Southern Kansas farmers Bob and Lori Schrock were among the 67 people who died when American Eagle flight 5342 from Wichita collided with a Blackhawk helicopter on Wednesday night in Washington, D.C. The Schrocks, who operated a canola and wheat farm near Kiowa, Kansas, and across the Oklahoma border, were also the president and vice president of Premium Grain Inc. They were on their way to visit their daughter, Ellie, a student at Villanova University in Philadelphia.

Michael Simpson, president of Freedom Gates Boys Ranch in Hazelton, Kansas, and a close friend of the Schrocks, shared a reaction to the news on Facebook Thursday.

“Bob was one of three other men who encouraged me and taught me how to lift weights when I was 12 years old and continued to encourage me throughout my time in weights and competition. He was one of four men I called to ask his advice when I was praying about quitting my job to go into full time ministry at the boys ranch.”

Simpson said the Schrocks frequently helped at the boys ranch, always working quietly in the background without seeking recognition.

The Wichita Eagle reports that the family was among the first Barber County farmers to improve soil health and yield by rotating winter wheat with winter canola.