Honorees

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Year Honored
2001
Honoree
Mark Wallace
Agency
Bayflite
Agency City
St Petersburg
Agency State
FL
Last Call
4/25/00
Cause of Death
Medical Aviation Accident
Biography
Great deeds often come with great risk. No one knows how many lives were saved because of their professional caring and their dedication. Anyone would have trouble filling those flying shoes. The legacy is enormous.<br /> <br /> Mark Wallace, 39, an experienced and well-regarded pilot, regularly flew the route he took and was familiar with the towers near Weedon Island. They were the same radio towers that he flew the helicopter into at midday on April 25, 2000, taking his life along with the lives of his two partners.<br /> <br /> Mr. Wallace was a pilot for Bayflite 3, located in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was a precision flier, mastering the impromptu, imperfect landing zones of highway medians and crowded neighborhoods. Mark had years of experience, fifteen years flying with the National Guard and thirteen years as a medical transport pilot in Tampa Bay, Florida. Each time he flew he had one goal in mind: to save a life. "Mark was a perfectionist, always on a mission to excel at flying, living, and saving lives. To his current team at Bayflite 3, he was a leader throughout his career. He was known as a superior and inspiring pilot," stated Scott Wyant, CFN with Bayflite 3.<br /> <br /> Mark was a dedicated family man who often spoke of parenting and family issues. Because of his strong sense of family he was able to lead those he worked with in positive interactions. He was a motivator to others, inspiring them to excel at their own lives.<br /> <br /> His wife, Ellen Wallace, a daughter Lauren, and two sons, Mark and Cameron, of the home, survive Mark Wallace. Also surviving are his parents Annetta and Barry Wallace; three brothers, Richard, Bruce, and Bennett Wallace; and three sisters, Anne Speacht, Claire Hight, and Mary Grace Sepik.<br /> <br /> Honored 2001