Friends of Seuk Kim from across the country got together virtually to share memories of the beloved 49-year-old pilot who died in a crash in the Catskills late last month.

He was flying from Maryland to Albany, transporting three rescue dogs, when the plane went down. Two of the dogs survived and are recovering in foster homes.

"It's just tragic, because he was just a tremendous guy and so, so giving," said Michael Iachini, a friend of Kim. "He was so friendly and so great at connecting with people, and that's a rare thing in this world."

Kim started volunteering to fly rescue animals four years ago and has helped hundreds of animals.

"He just represented just the dedication and selflessness that it takes to do this, and he was just the epitome of that," said friend Jami Edwards.

Rescue dog Lisa was killed in the crash. Close friend and fellow pilot Kley Parkhurst retrieved Lisa's ashes so they could be buried with Kim.

"He was a wonderful guy," said Parkhurst. "We were both flying blind that night, and I learned of his demise and went to Albany and met his brother and it's just awful."

Kim's friends say they will keep his legacy going. They have plans to start a non-profit in his name.

"You find a way to make it happen, and I think Seuk definitely lived that, every part of it," said Kevin Burger. "So he's going to be sorely missed. It takes a special breed to do it."

Donations are being collected for Pluto and Whiskey, the two dogs who survived but were injured in the crash. According to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, the dogs are thriving in their foster homes.  

"Pluto, the 1 1/2-year-old yorkie-terrier mix, is recovering from his bruising and is starting to enjoy time spent with his foster family and their other dogs in the home," said Animal Shelter Executive Director Maggie Jackman Pryor. "Whiskey, the four-month old lab mix puppy, is at a foster home near Pieper Memorial Vet Clinic where he underwent surgery last week. His foster family said he is doing well considering all he has been through. He has begun sedated physical therapy on his leg and will have a lot of physical therapy in his future.

"For the first time since surgery, he was able to stand up today to eat. A happy milestone for sure."