PROVO — Reactions to the death of Col. Gail S. "Hal" Halvorsen have poured in across Utah and beyond following his death late Wednesday. Halvorsen, known throughout the world as the Candy Bomber, died Wednesday night after a brief illness. He was 101.

The World War II veteran gained notoriety when U.S. pilots flew planeload after planeload of flour and coal to residents in Germany after the Soviet Union blockaded West Berlin. When Halvorsen noticed that the children didn't have any sweets, he began dropping small pieces of chocolate and gum attached to small parachutes out of the plane.

Accolades from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Sen. Mitt Romney and the German Embassy were tweeted in remembrance of Halvorsen Thursday as word of his death spread — a reminder of the lives he touched and the memories he provided through his acts of kindness.

Cox spoke fondly of Halvorsen during his monthly news conference Thursday and the conversations they shared together.

"I consider him a friend. I don't know if there are any better human beings anywhere on this planet," Cox said.

Cox talked about the last time the two crossed paths months back at a Veterans Day event at the University of Utah, where he said Halvorsen didn't miss an opportunity to salute the flag, even when he required assistance to stand up.

"He and I spent a few minutes talking to each other, and he would tell you that he lived an amazing life — 101 years of pure joy and bringing joy to others," Cox said. "He brought joy to me and to Utahns and people across the world, and so my heart goes out to his family. I know he's up there handing out candy behind the pearly gates somewhere."

His story lives on

The Berlin Candy Bomber dies at 101

Gail Halvorsen, known throughout the world as the Candy Bomber for his acts of kindness in the 1940s, died Wednesday at the age of 101.

Sen. Mitt Romney said Halvorsen "epitomized the defining characteristics of the Greatest Generation."

"From Garland, Utah, to the skies over Berlin ... may he ever remind us that hope always exists, even in our darkest hour. Rest in peace, to one of the world's finest men," Romney tweeted.

Halvorsen's legacy also breached international borders, as the German Embassy took to social media Thursday to commemorate his life. It tweeted that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier once wrote that Halvorsen "built a bridge of humanity and compassion" between Americans and Berliners.

Utah Wing Civil Air Patrol, formed during the earliest days of World War II, wrote in a Facebook post, "Fair skies and Tailwinds Good Sir! Thank you for your lifelong dedication and excellence in service!"

Sen. Mike Lee on Thursday also took to social media to give his condolences and speak on his appreciation for all that Halvorsen accomplished.

Rep. Burgess Owens also recognized Halvorsen through social media, expressing his condolences and prayers with the Halvorsen family "as we celebrate his lifelong legacy of service and compassion."

From July 1948 to September 1949, Halvorsen and his successors dropped approximately 21 tons of candy on Berlin.

He continued to drop candy at other events many times over the years, most recently in St. George during the city's annual Fourth of July celebration last year.

Halverson, originally from Garland, Box Elder County, died peacefully at 8:32 p.m. Wednesday at Utah Valley Hospital. He was surrounded by most of his children, according to a statement from the Gail S. Halvorsen Aviation Education Foundation.

"He wanted to remind all of us to have gratitude, and gratitude is what we have in our hearts today for the joy of knowing Gail and having him in our lives," the statement continues.

In another tweet Thursday, Utah Rep. Chris Stewart echoed the sentiments that have come from so many others since the passing of Halvorsen: that he embodied the ideals of bravery, compassion and service.

"In the world's darkest hour, he inspired kindness and hope. And that is why he truly represented the best of America. We will miss you, Colonel," Stewart tweeted.

Halvorsen was also heavily involved in education. After spending four years of his life in Berlin, serving as commander of Tempelhof Central Airport, he returned to Utah In 1976 and became assistant dean of student life at Brigham Young University, a position he held until he retired from academia in 1986.

"The greatest reward I received in that position was to come across students from a humble beginning or were feeling like they didn't quite belong. I found my greatest joy in helping them," Halvorsen said of his position, according to a tweet from BYU.

Hill Air Force Base on Thursday also expressed their condolences and appreciation for Halverson's life.

"We are saddened to hear about the passing of Retired Col. Gail S. Halvorsen, or more prominently known as the 'Candy Bomber.' He was beloved by many and left a lasting impression on all those he came across," Hill Air Force Base said in a statement.

"His legacy extended beyond his military service as Col. Halvorsen impacted countless lives sharing his love of learning, aviation and his principles of 'service before self, attitude, gratitude, and that the little things add up to big things,'" the statement says. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Halvorsen family and all those who are mourning his loss. Col. Halvorsen was a national treasure. We will remember him for his sacrifices and honor him for what he's done."

Undoubtedly, Halvorsen's life was one that touched many hearts, domestic and international alike.

"Gail brought light wherever he went — from war-torn Berlin in 1948 to the remote isles of the Pacific in the 1990s to the skies over Utah in 2019. Gail would be the first to say that he wasn't the source of the light, but only a reflector of light — the Light from above. Gail was a man of deep and certain faith: faith in God, faith in his country and faith in his friends," as stated in the aviation foundation's statement.

"We shall miss him dearly, but sweet memories shall ever be with us to soften our hearts and encourage us to be better, to do good with whatever small means we have and to encourage others to bring sweetness to the world."

Contributing: Pat Reavy

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