Website of the 2 Whitby Air Cadets Squadron Sponsoring Committee

Captain Michael VandenBos

Captain Michael VandenBos

10 November 1969 - 10 December 1998

Captain VandenBos, born in Oshawa on November 10, 1969, lost his life during a training exercise south of 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on December 10, 1998.

Known by his colleagues and friends as "Woodboot," Captain VandenBos was admired for his jovial attitude and zest for life. He leaves behind his beloved fiancé, Maura; his parents; his sister, Nelly McDonald; and the pilots and ground crew of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron.

The memory of the fallen Snowbird pilot will live on with the official opening of the Captain Michael VandenBos Public School in Whitby, Ont., on September 4, 2001.
              (cfpilots.ca)

When you hear "Captain Michael VandenBos", you may think of the Whitby Public School that opened in 2001, or that the Snowbirds fly by the School during the first day back in September.  But why they do it?

Who is Captain Michael VandenBos?

Our story begins with the SnowBird pilot named Captain Michael VandenBos, a passionate man, who lived his life to the fullest. He was happy to be a Snowbird pilot, which was his lifelong dream. He got along with people and he was also nicknamed "Woodboot".

Sadly, on the December 10th, 1998, on a routine training mission, just south of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, at the age of 29, Michael's jet had contact another jet and he fell to his death. Fortunately, he will never be forgotten and our school was named after him. His parents and his co-workers still visit the school from time to time to share moments about his life. For the last four years the Snowbirds have performed a flyby to show their appreciation to our school for remembering Michael.

Since our school opened, our students have displayed "VandenBos Spirit" by playing sports (like basketball and soccer); participating in "Spirit Days" and assemblies, and working hard in academics, including Music or French. Our school is currently the only dual track French Immersion school in Whitby and we are very proud to be part of this school! We hope to soar high in our future years, to carry on Michael's "Spirit" and strive for our dreams. Who knows, maybe one or more of our students may just become a Snowbird pilot just like Captain Michael VandenBos!
              (Capt. Michael VandenBos Public School webpage)

MOOSE JAW, SASK. - Captain Michael VandenBos, a member of the Canadian Forces aerobatics team 'The Snowbirds', was killed Thursday. The Tutor jet he was flying was performing a practice manoeuvre when it crashed and burned outside Moose Jaw.

There had been contact between VandenBos' jet and another Snowbird jet just before the crash.

The 29 year-old pilot ejected from the aircraft, but died a few hours later in hospital. The pilot of the second plane was unharmed.

A spokesman at CFB Moose Jaw said weather was not a factor in the incident.

Other members of the Snowbird team were shaken. Their commander said they will not be back in the air until they are ready to fly again.

VandenBos was in his second season as a member of The Snowbirds. He had been flying for the Canadian Armed Forces since 1993. He had more than 2,000 hours of flying experience on the CT-114 Tutor aircraft.
              (cbc.ca 1998/12/10)