Palmer forestry base holds memorial for helicopter pilot Greg King

Family, friends, and fire crews gathered at the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection's Palmer aviation base to remember helicopter pilot Greg King. King and a second pilot died Sept. 20 when their contract helicopter crashed on the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park. The cause is under federal investigation.

King met his wife at the base, where she worked as a dispatcher. Fire and Aviation Chief Norm McDonald said the people in the room reflected King's career. They included Alaska helitack crews, a U.S. Forest Service crew from Price Valley, heliskiing pilots, and Palmer neighbors.

John Beckler flew with King at Palmer for more than 10 years. Beckler said King had over 20 years in helicopters and more than 10,000 hours in command. "A very competent and experienced pilot, but without the big ego and selfish attitude that some suffer from in this industry," Beckler said.

Merv King, his father, traced his son's path from New Zealand to Juneau, Wasilla and Palmer. "Our family are truly humbled by the show of support," he said.