News
Pilot helped Shebandowan battle blazes for years
April 8, 2024 By Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative, The Chronicle-Journal
A helicopter pilot who became well-known for helping combat forest fires in the Shebandowan area of Ontario is being fondly remembered for his skill in the air, sense of humour and big heart.
Pete Janulis died last month in Calgary, an obituary said. He was 73. The obituary didn’t say how he died.
“Pete the pilot kept Shebandowan and area safe for many years, transporting crews and bucketing fires when stationed at (forestry operations),” one admirer wrote on Facebook.
Janulis, who was married with three daughters, graduated from North Bay’s Canadore College in 1976 from its helicopter pilot program.
“Which lead him into a lifelong career and love of flying for over 40 years,” the obituary said.
