Our condolences to the Marais family, Aero Applicators Inc., and the Colorado State Forest Service. Pilot Gert Marais, 42, flying for Aero Applicators Inc. under contact with the Colorado State Forest Service, died Tuesday April 15, 2008. Gert was killed when his single engine air tanker crashed after dropping fire retardant on the Fort Carson Wildfire.

     Our brother Gert leaves behind his wife Esme, his three sons, and his daughter. Funeral arrangements and memorial information will be posted when it is released.