Beloved pilot and loving father Ash Jenkinson has been farewelled by family and friends in a memorial service today.
Miles Jenkinson, Ash’s brother, gave an emotional tribute during the funeral. Ash’s young son, Kayden, was held in the arms of his uncle while they said their goodbyes.
“A brother is there to help us be confident when timid, be strong when weak and to be fearless when scared”, Miles said.
Jenkinson was known to be a proud family man, always putting his fiancé, Kosha, and son first. Today, they were surrounded by loved ones during the memorial.
“I’ve never met a person who knew Ash, that did not think he was a special, generous, kind and champion bloke,” his brother said.
“He was only telling me recently how Kayden’s eyes lit up every time his dad entered the room.
“When I think about Ash, I just remember how big his heart was, and how he always had time for his family and friends.”
Jenkinson often played a helping role in the community. He was part of the effort to tame bushfires in the South of Tweed, carrying water to help extinguish fires, and in February, he delivered supplies to flood-hit Lismore.
Read Related Also: Sober Cara Delevingne has alcohol-free fun with Florence Pugh at Oscars 2023
“It’s a memory that we will share with Kayden as he grows up, so he can too understand just how much of a superhero his dad is”.
Jenkinson spent 6000 hours in the skies as a pilot and instructor.
He performed his first flight in 2007, and began his piloting career in the Northern Territory, running scenic flights until 2011.
He became head of flight safety and operations for Sea World in 2019.
The director and owner of Sea World Helicopters, John Orr-Campbell, said Jenkinson’s passing was a devastating loss.
“We have lost a first-class pilot, a first-class man and a wonderful father, partner and friend,” he said.
“I along with all the staff at Sea World Helicopters are gutted to the core.”
