SPRINGFIELD, Va. (DC News Now) -- There are many heavy hearts in Northern Virginia and beyond. Seuk Kim, a 49-year-old pilot from Springfield, Virginia, died when his plane crashed Sunday evening about 35 miles southwest of Albany, N.Y. Kim was transporting three rescue dogs to an animal shelter on the flight. One of the dogs also died, the other two survived. According to the Associated Press, a Labrador-mix puppy suffered broken bones and another dog had only minor injuries. The loss of Kim was devastating for his family and the animal rescue community, which applauded his efforts to save countless animals. Springfield pilot killed in New York plane crash, puppy found alive They say his willingness to help others and his love for animals left an immeasurable impact. "I've never met anybody like him before," said his 16-year-old daughter Leah, his oldest of three. "He was funny, he was jovial, he was hardworking and dedicated." A photo of Seuk Kim with his three children. 16-year-old Leah (middle) is the oldest. Kim is survived by his three children and wife. Leah Kim described her father as "gleaming" when he first started flying animals from high-kill shelters in the south to other shelters up north. "He was so happy that he was able to help these animals and it was something he just couldn't stop doing," she said. Leah Kim said her father would take several flights each week. "He was always so willing to step up and volunteer his time and piloting skills to get them to safety," said Karissa Gregory, who volunteers with a rescue in South Carolina and worked with Seuk Kim. Gregory said Kim always showered the pets with love and care before and during the flights. "We have hundreds of pictures of him kissing and loving every single animal he put on his plane," she said. A photo of Seuk Kim with one of his rescue dogs. (Viewer photo) ASSOCIATED PRESS: Pilot killed in plane crash in remote woods of New York, but 2 dogs survive Aside from his passion for helping animals, he loved his favorite sports teams including the Denver Broncos and New York Mets, according to his daughter. "With sports, aviation, with animals, he wanted me and my brothers to take away both the same appreciation for those things and well as common ground for us to bond over and be closer," Leah Kim said. Leah Kim encouraged everyone to "love your loved ones a little bit more this holiday season," the time of year her dad loved most. She also described her dad's desire for her and her brothers to start a nonprofit to help animals, which she is hoping to raise money and start in his honor. "We'd like to start a nonprofit to help members of our community -- the underprivileged, the disabled, the elderly -- who may struggle with pet ownership but still would like to experience that companionship," she said. "Offering ourselves as able citizens to offer assistance, say, walk the dogs or clean up the yard so that they have somewhere to run around."