Pat White, Gander-based aviation pioneer behind EVAS Air, dead at 69
White was CEO of EVAS Air and Gander Flight Training
Pat White, an entrepreneur who launched a Gander-based airline company into Newfoundland and Labrador skies and helped train regional pilots, has died.
White, CEO and president of Exploits Valley Air Services (EVAS Air) and Gander Flight Training, died Sunday. He was 69 years old.
"Pat's bright light in this world was extinguished after a courageous battle with lung disease. He was surrounded by his family, who were with him until his final breath," said an obituary the family posted through Stacey's Funeral Home.
EVAS Air provides air ambulance services, chartered flights and cargo services to and from Newfoundland and Labrador.
According to its website, EVAS Air started in 1992 with one plane flying chartered flights in the province.
The Gander Flight School website says it has trained more than 3,000 pilots.
"Pat's battle with lung disease was relatively short, but in true Pat fashion, he faced it with strength, dignity, and an unyielding will," the obituary said.
"His legacy of love, laughter and loyalty will live on in the hearts of all who knew him."
A visitation is scheduled for Thursday from 1 p.m. NT to 3 p.m. at the Gander Flight Training and EVAS hangar in Gander. A second visitation will also be held Friday in his hometown of Norris Arm, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic church.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to the youth organization Norris Arm Boys and Girls Club or the Our Lady of Mount Carmel cemetery fund.
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