NORTH LOGAN, Utah — The family of a man killed when his single-engine plane crashed into a house in North Logan on Saturday has identified him as Don Gerszewski.

The Gerszewski family shared the following statement, written Sunday, through Cache County Victim Services:

“With profound sadness, we say farewell to our husband, father and grandfather in this mortal life. He was our rock. A kind, loving friend and steady example to all who knew him.

“As a second-generation pilot with nearly five decades of aviation experience, Don was responsible for safely flying hundreds of thousands of people to their destinations around the world throughout his career. He was competent, cautious, and thorough with everything he pursued in life.

“We recognize that unforeseen conditions and a divine influence that we do not fully comprehend resulted in a tragic accident yesterday. We are comforted by our faith in God and His eternal plan, knowing there is a purpose that transcends time and our limited understanding.

“We also take solace in knowing that he left us doing what he loved, and that he knew how much he is loved by everyone around him. Blue skies and bright horizons until we meet again.”

Gerszewski’s aircraft, a SeaRey LSX kit plane, crashed into a roof near 2300 Meadowlark Lane at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday. According to police and firefighters, no one was in the home at the time, but Gerszewski was dead when first responders arrived.

According to witness reports, Gerszewski’s son, a pilot himself, witnessed the accident and was among the first to climb onto the rooftop.

An online profile for Gerszewski states that he was a pilot for Delta Air Lines for 35 years, and a pilot and program manager for Beechcraft for 7 years before that. He graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s in aviation.