RIP Neil Oranchuk

[ALPHA FLOOR]

I am very sad to say that a Great man passed away this morning. Neil's life was taken by an infection of unknown origin. He had been in a medically induced coma for a couple of weeks after collapsing at his home in Tung Chung in Hong Kong at the end of June.

Neil had posted some very nice pictures of himself and his new family on facebook just prior to falling ill, if you would care to take a look.

He leaves his couragious and beautiful wife and twin sons behind.

I for one had nothing but respect for Neil as a Pilot and as a Person. What a gentleman.

May he rest in peace.

Alpha Floor

[MACH.88]

Definitely a sad day. I had the pleasure of flying with Neil on a few occasions and he was a professional and a gentleman.

I hope his family well in these hard times.

MACH.88

[Sleeve_of_Wizard]

Another great man gone too soon. Lost for words.
R.I.P buddy, many condolences to your friends and young family.

Sleeve

[broadband circuit]

Great guy, young family. He did not deserve to go this way.

Very sad day.

[Peebee and Jay]

One of the nicest people I have ever met and flown with. Truly a sad
day. May he rest in peace.

PBJ

[Goldeye]

I've known Neil for years and have never seen him without a smile on. He called just a few weeks ago to say he was getting married, and had never sounded happier. Sincerest condolences to his wife and young family. What a great guy. See ya buddy.

Still in Shock....

[icanfly2]

My thoughts go out to the family and friends of a great guy.

He will be sadly missed

[Composite Man]

Neil is one of the most positive, optimistic and happy people I have had the pleasure of knowing throughout the years, a real gentleman.

My condolences to his wife, children, family and friends.

A very sad day.

May he rest in peace.

[Busdude]

Neil was a great guy. He was extremely generous with his time and toys. Always a gentleman and a great cook. His fresh salmon from B.C. had to be tried to be believed. I read this post with utter shock. Would anyone have details with which to get hold of his family? I'm sure it will be out with the NTC. Cheers Neil. I'll be toasting you tonight.

[mr did]

I flew with Neil several times in his early days. Proffesional, friendly and always with a smile on his face. Very sad indeed.

[SkyHighFlyGal]

Hi all,

I knew Neil for the past few years, and visited him in hospital prior to his passing while I was in HKG. So tragic, unfathomable and sad. As everyone else said, I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face. He radiated warmth and gentleness, and will be sorely missed.

For those who were asking about family contacts, Len (Neil's Step-Dad) posted on his facebook profile the following address:

The Oranchuks
House # 315
Le Bleu 12 Waterfront Road
Tung Chung
Hong Kong
SAR China

You can send email condolences to his Step Dad (Len) and Mother (Maggie) on lenarychuk (at) uniserve (dot) com ([email protected])

Also, you might like to join his Facebook Memorial group at Remembering Neil Oranchuk | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20608069566&ref=share) I assume details of a memorial service will be posted here, which I understand is going to be at Hebe Haven within the coming week.

Hope that helps those of you who wanted to make contact.

RIP Neil.

SHFG

[Flying Bagel]

One of the nicest guys around. I'll always remember you Neil.

RIP.

[alycan]

I was shocked to hear about my friend Neil Oranchuk's passing.
He was a prize of a man,always willing to help and share his experiences and great love of flying.I was honoured to have known and shared his friendship over the years,both as pilots, as well as owning a plane together.I was glad to have taken my training under Neil,and remember fondly all our trips exploring together.We both loved the adventure.I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Jenny & the twins,Maggie,Len and all of the Oranchuk families & relatives.I will miss his infectious laugh,his caring,his love of people.Rest in peace Neil

NOW IN THE STARS A FINAL FLIGHT,
WHERE LIGHT OF DAY IS ALWAYS NIGHT,
ONE BRIGHT NEW STAR WILL SHINE,
AS TRIBUTE TO YOU NEIL,
THAT ALL IS FINE.

YOUR MATE. ALLAN C-GNTR

[Hellenic aviator]

Never had the opportunity to fly with Neil, but from the few occasions I met him socially, he seemed to be of outstanding character. Reading these previous posts truly solidifies my statement.

My sincerest condolences goes to Neil's Parents and Family. I am sadden for their loss as well as ours, as a fellow aviator sharing our passion of flight.

Neil, may you rest in peace, and may you always have Blue skies 'n' Tailwinds....

[Fac6]

A sad day indeed for all of us in Cathay :(

RIP Captain Oranchuk :(

[ACMS]

I too would like to add my condolences.

A sad day.:(

[zulapels]

He was a gift to this world and it's people.

Treasure the time spent with you Neil.

R.I.P my friend and hope more people would be like you.

[rick.shaw]

Neil, mate - take care up there. Going to miss you. Heartfelt thoughts with the missus and family.

RS

[Todd_W]

I am sure I speak for all of Neil's family to thank you for your kind thoughts, prayers and sympathies.

I am not a pilot but heard of some tributes to him here, so I hope you are all ok with me entering this forum and thanking you for your kind words.

I am Neil's first cousin from Toronto, and family, flying and friendships meant everything to him. I have had the honour of meeting some of his airline friends and every single one of you was a pleasure to meet. It is a tribute to Neil to have such a vast amount of people who loved him and miss him.
Words cannot express the loss to us. Kind words and memories help ease the pain and allow us to smile at the brief but full life Neil had.

As mentioned there are photos of Neil, being added daily, on Facebook. Please feel free to post any pictures or memories, we all very much enjoy knowing the happiness that Neil brought to so many people.

Thank you and bless you all.

Todd

Be at peace my cousin.

[goathead]

Very Sad news
would anyone mind elaborating on what happened further at this stage , I dont mean to sound disrespectful , but what happened?:sad:
Condolences to all family

[Beta Light]

R.I.P. Neil,
You just reminded us all to seize the day. We've been talking about that B.B.Q cook off for a while and always postponed due to our buzy lives.....

[LionRockRSM]

Again, not to be dis-respectful... And condolences to the family. But I heard a rumor that he got a blood infection after visiting a local dentist. Is that true?

[SkyHighFlyGal]

Hi again,

This is what Neil's sister posted on his Facebook memorial page ( Remembering Neil Oranchuk | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20608069566) ) under the title "Why Neil Passed Away"

Posted on 11 Aug

"On or about July 2nd, one day after the anniversary of Ryan's passing, I was notified of Neil being in the hospital.

This is a short story of what happened. Doctors confirmed it was some sort of poisoning from a plant and/or bacterial infection. He had pneumonia but his lungs were still 50% functional. Minor surgery was in order to increase his blood pressure. His valve in his heart was contaminated with the infection.

With all of this going on what the actual cause of death is right now is undetermined but I will keep in touch with this group as I get word."



Posted on 12 Aug

"At the start a complete toxicology report had been requested and it came back negative. It looks like this is nothing more than a nasty bacteria."

[KRMQQ]

Neil may be gone, all too suddenly, but that mischievious smile will live on in my mind forever. What a shock. He was a great guy and a fantastic pilot. It was an honour and a plearure to have spent some time with him. My sincere condolences to his family.

[BDVI]

God speed my friend, you will be truly missed.
Rob Gallagher.

[bogie30]

Goodbye Neil. Till we meet again somewhere else.

[alycan]

YOU TOOK ME UP ON HIGH,
TO TEACH ME HOW TO FLY,
WE LAUGHED & TALKED & TOLD A JOKE,
SOMETIMES I'D GET A TENDER POKE"
" WATCH YOUR ALTITUDE & TRACK
STOP GAZING AT THE EARTH"
WE WILL ALWAYS COME BACK"
THE ADVENTURES & PLACES WE WENT
THE HARD LANDINGS & DIRT STRIPS
THE FIRM ADVICE YOU SENT
"KEEP YOUR HEADING,SPEED,&CONCENTRATE
ON WHATS ON HIGH,NOT DOWN BELOW"
I STRIVED TO BE AS GOOD AS YOU,
BUT FEW COULD,ATTAIN SUCH HEIGHTS!
YOU WERE REACHING FOR THE STARS


NOW IN THE STARS A FINAL FLIGHT,
WHERE LIGHT OF DAY IS ALWAYS NIGHT,
ONE BRIGHT NEW STAR BEGINS TO SHINE
AS TRIBUTE TO YOU NEIL THAT ALL IS FINE.

AL CRADDUCK C-GNTR

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh128/Infineta/img-2.jpg


This is a picture of Neil in the Piper Arrow. Taken in Castlegar, British Columbia around 1994.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh128/Infineta/IMG_0067.jpg

The smile say's it all.

[wun7too]

Neil, Sad to not see you anymore, but sadder to know you are gone.

This opens our eyes as to how fragile life really is and the reality of what is important both to ourselves and to others.

All that I can say is if we only take a small part of the happiness that we all saw in Neil the world would be a better place and his memory will live on in us all.

RIP, but your Spirit will live on.

[yiu]

May you rest in peace Niel. Wish the best to your family.

[idrinkmargaritas]

Hi Everyone - I am not sure if you have all signed up on the page for Neil on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20608069566

My email is: [email protected]

I have decided to make a scrapbook for Meg and my papa.

If you have any pictures of Neil in his uniform I would much appreciate that they be emailed or mailed to me.

Also if there is anything else you may have like Cathay Pacific patches or anything like that as memorabilia that would be wonderful.

My mailing address is:
172 Sunvale Crescent SE
Calgary AB T2X 2P7

Even if they are photocopied at Staples on their photo paper that would be perfect. If you do wish to contribute you will also have a thank you in the back of the book as well as an acknowledgement beside the pictures/memorabilia etc.

Please let me know if you are planning on sending anything as for I would like to get this started so it can be at the memorial service here in Canada when they get back.
As for now – There is no set date.

Please remember I would not be able to do this without your help.

Thanks!

Nathalie O'Bryan