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Oct. 5--CONWAY -- Nearly 1,700 people gathered Sunday afternoon to remember and honor the three flight crew members who died in a medical helicopter crash Sept. 25.

The public memorial service was held at Brooks Stadium at Coastal Carolina University in Conway.

People read poems, sang songs and helicopters -- including one from Omniflight -- flew over the service in memory of helicopter pilot Patrick Walters, 45, of Murrells Inlet; flight nurse Diana Conner, 42, of Florence; and flight medic Randolph Claxton Dove, 39, of Bladenboro, N.C.

Large posters of all three stood surrounded by flowers as family members, co-workers, and friends shared their thoughts about the Carolina Lifecare crew members.

"They will never be forgotten," said Bob Peiser, CEO of Omniflight, the parent company for Carolina Lifecare. "Everyone is deeply saddened."

Peiser recalled how all three were professional, dedicated and compassionate.

"These three people have each touched someone's life," Conway Mayor Pro Tem Vivian Chestnut said. "This is a tragedy that has affected many people."

The crash killed the crew members who had just delivered a patient to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston and were returning to their home base in Conway at 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 25. They had diverted the helicopter to Georgetown County Airport because of bad weather, but crashed about a mile from safety.

Chuck Patrella, a flight paramedic with Carolina Lifecare, recalled at Sunday's service how Walters was a prankster, and would help anyone in need.

"He was the guy that would pull over to the side of the road and help someone with a flat tire," Patrella said. "He used to like to sing. He couldn't sing very well. I told him 'don't give up flying for singing because your family will go hungry.' I obviously considered him a brother and a friend."

Willard Dove recalled how his brother Claxton Dove was so nervous on so many levels about the job with Omniflight.

"He was afraid he was not going to get the job, but he was afraid he was going to get the job," Willard Dove said. "See, Claxton was afraid of heights and to swim, but he went for it."

Gene Dove said his baby brother overcame his fears.

"He loved his work. The only thing he loved more was God, his wife, Teresa, and his daughters, Hayley and Sydney," Gene Dove said. "I've always respected my brother and the work he has done."

Meggin Gunn said her best friend Conner's love knew no limits.

"She was an amazing friend," Gunn said. "She gave without expecting anything in return. I knew I could call her at four in the morning to bend her ear because I knew she would be up drinking coffee and smoking her cigarette. We love her and we'll miss her very much."

Contact JANELLE FROST at 443-2404.