Update: It saddens us to report that Dwight perished in his Avid Mark IV plane
in an accident near JAARS Townsend Airport located near Waxhaw, NC on Monday, March 26,
2012. The accident is currently under investigation by the FAA and NTSB. Our sincere condolences go to his wife and family.
He was a skilled pilot and great guy. We will sincerely miss him.
May he rest in peace
Dwight Van Zanen came to us from the great state of Washington. You can't get much further away in the USA than that! Not only that, but he will be commuting back and forth twice each year between SC and Washington. He joined our chapter in November of 2011. We are happy to have Dwight as a member of our chapter and welcome him and his family to our area. Here is his background in his own words:
I
am retired from the fire service, after 30+ years. I was the Fire Chief for
Maple Valley, WA for 21 years, and then Fire Chief for Vista, CA for 2
years. I left Vista, and returned to Maple Valley, when I was found to have
cancer in my spine. Treatment was at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. I
have been retired since then. I am cancer free now, and thankful to God for
each new day. So far I have three grand daughters born since my illness. Two
are just down the street from us (with the plane). I am looking forward to
getting to know the other Chapter members, and some of the airports around
here."
Here is the Avid Mark IV Speedwing which Dwight recently purchased.
The photo of Dwight was taken at our chapter meeting on March 18, 2012. Click on the thumbnails
below to enlarge them.
The music playing in the background (if you use Internet Explorer) is "The Prayer" by Celine Dion. If you wish to hear the actual song, click the icon below.