Buffalo Joe Mcbryan Obituary Link Jun 2026

For generations of aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and fans of reality television, the name “Buffalo Joe” was synonymous with a dying breed: the bush pilot. He wasn’t just a pilot; he was a mechanic, a salvor, a historian, and a straight-talking philosopher of the Arctic. While the family has requested privacy regarding the specific circumstances of his passing, the legacy he leaves behind is as loud and powerful as the radial engines of the DC-3s he loved so dearly.

Former Ice Pilots cast members and rival aviators have taken to social media today to share their condolences. One former captain wrote: “Joe screamed at me for three hours once for leaving a toolbox outside. Then he lent me $5,000 when my mother was sick. That was Joe. He loved the planes more than the people, but somehow, he loved the people better than most bosses.” buffalo joe mcbryan obituary

Joe continues to champion Northern aviation, recently helping to launch a training program for the next generation of fire-fighting pilots using Air Tractor AT-802 "Fire Boss" aircraft. Clarifying Past Deaths in the Family For generations of aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and

, noting that Joe had originally worked as a "dock boy" for the company that owned that exact aircraft decades ago. Aviation Future: Former Ice Pilots cast members and rival aviators

As of April 2026, , better known as "Buffalo Joe," is still alive and remains an active pilot for Buffalo Airways . While there was a localized report of his "death" in January 2023, this appears to have been an internet rumor or localized misinformation, as official updates and social media posts from his son, Mikey McBryan, confirm he is still flying as recently as late 2025 and 2026 .