Charles Dean Weimer, 31

Charles Weimer, born in Minneapolis on March 13, 1988, died on Aug. 4, 2019, in a plane crash in Alaska. The cause of the crash is under investigation; the plane is speculated to have been caught in a down draft and was not able to clear the mountains. The aircraft had two controls and the second pilot in command was the owner of the plane; the person at the controls will remain unknown.

As a 12-year-old boy, Charles would spend hours and hours researching civilian and military planes and helicopters, as well as, building small model planes. He would say, “I just want to get off the ground.” He never stopped pursuing this passion and love for flying.

He joined the U.S Marines and was medically discharged after three years. He built his career with a degree in aviation from Central Oregon Community College and obtained his ratings from Leading Edge in Bend, Oregon. He held commercial ratings in both fixed-wing and helicopter. He was a certified flight instructor and held several other flight ratings. He worked as an instructor for Leading Edge as well as Red Eagle in Kalispell. He has spent the last six years in Alaska flying, doing utility work as well as several other job projects.

Charles’s life on paper was quite accomplished but it is his heart and character that will be remembered the most. Charles’s community has described him as, “a light in my life,” sought after man, and was very respected.

A pilot dedicated a tattoo to Charles days after the incident. He impacted everyone he encountered, whether it was the cook, the mechanic, a fellow pilot, or the owner of the company he was employed by. He was also passionate about rock climbing, reading, river kayaking, rafting and cooking.

As Charles embarks on a brand new life, our hearts will always feel the void of his kindness, generosity, laugh and love of which we will always be grateful for, and now leave him in the peace that passes understanding.

Charles was the eldest of three siblings and is survived by his mother, DeNae Weimer, and brother and sister, Anthony and Jordanna.

There will be a celebration of life from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug.18, at 1946 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell.