Sunday, April 05, 2015

Pilot from Minnesota killed in Malaysian crash



GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. -- A Minnesota native was among the six people killed in a helicopter crash in Malaysia Saturday.

Clifford Fournier, 47, originally from Anoka, was piloting the helicopter near Kuala Lumpur when it crashed, according to family members.

Also on board the aircraft were a former ambassador to the United States and an aid to the Malaysian Prime Minister.

According to the Malaysian National News Agency, the helicopter was returning from the wedding of the Malaysian prime minister's daughter. One witness described seeing the aircraft explode before hitting the ground.

In Minnesota, those who knew Fournier mourn his loss.

"He had a certain charisma about him. Not just with his kids and his wife but as he met people he just always kept your interest," said Chris Webb, a pilot with Minnesota Helicopters. "One of the guys who was always very energizing to be around, very positive influence."

Webb called Fournier a gentle giant, always calm and cool, and one heck of a pilot.

Richard Anderson, a former mayor of Princeton, MN, recalled meeting Fournier for the first time while pumping gas. The two would remain close friends for nearly 30 years.

Anderson said Fournier grew up in Anoka and moved to Princeton during his final year in high school.

Soon after graduating, Fournier moved to California and joined the Marine Corps.

About 15 years ago, Fournier saw an opportunity to buy a helicopter company in Malaysia and never turned back, according to Fournier's mother, Barbara Fournier.

Fournier is listed as director and senior pilot of Solaire – a premier helicopter service provider in the region.

On Facebook -- friends and family continue to share memories, pictures and sentiments of Fournier.

""No" was not part of your vocabulary. Somehow you never reach your limit. Always reaching for something better to make a difference," said Jason DeBlassio in a post.

"I would want to tell you so many things Cliff Fournier, yet I am speechless. Gone too early my friend," said Francisco Rosas on Facebook.

Anderson said he will be travelling with Barbara Fournier to Malaysia Sunday to be with family.

Fournier is survived by a wife and four children.

Story, comments, video and photo:  http://www.kare11.com

AĆ©rospatiale SA 365N2 Dauphin 2,  9M-IGB, Solaire Helicopter

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