Mike Wiegele, a pioneer in the field of heli-skiing and adventure tourism in British Columbia, has died at the age of 82.

“It is with profound sadness that today we share the passing of our founder and industry legend, Mike Wiegele,” a statement from Blue River-based Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing said.

“Everyone at Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing extends our deepest sympathies to the Wiegele family, most notably Mike’s wife Bonnie, their daughter Michelle and their grandson Charlie.”

Born in Austria in 1938, Mike Wiegele moved to Canada in his early 20s to work as a carpenter, according to an online biography.

“Mike lived a remarkable life. He had an unparalleled passion for skiing, was a fearless entrepreneur and was a tireless and innovative advocate for safety in the mountains,” the statement said. “[He] enjoyed close and enduring relationships with a broad community of colleagues, guests, and friends from all walks of life – kinships forged on skis, on bikes and on hikes up mountain trails.”

“Competitor, coach, pioneer, entrepreneur, husband, father, and man of the mountains. We remember the motto by which Mike lived his life, and we carry it with us in our hearts and into the mountains – ‘Let’s Go Skiing!'”

For people looking to express their condolences to the Wiegele family can do so on the company’s website.