>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

LOSTINE — Details are still being formulated, but a gathering is planned Sept. 7 as a tribute to Roark Schwanenberg.

Schwanenberg, of Lostine, was the command pilot who died when his Sikorsky S-6N Fire King helicopter crashed Aug. 5 in a remote Northern California forest.

A time has not yet been set for the gathering because it is hoped that a flyover may be part of the event. However, it is not known yet if that will be possible because of the demand for helicopters and pilots during fire season.

The gathering will take place at the Rimrock Inn 33 miles north of Enterprise on Highway 3.

There are several symbolic reasons why the gathering will be outside at The Rimrock, Schwanenberg’s wife, Christine, said Tuesday.

One is that Joseph Canyon, which it overlooks, was very special to Roark. He worked there and it was a meaningful job to him, she said.

Christine, her two daughters and son are leaving Thursday for  Medford for a memorial service.

She said Roark’s death is especially hard on his father, Don, because this is the second son he has lost. Don and wife LaVerne Schwanenberg live in Klamath Falls where Roark was raised. Roark’s other brother, Kip, lives in Medford.

A fund related to veterans and their families is being established.

Donations can be sent to Carson Helicopters, 828 Brookside Blvd., Grants Pass 97526.

“Roark was an advocate of wanting to help veterans and people overseas. He would have gone (in the armed services) if he were younger. Roark felt a great depth of responsibility to his country,” Christine said.