A fund to raise money to help with transportation and burial costs of a Sudbury man killed in late January has raised more than $30,000.
A service was held Monday for Zachary William McKillop, who was killed Jan. 30, on his 28th birthday. A pilot working in Yellowknife for Air Tindi, McKillop's plane crashed near Behchoko, N.W.T., along with another pilot, Will Hayworth.
Raised in Garson, McKillop attended Robert Jack Public School, Northeastern Elementary School and Lasalle Secondary, his obituary says. He graduated from Carleton University with degrees in math and computer sciences. He went on to flight training school in Sault Ste. Marie, achieving his goal to become a commercial pilot.
“Zach was proud to be chosen to participate in the Olympic Torch Run in Sudbury, for the 2010 Winter Games,” the obit says. “He embraced life in the far North, enjoying snowshoeing, hiking, camping and kayaking, but most of all he loved flying.
“As a child he was this sweet, gentle boy and as an adult he turned into this charismatic, adventurous man.”
He's survived by his mom Janice McKillop, sister Lindsay, grandmother Dorothy McKillop and grandparents George and Arlene Joyce. He's predeceased by his father Michael McKillop and grandfather Dave McKillop.
Donations can be made to the ‘Memorial for Zach McKillop’ GoFundMe campaign started by Zach’s friends. A portion of the funds will be used for bursaries for students in the School of Aviation at Sault College.
"There is no specific goal as any monetary donation is greatly appreciated,” the GoFundMe page says. “Donations received will be put towards funeral costs, transportation of his personal belongings back home to his family and any other financial matters.”
