VERHELST, Pierre J. remembered after passing at 70.

Pierre Verhelst died peacefully in his sleep on January 10, 2026, at age 70; he was a founding member of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and a longtime aircraft maintenance engineer.

Pierre Verhelst passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 10, 2026, at the age of 70. He was a devoted husband to Kathy McKee and father to Tyler, Marissa and Michelle. He retired as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and helped found the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. He was known for restoring a Bell 47 D1 helicopter and for research that added to Canadian bush flying history. Noted life details: - He is survived by his wife Kathy McKee, children Tyler (Courteney), Marissa (Evan) and Michelle (Rob), grandchildren Nora and Levi, and "Grandpaw" of Winston and Hudson. - He retired from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and was a founding member of the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre; the restored Bell 47 D1 he worked on remains on display. - He took pride in his Francophone and Indigenous roots and later returned to school at Shingwauk University. - He served as an OPSEU activist and long-time president of Local 605 and was active with the Sault Ste. Marie Legal Clinic, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and the Algoma Amateur Radio Club. - There will be no funeral service; the family has said future celebrations of Pierre's life will be shared when available. Arrangements are with Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre and the family has asked for shared stories in lieu of donations. - The notice closes with the phrases "Repose en paix (rest in peace)" and "Baamaapii" as a farewell. Summary: Pierre Verhelst's work in aviation restoration and historical research is noted as a lasting contribution to Canadian bush flying history, and he was active in union work and local community groups. Future celebrations of his life will be shared by the family when available, and current arrangements are being handled by Northwood Funeral Home.