Ryan Gould

Ryan, also known as Panda in the skies, was a highly skilled and seasoned helicopter pilot. He had over 20 years and many thousands of hours experience fighting forest fires across Canada, the USA and Australia. The Alberta Wildfire ground crews referred to him as the sniper when he flew, for his precision accuracy when they worked alongside him. Ryan hit the targets and ground crews appreciated never having wet feet when Panda was bucketing water around them. 

Ryan was dubbed the nickname Panda for his big furry bear like stature but calm, funny and friendly nature. Ryan had a great sense of humour and was dedicated to his career. He took the safety and well being of the crews he worked alongside seriously. He was a real life hero and guardian angel to numerous firefighters who survived dire circumstances under his watch as he conducted aerial bucketing support to protect them as wildfires approached. Ryan was hard working, skilled in his craft and yet he was also a humble man that preferred the quiet farm life with his two young children and wife. In between work tours he enjoyed time spent with his family at their farm, tractoring, polishing vehicles, driving anything motorized and watching formula 1 racing. 

On July 19, 2023 Ryan was actively bucketing water on Alberta’s wildfires near Haig Lake in Peace River, AB when his helicopter suffered mechanical failure and lead to the fatal crash where he gained his wings and became heavens guardian angel.  Ryan remains very loved and dearly missed. It was an honour to have been part of his life and walk alongside him. We derive daily inspiration from Ryan and the man that he was, and we endeavour to honour his sacrifice by turning our tragedy into something beautiful. Ryan is forever in our hearts.