POUL-ERIK BINDERUP

POUL-ERIK BINDERUP 1967 ~ 2025
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of Poul-Erik's passing in a tragic motor vehicle accident in Slate River, Ontario on Monday, November 24, 2025 at the age of 58.

He was a devoted father, husband, brother, son, and uncle. He loved Jesus, his family, and flying. He had so much room in his heart for everyone. He was the consummate good guy, an avid Trekkie, a passionate barber-shopper, and a trustee in his church. He was always there to help family, friends, colleagues or perfect strangers. He could build anything, make anything, and always had a kind word and a calmness that could put anyone at ease. His Christianity was a quiet, but clear part of his life that was evident in all he did.

He was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1967; raised in the Maritimes: St. Margaret's Bay, then Dorchester, NB; Grand Manan, NB; and New Minas, NS, where he graduated from Horton High School in 1985. He attended Atlantic Baptist College and Acadia University, obtained a Psychology degree, and went to work for Michelin in Nova Scotia in the '90's, but his heart was always meant for flying. He had decided at age six he wanted to be a bush pilot, but he had a condition with his vision that prevented it. After a miraculous eye surgery, he pursued his dream and became a pilot. He ran the flight instructor school in Waterville, NS for several years before he married Trudi, and they found their way to Thunder Bay where he was a pilot with NAC Airways, Air Bravo, and Ornge Air Ambulance over the next 20 years, and where they would raise their family. His leadership with Ornge was far reaching, providing training in Thunder Bay, Dallas and Denver. He was a senior PC12NG captain, training captain, and peer mentor with Ornge.

He was an avid Trekkie. He first saw Capt. Spock on a 12" black and white TV at the age of three and was forever changed. He was the advertising image for Thundercon for many years - a fearless Klingon. He took great joy in riding his motorcycle. He sang tenor in his barbershop group, was very involved in his church, and could always be heard whistling or humming a tune. He and his girls were involved in the community choir "Voices of Harmony".

He is survived by his wife, Trudi; three teenage daughters, MacKenzie, Alexa, and Alaethia; his brother, Cory (Nadya); sister, Kilah (Kevin); and his parents, Rev. Kaj and Joan Binderup.

He was a friend to all and loved by all. He has traded his earthly wings for his Heavenly ones, and we pray that he will watch over us here as he did for so many with his work and his daily life.

Funeral to be held at Redwood Park Church, Thunder Bay, Friday, Dec. 5, 11:00 am, with visitation at 10:15 am. Reception to follow. Live broadcast of the funeral will also be held at 12:00 noon at Immanuel Baptist Church, Truro, NS, on Friday, December 5 with reception to follow.

A Gofundme page has been established by his colleagues for his family. https://gofund.me/61804f2b9