Tribute

It is with overwhelming sorrow that the Heskamp family says good-bye to Stephen John Heskamp, also known as Helicopter Steve. Brother, Uncle, Great Uncle – he was all these things and so much more..

He grew up in Ontario, in what he always called a loving family. In his teenage years he became a Master Carpenter under the tutelage of our father, also a Master Carpenter. At this time he also joined the Army Cadets, and after 7 years rose to the rank of Master Corporal. He then went on to university and obtained a degree in Environmental Biology, and then his Helicopter Pilot’s License. And finally in the role we knew him best – Helicopter Steve of Salt Spring Island.

He was very proud that after a 41 year helicopter career he had no incidents, no accidents, and no passenger injury under his care..

All of this makes Stephen sound as a man of action, and he was. But he was also a gentle, philosophical and contemplative, artist. Anyone who has seen the inside of his house and workshop will know they are whimsical and fanciful, and yet solid. Any one who has seen the interior of the little cabin will recognize the architectural artistry of it..

He was a force of nature and little bit larger than life. He was humble, and generous with his heart and mind, food, and money. He was kind and open-hearted with every one, including animals, especially his constant companion Pearl And relentless in pursuit of knowledge about the world we live in. A quick wit, rollicking laughter, and a brilliant smile made him a perfect companion for friends and family alike.

And now he is gone.

His deep belief that we are all spirits having a human experience, and at the end of it will return to the collective spirit world, gives us solace, A beautiful man back to the spirit world.

So dear Stephen, this is the way we say a loving good bye to you:

To everything
evanescent,
effervescent,
ephemeral,

We toast with breakable glasses.

There will be a remembrance for Helicopter Steve on Sunday September 27th at 12:00 at The Local Pub
I am sure all who knew him, and all who loved him with find a piece of his spirit there.

–

Obituary: “Helicopter Steve” Heskamp

It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected and untimely passing of Helicopter Steve on 16 September 2025 at his home on Salt Spring Island. Steve recently reminisced about competing with hundreds for a scholarship and place in the flight school when he was still in his teens in North Bay Ontario. From there, he became a helicopter pilot and had a remarkable career for 40 years. He also completed a Bachelor of Science at University of Guelph in 2001. His tales of flight missions were endless, but he did say he spent a lot of time sitting on the top of mountains alone, waiting. He flew survey crews, firefighters, exploration teams, mining staff, and more.

He flew a few summers as a contract pilot with High Terrain Helicopters out of Nelson BC, and was recently remembered by Ops staff to be a man of honesty, integrity, and one who kept himself busy and was willing to do extra jobs when he wasn’t in flight. He later flew projects with Quantum Helicopters out of Terrace BC. For example, in 2018 Steve flew a Bell 206 JetRanger to complete a Shore Zone survey for DFO of Wales Island and Portland Inlet near the Alaska border. One time he mentioned that he was so tired of being cold, he asked colleagues “where is it warm?” The answer given (Papua New Guinea) actually led Steve down there and into more adventures and mishaps – he had machete marks on his arms as an undesired souvenir that brought that gig to an end.

When not flying, Steve could often be found hanging out at The Local. He was referred to by one long time resident as simply “a good dude.” He built a “nano cabin” as he called it on Lee’s Hill and was very proud of both the carpentry and the zen style that he had created. From there he often walked the neighbourhood dog Pearl down in the Burgoyne Bay area, resting for a bit on the logs at the beach and relaxing in the calming views of the bay. Steve seemed a gentle giant, had a somewhat bewildered but kindly demeanor, often looked like he had just woken up with his crazy poof of unruly white hair, and had recently widened his circle of friends and was even considering a foray into pickleball. He chatted with his sister (a nurse in Nova Scotia) nearly daily, and was happy to offer a lift to hitchhikers. He had a curious and almost childlike nature and confessed he spent maybe too much time looking stuff up on the internet. He was a reader, a chess player, a deep thinker. By his own words in his last few days, he “was a good man and a hard worker, had a lot of love to give, but occasionally fell down the River of Life.”

I only got to know Steve a bit in these last few months, but it was a privilege. To all who knew and cared for Steve, please look to the skies and think of him. Rest in peace now Steve and point your helicopter to wherever the spirit moves you. Gone too soon.