Willems, Gary (1955-1987)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 11 Jun 1987

Birth date: 1955

text of obituary:

Missionary Pilot Dies in Crash in Indonesia

Hepburn, Sask. — Gary Willems, 32, died May 24 when the Twin Otter aircraft he was piloting was forced down in heavy rain near the Indonesian village of Ilaja.

The rain may have contributed to the crash, but it is not thought to be the cause of the accident. An investigation was continuing. Six of the 30 passengers aboard also died in the crash.

Willems had been a pilot and aircraft mechanic for Missionary Aviation Fellowship of Canada for two years. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and his mother, Margaret Willems Neufeld of Drake, Sask.