied back that I had hit somewhat of a roadblock in my career. A few hours later I look down at my cell phone to see that Peter is calling. We talked for over a half an hour, as he made sure I was doing well and he gave me advice on what to do next. It does not surprise me at all that Peter would take the initiative to spend some of his valuable time, in coaching a lowly pilot like me. He has an natural ability to make a bad situation into a positive learning experience. That man has more honour, courage, kindness and charisma than anyone else I know. He is an always will be my role model in this industry. He will be deeply missed. I will always remember the guidance that he gave me.

If anyone knows the details of the memorial service please PM me. (if the family decides it would be appropriate for other pilots to attend)

[Meatservo]

Like many previous posters, Captain Shewring taught my ATPL aerocourse. He was great, really witty and fun to listen to. He was a wonderful teacher and a very nice man. Hopefully they have aeroplanes in the hereafter.