Pilot killed in crash a ‘legendary’ household man, enterprise supervisor
A Sarnia machine store proprietor and pilot who just lately died in a aircraft crash close to Stratford is being remembered as a pillar of the Lambton County enterprise group who was at all times keen to supply a serving to hand.
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A Sarnia machine store supervisor and pilot who just lately died in a aircraft crash close to Stratford is being remembered as a pillar of the Lambton County enterprise group who was at all times keen to supply a serving to hand.
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John Shelley “was that individual that was at all times there for anybody,” Carrie McEachran, the chief government of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, mentioned Tuesday. “It was an actual shock to the group to listen to of this tragedy. Over the previous few days … I don’t suppose a gathering has passed by that John wasn’t introduced up. Everyone knew who (he) was.”
Shelley, the second-generation president of Shelley Machine and Marine, was flying his “beloved” 1941 Grumman G-44 Widgeon Plane when he crashed simply in need of the Stratford Municipal Airport on the morning of Aug. 23, his obituary has confirmed.
He was 65 years outdated.
Emergency crews had been known as to the scene of the crash shortly after 9 a.m. They found the wrecked aircraft in a area north of Perth Line 43, a stretch of rural highway near Stratford’s airport situated roughly six kilometres north of town.
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The Transportation Security Board of Canada continued its first assessments of the crash on Tuesday.
“A choice to research or not will comply with as soon as preliminary evaluation of data has been accomplished,” a spokesperson for the federal company mentioned through electronic mail.
Shelley Machine & Marine was established in 1973 by John Shelley Sr., a lifelong marine engineer and machinist, in accordance with the corporate’s web site. The restore store on Plank Highway in Sarnia affords machining, new components, off-site upkeep, and welding and fabricating.
After taking on from his father, the youthful Shelley was a member of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce for 20 years.
“John can be very missed … amongst the group,” McEachran mentioned. “He was so lively within the enterprise group, in addition to different areas along with his flying.”
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Moreover working the household enterprise, Shelley “at all times had a necessity for velocity,” his obituary mentioned. Not solely was Shelley a pilot, he was additionally keen on drag racing, rode a Harley Davidson motorbike, and loved energy boating on the Nice Lakes.
“He was the epitome of dwelling life to the fullest and wished to share his wealth and expertise with everybody he cherished,” Shelley’s obituary mentioned. “His loyal and sort soul was greater than some other. He was a tremendous function mannequin to many individuals and influenced numerous folks in our group.”
Shelley, “a legendary husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and buddy,” is survived by his spouse, three daughters, and 6 grandchildren.
Cremation and a non-public service for household has already taken place, however a celebration of life for prolonged household and pals is being deliberate for Sept. 24. Particulars can be introduced as soon as confirmed, the obituary mentioned.
In lieu of flowers, sympathy could also be expressed by way of donations to the Sarnia & District Humane Society, Alzheimer Society of Canada or Knox Moore Presbyterian Church and can be accepted by Smith Funeral Residence in Sarnia.
cmontanini@postmedia.com
