A fatal plane crash earlier this week in Mission has left a big hole in the Delta Hospice Society.

Longtime volunteer Patrick Lobsinger died Wednesday afternoon in the crash that also claimed the life of pilot Donn Hubble.

The two men were practicing flying formation with three other aircraft when it appears the plane behind them struck their plane. Lobsinger was a passenger in Hubble's plane, which was sent plummeting into a slough near the Fraser River.

Lobsinger, a flying enthusiast who died doing what he loved, was pronounced dead at the scene. Hubble was taken to Royal Columbian Hospital where be later died.

"This tragic news hit many of us very hard at Delta Hospice who have known and worked with Pat for almost 20 years," said Delta Hospice executive director Nancy Macey. "Pat had devoted his life to serving people and was one of our greatest advocates."

Lobsinger took part in the very first training session offered by the Delta Hospice Society 19 years ago and since then spent the majority of his volunteer time working with palliative clients and their loved ones.

As a hospice volunteer, he spoke to groups to raise awareness about the organization.

"His work with families was profound," Macey said. "He did not waste a moment of his life on himself -- he loved people and he lived his life fully every day while living with his own health issues, which he just pushed aside.

"We are indebted to Pat for the long history and quality of the service he provided families in our community and beyond."

Macey said the organization's heartfelt sympathy goes out to Lobsinger's wife, Deanna, who is also one of the group's longtime volunteers.

She said the two met at the society's first training session in 1992 and later married