Established in 2011 by his family to recognize John’s helpful spirit and love of flying and as an enduring contribution to the development of skill and safety in helicopter operation. Born and raised in Yellowknife, John was a young man of genuine wit, warmth and intelligence. Regular trips to the family’s cabin at Prelude Lake shaped John’s childhood and inspired him to become a capable outdoorsman. He also loved to read, draw and tell stories. John learned to cross country ski at the Yellowknife Ski Club and later raced as a member of the NWT Ski Team. After graduating from Sir John Franklin High School in 2007, John worked at Con Mine like his father and grandfather. In 2008, he worked at exploration camps in Nunavut, where his experiences helped him decide to pursue a career as a commercial helicopter pilot. John’s remarkable ability to size up a person or situation, find its truth and funny side, no matter how grim, won him friends of all ages, and made him a natural leader. He had a way with words, and was always quick with comebacks, jokes and puns. His wide-ranging interests included history, travel, current events, boating, building and fixing things. Always ready and willing to help with practical assistance, a friendly joke and a smile, John was generous with his time in helping others. As a classmate from his flight school remembers, “John had a heart the size of Texas. He was forever picking up fellow students and giving them a ride to and from school or wherever they needed to go.” He was loyal to his friends and family. John became a commercial helicopter pilot and was killed in a helicopter accident July 23, 2010 at the age of 21.