Photo from Cilliers Aviation website (LINK)
By Aarron Deliu
The world has lost one of its most respected and beloved figures with the passing of Warren Cilliers — a devoted husband, loving father, caring brother, talented pilot, trusted engineer, and proud member of the International Aerobatic Club. There truly wasn’t anything Warren couldn’t do. His life was defined by faith, family, passion, and extraordinary kindness, qualities that touched everyone who knew him. He wasn’t just part of aviation; he represented its very heart — and he uplifted every community, profession, and person fortunate enough to cross his path.
Through his company, Cilliers Aviation, Warren dedicated his career to helping pilots, competitors, and performers reach their fullest potential. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure aircraft were safe, reliable, and competition-ready, allowing others to push the limits of flight with complete confidence. His expertise became the quiet backbone of countless successful airshow routines and aerobatic championships across the world. But Warren wasn’t only the man who kept others flying — his own skills as a pilot were as refined and graceful as the character he showed on the ground. Whether he was flying, fixing, creating, or teaching, Warren led with humility and purpose, inspiring everyone around him through his calm strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to excellence.
Photo provided by Aarron Deliu
Above all, Warren was a family man. His greatest joy came from spending time with Janette and Nicholas — skating, fishing, surfing, or simply enjoying a day together by the water. His family was his anchor and his pride, the reason he worked so hard, and the heart behind everything he did. Those who spent time with Warren outside the hangar saw a man whose love for his family was constant and genuine, and whose home was always filled with laughter, warmth, and faith.
Those who knew him best describe him as humble, kind, and endlessly giving. He had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen and valued — always willing to help, always ready with a smile, a laugh, or an encouraging word. For Warren, aviation was never just about airplanes; it was about people — about lifting others up, sharing knowledge, and spreading the joy and wonder of flight. Warren’s influence reached far beyond his own hangar. He supported countless IAC competitors, airshow performers, air racers, and aviation professionals, many of whom credit their success and safety to his quiet dedication. While a single performer can inspire many, Warren inspired and supported those performers themselves — indirectly touching hundreds of millions around the world through his mentorship, craftsmanship, and friendship.
Photo provided by Aarron Deliu
The team at Cilliers Aviation continues to carry forward his legacy today, upholding the same standards of excellence, integrity, and heart that Warren instilled in them. His life’s work will continue through Cilliers Aviation, the company he built with unwavering dedication, and through the countless pilots and performers whose lives and careers he helped shape. His legacy will live on in every aircraft he touched, every competitor he supported, and every person he inspired. As the aviation community continues to rally around his mission, Cilliers Aviation will not only endure — it will continue to grow. The company’s future depends on the same collective support, trust, and love that Warren gave so freely to others, ensuring that his vision and impact carry on for generations to come.
Warren is survived by his loving wife Janette, devoted son Nicholas, his brother Darryl, and his beloved family — all of whom remain surrounded by the love and support of not only the aviation community, but every life Warren’s kindness and brilliance touched.
Photo from Cilliers Aviation website (LINK)
A ceremony and celebration of Warren’s life will be held on the 6th of December, 2025, where family, friends, and all those touched by his spirit are invited to honor his memory, share stories, and celebrate the incredible impact he made on this world. Additional details regarding the location and times of the ceremony and celebration will be shared soon, as arrangements are finalized by the family.
For those wishing to support the Cilliers family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been created. Contributions will help Janette and Nicholas as they navigate the days ahead and continue the legacy Warren built with so much love and dedication.
You can contribute HERE.
Photo from Cilliers Aviation website (LINK)
Warren Cilliers will be remembered not only for his mastery and skill, but for his faith, generosity, love of family, and genuine care for people. He embodied the very spirit of aviation — and the very best of humanity — lifting others higher, one act of kindness at a time. His spirit and impact will continue to soar through his wife Janette, his son Nicholas, his brother Darryl, through Cilliers Aviation, and through every person, pilot, performer, and competitor who had the privilege of knowing him.
