A giant in the local aviation community has passed away.

Pat White, the co-owner of EVAS Air along with his wife Florence, was a bush pilot in Labrador for many years, flew waterbombers, and opened a training school for pilots in Gander in conjunction with the airline.

It’s a sad time for Gander Mayor Percy Farwell, who describes Pat White as a man who loved to have a laugh and was larger than life not only in Gander but in the aviation community.

Mayor Farwell says White, who died after a brief medical illness, was always able to pivot and turn to something else when times became tough, such as during the pandemic when people stayed home.

“He was very intuitive and smart and was well read—just a passionate fellow who was truly proud of his family and his grandchildren,” says the mayor.

Pat White would have turned 70 next month.