AMAZING, kind, generous, sweet and devoted.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That was Gerard Beiboer.
A dedicated father to four girls, a loving husband to his wife Donna, a man with a passion for aviation and decades of experience in the engineering sector.
Mr Beiboer, 49, of Hamilton South, died tragically on Wednesday when the light plane he was piloting suddenly crashed into dense bushland at Sawyers Gully.
A pilot with more than 10 years' experience, Mr Beiboer was performing aerobatic manoeuvres in his Pitts Special biplane when something went wrong about 4.30pm.
His family, understandably, were too distraught to speak publicly on Thursday night. Those closest to them say they simply can't put their loss into words.
They understand the words used to describe Mr Beiboer sound like cliches, but insist they are all true and argue all those who came in contact with him would agree.
Mr Beiboer was the managing director of RIG Installations at Kooragang for more than 20 years, where he was well-liked and respected by his employees.
He was also a popular member of the Royal Newcastle Aero Club and was on the organising committee for the Hunter Valley Air Show last weekend, volunteering countless hours in the build up.
Festival organiser, close friend and airshow pilot Paul Bennet spoke highly of Mr Beiboer.
"He was one of the best blokes you could ever meet," Mr Bennet said.
"He was probably several times father of the year, just a fantastic family man."
He said Mr Beiboer was at home in the sky.
"He just loved it," Mr Bennet said.
"He tried to do more and more of it as he got older.
"There was rarely a day he didn't come to the aero club."
And while some pilots undertook aerobatic training to start joyflight businesses, Mr Beiboer did it for the enjoyment.
Geoff Edman, a colleague of Mr Beiboer for 11 years, said flying was his release and he loved nothing more than to escape the grind and head for the skies.
"He certainly believed in family and supported them endlessly," Mr Edman said.
"He was a real family man who loved his wife and four daughters unconditionally.
"RIG was his other family.
"He was very highly thought of and loved by all of his [more than 60] employees.
"Gerard was a practical engineer who was well regarded in industries around Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
"He was committed to employees who reciprocated that commitment.
"His love of flying was well known among his friends.
"Gerard will be sadly missed by all who knew him."
The organisers of last weekend's show at Maitland Airfield say future events will grow in his honour.
"I have known him for two years and he'll do anything for you," operation manager Glenn Graham said.
"I just assumed it was his nature."
Royal Newcastle Aero Club chief flying instructor Phil Unicomb flew with Mr Beiboer during some of his early flight training.
"Gerard was a great club member," he said.
"He was a happy fellow around the place and was always there when we needed help. I know his wife and daughters are devastated.
"All of his kids were close to him and he was a very good dad. We will miss his smiling face."
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau are investigating the crash.
Police have appealed for any witnesses to contact Maitland detectives on 4934 0200.