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Flight 45 News
Rutledge Remembers the
fallen “Men of Huron”
November 11, 2009
 Co
Captain Owen Delve introduced Jim Rutledge to COPA 45 members and friends.
He told of Rutledge’s commitment to military history and local celebrations
honouring our veterans. It was very appropriate to have him here on
Remembrance Day, November 11, the annual celebration to remember our war
dead and veterans.
Rutledge explained to the group how he came to write this book,
“Men of
Huron”. He started in 2005 and published it in July 2009. His
motive for writing this book titled, “Men of Huron” happened after the
Goderich Lancaster flew out of Sky Harbour from the 60th anniversary
celebrations of VJ Day. At the same time, the ruling Liberal party was
unwilling to pay $1000 per veteran to attend the Juno Beach reunion
overseas. He felt this was not fitting considered what the veterans had
sacrificed for our country and world.
He then went to London to the libraries and museum there to find a book on
the soldiers who had fought from our local area. There was none so he
decided to write one. Needing a sponsor and money, Rutledge first approached
the Bayfield Historical Society who backed him. He also made a proposal to
the Trillium Foundation twice to secure more funding for his book. His book
would remember the ones who did not return.
The RCAF had photos of most of their men but the navy and army did not. He
made contact with Steven Douglas from Kitchener who had spent 9 years
photographing and documenting addresses of these men. In his book he has all
their regiments and cemeteries from the Ottawa archives. He has their
stories as told by family members, from letters and records.
In his research he discovered that when a soldier was killed in action, the
family was notified of his death and injuries; but, when one was injured the
family was given very little information. He feels that he knows more about
some of our fallen men that their families do.
Once the manuscript of “Men of Huron” was written, publishing it could be
difficult. Years ago your only choice was huge publishing companies like
MacMillan or Gage. Today, you have the option of self-publishing. He found a
company in Winnipeg that was willing to print 300 copies for him with
sequential printings being any number. Using the company’s artist he asked
that the cover include grass, sky, crosses, the red ensign, and poppies. The
cover came back with the present Canadian flag. A huge mistake! The flag was
changed but the poppy symbol caused a controversy that was eventually
resolved. As with any published book, two copies are sent to The War Museum
in Ottawa. One is for the national library and the other as a loaner when
requested by any library across Canada. Another copy was sent to Veterans
Affairs in Ottawa to be stored in their collection. Catherine Jenkins from
the Veterans Affairs had sent Rutledge a letter stating that all the
information and stories were on the veterans’ website. What a great
validation to his research and writing! Today, his books are in local
stores, museums, and municipal offices. Great news! He is ready for a second
printing.
Shortly after publication he received a phone call from England. This lady
requested his book. She also told him about her father trained at the Port
Albert air school. He lived at 10 Britannia Street with the Rivers family.
Rutledge followed up on this phone call but met with no successful results.
These past weeks he has been featured on the local Brian Allan Talk Show and
the Beach radio stations about his family military history, his book, and
his current research.
So now what is Jim Rutledge doing? He is working at the Huron County Museum
on North Street in Goderich researching the First World War. Presently he
has 100 pages written. He told us about his father, Lorne, being sent
overseas and his best friend, Simmons. From the research with the Dominion
Institute, Rutledge discovered that he was a member of a church bordering
Jenkins Square in Hamilton. From contacts there, he traced Simmons to Texas
where he made a phone call and talked to the family of his dad’s friend.
Next year is the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. Celebrations
are being planned at North Street United Church for next May. There will be
army vehicles, a Royal naval vessel and hopefully our Goderich Lancaster
that is currently based at the Warplane Heritage Museum on the Hamilton
Airport.
Keeping our Aviation History
September 19, 2009
 Recent letters and news articles published in the Goderich Signal Star brought
attention to the readers about Eugene McGee’s extensive collection of artifacts
and memorabilia from the Port Albert airfield and training base during the
Second World War. Almost 80, Eugene’s wish is the collection be moved in its
entirety from his home to a suitable location. COPA 45 members felt the
collection should be exhibited in the terminal beside the Sky Harbour Gallery,
which displays Goderich’s collection from the days that it was a training base.
Huron County was unique with the four training bases of Goderich, Port Albert,
Clinton and Centralia within its’ borders. Goderich was for elementary air
training while Centralia was for advanced air training. Port Albert was for
navigation and Clinton was for radar. Both our neigbouring counties of Perth and
Bruce went to Ottawa to lobby for a training base but were unsuccessful.
Training over water would be an asset favouring the Goderich location.
With that consideration, COPA’s Executive contacted historian Paul Carroll to
speak at their October meeting to pursue this possibility. Also asked to attend
were Eugene McGee, Beth Ross, Huron County’s Chief Librarian; Deb Shewfelt,
Mayor of Town of Goderich, which owns the airport; Ben Vandiepenbeek, Reeve of
ACW, the municipality in which the airport is located. Councillors Connie Black
and David Yates attended for the Mayor and Reeve. MP Ben Lobb for Huron –Bruce,
who was home from Parliament this week.
Meanwhile, on a sunny Saturday, September 19, the COPA 45 members visited
Eugene’s home to view the collection. Impressive! Unbelievable! were words
expressed at the vastness of original artifacts and archival information there.
Afterwards, Flight 45’s members met to discuss the physical possibilities of
relocation.
At our meeting, Paul talked about preserving history, its’ importance, rewards
and problems. He stated that the collector must feel comfortable releasing his
artifacts and archives to a new owner. Sometimes there are conditions attached
and other times no conditions exist leaving it fully up to the recipient to
handle and relocate the collection at his discretion. Even family members cannot
always agree on the transfer of the items.
In Huron County, there is only the museum staff and the volunteers from the
Goderich Historical Society to pack, process, catalogue and display the
collections they receive from the many local residents and relatives of local
families from years past.
 Carroll said this meeting is a chance to discuss the Port Albert collection and
its’ new home. Presently, the county museum has no space to house the McGee
collection either as a temporary or permanent exhibit. Various ideas, comments
and suggestions were expressed during the discussion from guests and members.
We now know heritage requires county decisions with county visions, with support
from, the local municipalities. Carroll is very convinced that is the planning
is in place, the appropriate resources will be there when needed. Our MP Ben
Lobb listed several organizations like the Dominion Institute, New Horizons,
Heritage Canada, Veterans Affairs, along with federal infrastructure money that
we, as various groups, could apply for funding. Canada Summer Jobs, Co-op
students from Ontario’s colleges and universities as well as local high school
students could be used to staff the Gallery.
COPA 45 members believe that with some structural changes to the Sky Harbour
Gallery, the Port Albert collection of artifacts could be accommodated here. The
Flight agreed to further meetings to write letters to local governments and
designated others to consider the shortcomings within the terminal building and
a proposal to expand the Gallery space to hold the McGee collection and possibly
others.
Memories from Welland
August 15, 2009
Early Saturday August 15th began with questionable weather.
Radar showed spots of rain around Goderich, north and east. Shortly the weather
improved so COPA 45 members Jim and Jane Farrell, Don Jones, Fred and Marilyn
Bruinsma depart in their aircraft. And arrived mid morning at Niagara South
Airport. The day was sunny and just perfect for a Beef on a Bun lunch. It was
also a good time to visit with friends made at former fly-ins and make new ones.
Our friend, Phil Dennis, was in charge of the fly market, which had a sundry of
items for sale. Phil was good enough to capture this special moment of our Don
Jones purchasing a picture especially for his wife Brenda who could not attend.
How thoughtful both were!
Shortly after lunch both the Goderich and Kincardine flyers chose to leave
Welland as those big puffy cumulus clouds were building in the sky. With no
headwinds again, pilots and passengers experienced a few minor bumps along the
way.
COPA Flight 149members, what great hosts you were, Thank you to our friends.
Phil Dennis, Adrian and Hortense Verberg for a chance at another day of summer
flying.
Calgary By Wings and Wheels
July 13, 2009
Monday, July 13 arrived with sunshine and weather and North
West winds. Another long cross country trip with strong head winds to buck. That
means more air time and more fuel to burn. Adventuring on the trip from COPA 45
were Jim and Jane Farrell, Ann Rock and Chris McCullough, Fred and Marilyn
Bruinsma. Joining them were Kim and Sylvia Murphy from Alliston, Adrian and
Hortense Verberg from Welland.
Plans were to meet at Gore Bay Airport where once the aircraft were refueled,
the troup would eat our brown bagged lunches. Sure saves the hassle of getting a
courtesy car or taxi to find a local restaurant.
Tanks and tummies filled, the 5 couples crawled back into our aircraft to start
the second leg of the trip to Marathon. Another leg with strong 30 knots plus
headwinds the group flew non-stop onto Marathon. Planes fuelled and tied down,
each gathered their suitcases. Friends, Ron and Sherri Dube greeted us with
vehicles to the hotel and to their home for a pizza supper. Again they shuttled
us back to the hotel for a good night sleep.
Tuesday greeted us with overcast skies. A check with the Flight Service for
weather revealed another day of flying with severe headwinds. All agreed to stop
at Atikocan for fuel before continuing onto Fort Francis. There we were grounded
because of our weather conditions.
Wednesday the weather did not improve and the weather channel and Flight Service
were calling for rain, thunderstorms and low ceilings for the next 2 days. Time
for some decision making among the group. A phone call to Enterprise Car Rentals
was in order. Due to a cancellation 2 vans were available. Calgary or bust was
our mission. At 9 am we left the Super 8 to begin our ‘journey on wheels’
instead of our planned ‘journey on wings’. It was west of Winnipeg before we ran
out of low ceilings and mist. Cool temperatures and sunshine was now our
weather. Fuel stops, lunch and coffee breaks allowed the switching of drivers
and navigators. With 2 laptops, 3 GPS’s, 2 SPOTS and CB radio in the lead car we
were well equipped for the trip. Later that night we tried to get hotel rooms
but all were full. Our only choice was to drive non-stop to Calgary. We arrived
at 6 am to the Econo Lodge just at sunrise. Sleep was now in order.
Hours later and somewhat refreshed we took a shuttle to the Springbank Airport
to register and see the 75 planes of the Canadian Centennial Cross Country
arrive at the airport. It was also great to see our aviation friends from all
across Canada. At the Friday night dinner Ann Rock from Kincardine was the
winner of a Sennhauser headset.
The highlight o the Convention was the dinner at the Calgary Stampeders
convention room where 100 years of Canadian aviation was celebrated. The guest
speaker gave an excellent talk on the achievements and blunders throughout our
history.
Sunday brunch was served at the airport as the Centennial group flew out towards
Brandon, Manitoba. Our group spent the rest of the day touring Banff and area
with an overnight stay at Lethbridge. Monday we spent the whole day travelling
the flat prairies where we saw aerial spraying of peas and potato crops as well
as huge irrigation units.
Supper and hotel at Portage la Prairie completed the day. Tuesday we were
Ontario bound back to Fort Francis airport and the Super 8 before flying out the
next day. The weather was flyable by stopping in Geraldton and onto to Wawa.
After refuelling, a thunderstorm was approaching so tied the aircraft down for
the night. Enroute to the hotel was a Tim Hortons, how fortunate! Another day in
Wawa so we walked the main street. We soon were known everywhere as the group
with the planes at the airport.
Friday we left the city of the 3 Spruce Geese for Gore Bay where we had lunch
and talked with Robbie Colwell the airport manager.
BUSY WEEKEND FOR COPA 45
June 13-14, 2009
 Two full days of sunshine and clear skies greeted COPA Flight
45 members as they prepared for their Fly-In event at Sky Harbour Airport this
past weekend. Just nicely set up for a barbecue of hamburgers and hot dogs with
all the fixings, salads, and chips when aircraft from Buttonville started to
arrive. Before the day was over more than 40 aircraft had landed. They came for
lunch, dinner, camping, and even have breakfast the next day. Town councillors,
invited guests and even Sarah Carmichael from the Fun Squad at 101.7FM “The One”
radio station had lunch. Kevin Psutka, COPA’s President and CEO, arrived at
lunchtime to meet those who had flown to Goderich to talk with him.
During the afternoon, several pilots and crew took advantage of the Maitland
Trail walking either over the Meneset Bridge to the Marina or into town to walk
around and enjoy our unique Downtown Square. A few even enjoyed the sunshine
reading a book. A framed picture featuring black and white sketches of Canada’s
F-18 was won by a thrilled Tim Liston from London. Proceeds for COPA’s Special
Action Fund.
Later Saturday afternoon, the campers started setting up tents for their
overnight accommodations beside the terminal and under the wings of their
aircraft. Small and large tents of various colours dotted the landscape. Soon a
spaghetti supper with Caesar salad, garlic bread, and fruit trays was set on the
tables for all to enjoy. Fly-in pilots, campers, and COPA 45 members spent the
evening eating dinner, discussing current issues and its future with our
President. Cleanup over, many enjoyed the warm summer weather making new friends
and renewing friendships from past fly-ins.
 Sunday morning dawned early with another great day to fly. Flight members were
cooking Egg McMuffins, pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage. Coffee and juice
completed the menu. As our President, Kevin, left for the Red Bull Air Races in
Windsor, he remarked, "there is no reason not to fly today." During the morning
and early afternoon more than 30 airplanes arrived for a well-cooked breakfast
which the Goderich group delivered with finesse.
 Ali Anderson from the local
“The Beach 104.9FM appeared at noon to talk with the crowd. She did an on-air
interview in the air with Jim Farrell as pilot in his shiny red and black Cessna
172 F-ZFZ. She was very impressed with the town from the air. I can bet there
were some on air comments on her Monday show about Goderich’s airport and
hospitality. Also, our MP Ben Lobb, Andrea and family came to enjoy the aircraft
at the airport and meet with aviators and friends. Thanks to Ben and other MP’s,
the 406 ELT issue has been delayed.
The weekend weather was superb as pilots, friends and families availed the
opportunity for great flying, fantastic food, and special friendships. What more
could a pilot want for a day or weekend of flying?
COPA 45’s Tour of
Diamond Aircraft
June 10, 2009
Diamond aircraft are truly shining stars in the skies of
aviation. COPA 45 members held their June meeting with dinner at the Katana Café
and a tour of the Diamond facility. Marketing executive, Cathy Wood split the
group. One group received a technical tour while the other had a marketing tour.
The company originated in Austria. While in Canada, CEO Christian Dries landed
at the London airport. Here, he noticed an abandoned aircraft factory. From that
visit his executives decided to locate a manufacturing company in London. That
was in 1993. How fortunate for London and the North American aviation market.
Recently in 2006 another plant was opened in China.
The Diamond plant is based is the former World War II mosquito aircraft factory.
A sleek metal and glass entrance welcomes you to this plant of modern aviation
technology. But looking up, way up, you see the well-worn wooden ceilings with
miles of white painted heating pipes. There is no air conditioning in the
factory just the offices. The plant has expanded with more than 600 are
employed. There have been some layoffs from the present economy.
Modern construction means modern benefits. Composites are stronger, lighter, and
bend more easily than aluminum. Composites are smooth like glass but reduce
drag. The aircraft are fast, efficient, safe, and striking. The flowing lines of
the fuselage, the spacious bubble canopy and cockpit, the well-equipped
instrument panel would lure any pilot to sit inside this beauty. But Diamond’s
beauty goes deeper than its’ appearance. COPA 45 members saw the glass fibre
reinforced epoxy that is used on the frame to add strength and durability. We
saw the carbon-fibred fabric, which adds a lot of strength to the weight ratio.
We also saw the Kevlar carbon hybrid materials, which add strength and toughness
without weight. A static primer is then applied underneath the paint to ensure
the avionics work well in rain. We saw the push rods used instead of cables.
They are protected against corrosion for precision handling of the aircraft.
Safety is very important to Diamond as it designs new aircraft for the aviation
market.
The DA-20 is superb for training student pilots whether through flight schools,
universities or colleges. The United States Air Force trains all its cadets on
this airplane. Also called the Katana, it is comfort able and performs well.
Members noticed how sporty and sleek it looks yet it is very reliable and
economical to fly. Diamond has developed a flight simulator specific to each
aircraft model. The members saw the simulators in the flight school classroom.
Simulators increase safety and proficiency for the student. It also is a greener
choice for training and more students can be accommodated in the same time
frame. This aircraft lets you discover the joy of flying.
Diamond wants you as a pilot from your first airplane, the Katana, to your plane
of choice, a Diamond Star, a Diamond Twin or even a Diamond Jet. Cathy told us
that the Star is probably the most popular purchase of pilots. It has great
visibility and advanced avionics. The 180 hp Lycoming engine lets you cruise at
150 knots with a very economical fuel burn of 10 gph. It can be used for
recreational, business, or corporate flying whatever the pilot wishes.
Since the Wright Brothers more than a century ago, aviation entrepreneurs and
manufacturers have introduced the wonders of flight to millions around the
world. That spirit of no bounds is found in a Diamond. It is an independent
spirit of adventure and leadership.
Intra-Provincial Air Tour 2009
June 4-7, 2009
A Weekend of flying fun with Friends
 Summer’s here! It is time to go flying. As always it is more fun to fly with
friends than solo. This weekend is no exception. It is four days of flying from
city to city for Goderich’s COPA 45 members and friends. Planning to enjoy the
second annual Inter-Provincial Air Tour (IPAT) are Fred and Marilyn Bruinsma,
John Beimers and Dave Frayne, Jim and Jane Farrell, Don and Brenda Jones, Chris
McCullough and Anne Rock.
Last year the idea was born to have a four-day weekend of events between the two
provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It would hone the skills of pilots as they fly
and navigate unfamiliar skies. Several COPA 45 members and passengers
participated in this new event. From Goderich and area the group flew to
Canadore College located at the North Bay Airport. A tour of the college’s
aviation program followed registration. Author, Garth Wallace gave a humorous
speech during dinner. Low clouds and mist prevented the entourage from flying to
Killarney for fabulous fish and chips. Instead, the Shania Twain Centre in
Timmins was our destination. A tour there and a bus tour of the city completed
the day. Saturday’s itinerary included a visit to a Wildlife Refuge in Amos or a
gold mine tour in Val D’Or. Departing from our aircraft, the huge black flies
greeted us with much enthusiasm. Afterwards there was the Awards Banquet. Sunday
was brunch in Rouyn-Noranada but weather was not good so the Goderich group flew
to Parry Sound for an early brunch and home before the rain came. All agreed
that we should have another weekend next year.
This year the Quebec Pilots Association with COPA Flights from Sudbury and
Hanover hosted this year’s IPAT from June 4-7. Pilots will fly their own
aircraft over many miles of rugged Quebec and northern Ontario.
Gatineau was our first destination, where after registration there was a tour of
the famous Vintage Wings Museum where the early days of aviation are displayed.
Many ex-pilots were waiting to share their stories with the audience. Many hours
of work are happening there to refurbish aircraft and keep the history of these
aircraft alive in a brand new hangar built on the edge of the Gatineau airfield.
A Welcome Banquet was held at Gatineau Airport Café where Garth Wallace was
again be our guest speaker. Who could not resist from buying his humorous books
at any time? A plaque to the Mayor of the city was presented by Ron Cooke. COPA
President also welcomed all the registrants and hoped we would have a good
weekend of flying fun with old friends and some new ones.
Friday morning the pilots and planes departed for Maniwaki to view the
headquarters of aircraft used for forest fires and aerial spraying. We toured
through 2 of these aircraft sitting on the ground The Mayor of the town was
presented with a plaque by the Committee Chair. After a salad and sausage on a
bun lunch at the airport, we left for Rouyn-Noranada where landings were tricky
due to crosswinds and gusting winds. City buses then took us for a tour of
Quebec Hydro. From this one building all the controls for water, hydro
electrical energy occur. It sure was a shiny new building of glass, computers,
lights and tight security. A delicious buffet roast beef dinner with all the
trimmings was served in the hotel dining room. A plaque was also presented to
the Mayor of the city. Next morning, a full course breakfast of many meats,
eggs, toast, jams, jellies and plates of fresh fruit was served there for us.
Saturday morning the group flew to Sudbury for lunch again on the field.
Burgers, dogs and steak on the bun with salads completed the menu. While there,
the medivac came in and also a huge fixed wing medivac aircraft left to meet an
ambulance further north. Buses took the group to the hotel. Once checked in, we
walked across the street a few blocks to Science North where an adventurous and
exciting visit awaited. It was dun lying on the bed of nails, indicators of
whether you are right or left handed, sprinting up the stairs for a record time.
Back at the hotel, it was social time to visit with friends before the Awards
banquet that evening. Another plaque was given to a city councillor.
I t was then revealed that Paul Clark and Gerry McMunn from Buttonville had been
judging landings at Rouyn-Noranda. Joe Van Loewn was one winner. Fred and
Marilyn Bruinsma had been in charge of the Poker Run again this year. The format
had been changed so that all 5 cards could be drawn at any one airport in case
weather prevented us from getting to designated airports like last year. We sold
a record number of hands and were able to turn $235 over to Kevin Psutka for the
Special Action Fund. Winners were Alexandre Fredette, Mike Geoffery, Jean Paul
Ceverann and Rene Claudette.
Leaving Sudbury morning Don and Brenda Jones went north of the airport and ran
into snowflakes while enroute to Hanover by Tobermory. The weather was less than
desirable. Low cloud and rain with heavy rain over Tobermory was the order for
the day. Past Sauble Beach the weather improved with sunshine but there still
were no bikinis in sight that day. A group came through Parry Sound but were
held up because of rain. They began arriving shortly after 12:30 for brunch. At
Hanover the restaurant had an excellent brunch ready to serve us. Each
participant on the Air Tour received a bag of gifts from local merchants. Again
Kevin presented the Mayor Of Brockton with a plaque from the group. The media
were also present. In fact, Paul Clark with the first aircraft landing in
Hanover, was interviewed and heard on the airwaves of “The One” Monday morning.
Last year 87 pilots, co-pilots and friends in 43 aircraft ventured over miles of
rugged terrain and forests. Weather was not very cooperative during the entire
weekend. This year 55 aircraft and 101 people were registered. Five aircraft are
from Michigan, 6 float planes, 1 helicopter, 39 from Ontario and 5 from Quebec.
We will have to see what airports the organizing committee will have for the Air
Tour of 2010. This tour certainly was the beginning of COPA Flight 45’s summer
flying.
Pilot Extraordinaire
Murray Ward
By Marilyn Bruinma
What an evening of memories and fun! Murray was met at the top
of the stairs with a Happy Birthday Murray. At the October COPA 45 meeting,
friends and family gathered to celebrate Murray Ward’s 80th birthday. Not only
did the group celebrate his milestone birthday but also they honoured his many
years of flying from Chatham to Goderich to Mississauga to Sarnia.
 The
evening began with a social hour and a roast beef dinner catered by the Flight
members and friends. Over heaping plates of delicious foods, many conversations
told stories of years past at Sky Harbour Airport when Business Air Services
owned and operated a fleet of corporate jets that flew all over Canada and the
United States.
After dinner, the evening of memories began. Bruce (Alvin) Sully owner of BAS
(his initials) told the group how and when he first met Murray. A trip was
planned to the USA to visit dealers there but interrupted by the sudden death of
Bruce’s father. It was June 23rd,1968. Murray offered to fly to Toronto in the
Aztec CF-YKN to pick up Mrs. Sully with a nurse to bring her home to Goderich.
Murray being Murray, he even flew the nurse back to Toronto.
News Year Day, a Beechcraft salesman phoned Murray to say that Champion Road
Graders in Goderich had purchased a King Air. You see, Murray, had promised
Bruce that if he ever bought an airplane he would come to Goderich to be
Champion’s pilot. Three weeks later, Murray moved here. Champion’s executives
used the King Air to bring dealers and potential customers to the Goderich plant
to see how the graders were built. So successful was this marketing concept that
BAS built a hangar on the former foundation of Sky Harbour Air Services that
burned in1964.
Another Lear Jet (C-GRDR- grader without vowels) was bought for longer trips.
The company’s services were becoming well known throughout the industry and
requests were coming in form other corporations to charter these aircraft.
Purchased was another Lear Jet CG-RCO and a King Air – C-GFAS (fast and sexy)
named by Murray’s wife, Shirley and another King Air. A commercial operating
license was obtained to accommodate the requests from these corporations. Murray
became Chief Pilot with 16 other pilots flying these planes all over North
America and the Caribbean.
Because of its’ success, BAS opened an office in Toronto. Murray, Shirley, and
family moved there. Three years later the family moved back to Goderich, where
Murray continued to fly the King Air until 1988 when BAS ceased to operate.
Bruce said “Murray wore the airplane like a glove, set high standards, and great
leadership in a tough business. It was the beginning of a wonderful business
experience and new friendship that I will treasure for life. I was very lucky to
have a wonderful pilots and friend. What more could one ask for?” Bruce
concluded his tribute to Murray by saying, “Behind every good man is a great
woman. I know I have one, Isabelle, and you know Murray that Shirley has been
there beside you wherever you have gone. Best wishes.”
John Edwards from Sky Harbour Aircraft spoke of his years past when as a young
20 something boy living every possible moment at the airport. His son Rick
idolized Murray with his many flights and passengers some of which included
neurosurgeon, Dr. Drake, of London and actor/director William Shatner. Murray
always had a joke or amusing story to tell the office bunch at the terminal.
Happy Birthday and may there be many more.
Sarnia native and partner in Goderich Flight Centre, Daryl Gilroy, spoke of the
many pieces of advice Murray gave the teenager at the Sarnia airport. Not many
pilots would talk to the students who swept floors to pay for flying lessons.
Murray’s mentoring and encouragement allowed Daryl to pursue a career in
aviation.
An avionics engineer, son Barry, spoke of his aviation career that came about
because of Dad. Dad and son still discuss whose job is more important, pilot or
mechanic. Happy Birthday and Brad, Stacey and I are glad to be here for this
milestone.
Wayne Juniper brought greetings from Elmer Squires, Dan Watson, Rod Graham,
former pilots of BAS. Wayne, Chief Engineer of Aircraft Maintenance, safetied
and certified the aircraft ready for flying. Every job requires paperwork! Wayne
told a few tales out of school. He told about cancelling flights except Bruce’s
to get the grass cut before Bruce arrived home. Wayne hung a sign up to let
every one know that the grass was cut. He told about cleaning out the air tubes
from the smoking crew and passengers and then hung the stained white towel for
all to see. “Definitely not popular that day,” he remarked.
Brian Pepper, a former BAS pilot spoke how Murray advanced his aviation career
beyond his wildest dreams. As a freshly minted pilot, BAS gave him many
opportunities to fly across North America. He retired from Air Canada last year.
Don White, CEO of Operations, whose job it was to coordinate crews and flights
spoke about being Murray’s junior in age but had always admired him for his
professionalism and humility at work. But Murray was always one to have a joke
handy.
Jerry Sabo recalled getting phone calls from airline pilots passing overhead
wanting to know if Murray was there. Jerry was truly amazed at how many people
knew Murray.
Keith Brautigam, Captain of COPA 45, presented Murray with a framed picture of
the Goderich Airport taken by Jane Farrell. At Flight events Murray was often
seen flipping hamburgs in the pavilion. Over the years at meetings, members
learned that Murray’s favourite was peanut butter cookies. So Navigator Marilyn
Bruinsma presented Murray with a basket of freshly baked peanut butter cookies.
Gus Chisholm brought the house down with tears of laughter when he presented
Murray with his gift of a senior’s crutch along with he reading of the
appropriate poem. Only Gus could do that!
In return Murray thanked the crowd for making the evening so memorable. Murray
is known as a fabulous and natural pilot with endless humour and bad jokes.
Tonight some of us got to tell our stories about Murray and how he has advanced
our aviation careers, friendships, and fun in the air among those white clouds
and blue skies.
Happy 80th Birthday, Murray.
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