Evidently the Air Force did not forget him. From the forces.ca site....
Canada's Air Force
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Captain Tristan deKoninck honoured at 3 Wing Bagotville
Aug. 4, 2008
From left to right: Sgt Beaulieu, Col Pierre Ruel, 3 Wing Commander, Lgen Angus Watt, Chief of Air Staff, Mme Susan Doherty, M. Jacques Comtois, of Bombardier.
By OCdt Roxane Auclair
Tragically disappeared in 1986, when his CF-18 sank in to the Atlantic water near Summerside, Prince-Edward-Island, the memory of Captain Tristan deKoninck is now carved into the walls of 3 Wing, Bagotville. During a perfect ceremony, on June 16th 2008, building 365 where the new CF-18 flight simulator is located was officially opened and received its new name. The Tristan-deKoninck building fits in to the daily life of the Wing in Bagotville.
Captain deKoninck’s family attended the ceremony, along with Lieutenant-General Angus Watt, Chief of the Air Staff. Lieutenant-General Watt took time to highlight the short but brilliant career of the pilot: “Tristan was one of the first pilots selected for the CF-18 course, in Cold Lake, Alberta, in 1985. It is very appropriate to name the 3 Wing Tactical Training Centre in honour of this pilot who was a real source of inspiration for junior pilots.”
Captain deKonink received his Military wings in 1978, after completing his training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Then, he moved to the other side of the classroom and became a flight instructor on the Tutor jets. Always looking for new challenge, he joined the Snowbirds team,
as pilot #4, during season 81-82 and 82-83. It was in 1985 that he pursued his fighter pilot training on the CF-18 Hornet. His extraordinary flying abilities granted him the role of the CF-18 demo pilot for the 1986’season. While returning from the Summerside Air Show, the same year, he died when his aircraft crashed. He was alone on board.
Pilot deKoninck was more than an outstanding airman. He was considered an excellent leader, extremely active and a positive influence to everyone around him.
The new flight simulator shows exceptional training capabilities for the CF-18 fighter pilots. It offers a virtual combat space that presents all appropriate types of terrain, threats and objectives. It is an advanced training instrument that allows for a faster and more secured progression in tactical training, explained Colonel Pierre Ruel, 3 Wing Commander. Captain deKoninck emulates all traits we associate with this new tool, unique and essential to today’s Canadian Forces