Residents of Guelph, Ontario, are honoring the memory of Steve Zago, a business owner and pilot known for his optimism and dedication to improving the city. His passing was announced by a sign at Lost Aviator Coffee, revealing that he died suddenly in a flying incident. A display of flowers and a poem titled “High Flight” were left at the coffee shop in remembrance of Zago. The establishment will be closed until Tuesday to allow staff time to mourn and process the tragic news.
Zago, a member of the Waterloo Warbirds since 2017, tragically lost his life in a plane crash near Fergus, as confirmed by the organization and CBC News. The incident, which claimed two lives, occurred on Friday morning when a small plane crashed in a field, resulting in a fatal fire upon impact. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada dispatched investigators to the crash site to determine the cause of the accident.
A valued team member, Zago contributed significantly to the Waterloo Warbirds through various roles, including facilitating unique flight experiences and participating in aircraft restoration projects. His passion for aviation was evident in his work, particularly in creating the YouTube series “Stories from my Logbook,” featuring accounts from Second World War RCAF pilots.
Mayor Cam Guthrie expressed shock and disbelief at Zago’s passing, highlighting his positive influence on the community and his support for local businesses. Royal City Brewing and Na-Ha-Thai’s Kitchen also paid tribute to Zago, emphasizing his active role in community engagement and his generosity towards others. Funeral arrangements for Zago have not yet been disclosed.

