Glidepath THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF MUSEU FLIGHT The Canadian Museum of Flight HANGER #3 5333-216th STREET LANGLEY, BC V2Y 2N3 TEL: 604-532-0035 museum@direct.ca FAX: 604-532-0056 www.canadianfilight.org
THE DAY THE BOYS MARCHED OUT
In November of last year Museum member Bill Marr came into the Gift Shop and noticed a poster displayed for Veteran’s Week. He pointed to a young man in uniform marching with many others and told the Museum staff “That is me”.
Bill recounts the experience:
“This picture was one of the best and most recognized of the many thousands that were taken during the war years. I had joined the Militia in 1936 and signed for active service with the Westminsters on September 3rd 1939, the day war was declared. My wish had always been to fly with the Air Force, however, they could not take on additional trainees until the spring of 1940. The Army assured me that I could transfer to the Air Force later, however, it was not that easy. I was in New Westminster to march out with the boys in May, and taken on RCAF strength in June.
This is a picture of the Westminster Regiment (MG) as they were marching out to eventually play their part in the defeat of Axis forces in World War II. The picture was taken on May 23rd 1940. I am one of the many faces in the “B” Company platoon that is just near the bottom of the 87th street hill and Columbia Street in New Westminster. I saw the youngster run out to clasp his father’s hand. The “Dad” reaching for the child was in Headquarters Company, and I am not sure but he could have been a veteran of WWI, as many of them were.
The Regiment was moved to Dundurn, Saskatchewan, for further training, the first Battalion was not dispatched to England until November 13th 1941. The Westminster Regiment was raised in New Westminster, Headquarters Company and A and B Company where stationed in New Westminster, C Company at Mission and D Company at Chilliwackie
A further word on the Royal Westminster Regiment, it is an old unit dating back to 1863. The Royal Engineers arrived in British Columbia in 1858 to establish order in the Lower Mainland and when their duties were fulfilled, they were recalled to England in 1863. It is recorded that one hundred and twenty “Sappers” took their discharge and settled here to raise their families. The local citizens felt the need of protection from the twofold threat of Indians and lawless miners and petitioned Governor Douglas for permission to form a permanent military unit. Hence was born the New Westminster Rifle Company. This however was not the end of their apprehension; the American Civil War ended in 1865 and there was a threat of a Fenian take over of British Columbia (50,000 Irishmen from California). The Rifle Company was expanded to three volunteer units to “prevent peaceable possession”! The Federal Government took over military responsibility in 1871 with Confederation
Thus, through many changes in name, the militia became the 47th Battalion C.E.F. in WWI where they were involved in many of the battles of that great struggle. Because of their fighting spirit their casualties were particularly heavy with some 753 killed and 1,718 wounded, almost all from the City and Fraser Valley. In WWII the “Westies”, as they were known, fought through the Italian campaign and into Northwestern Europe. Their battle honours include a VC and many decorations for individual bravery. It is said of this Regiment that they never failed to take an objective and never yielded a position to the enemy. Throughout the war only three men were ever taken prisoner. Canada has so very much to be proud of.”
CMF Member: Bill Marr
ISSUE 85
Spring 2005
HANGAR #3 5333-216th STREET LANGLEY, B.C. V2Y 2N3
TEL: 604-532-0035
FAX: 604-532-0056
museum@direct.ca
INSIDE
- PAGE 1 The Day the Boys Marched Out
- PAGE 2 Dinner Meeting
- PAGE 3 Volunteer of the Quarter/ The Day the Boys Marched Out
- PAGE 4 New Members/ Director Bios
- PAGE 5 Director Bios
- PAGE 6 Director Bias
- PAGE 7 Director Bios
- PAGE 8 Year of the Veteran/ Special Resolution
THE NEWSLETTER
The CMF Newsletter is published quarterly by the Canadian Museum of Flight. Contributions in the form of articles, news items, letters and photos are welcome, as are comments and criticism. No payment can be made for. any manuscripts that are submitted for publication in the CMF Newsletter. The Editor reserves the right to make changes in the manuscripts without altering the meaning.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Sandy Sideroff at the Museum by calling 604-532-0035. Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
CMF BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF
- George Preston President
- Bill Findlay Vice President
- Terry Wadhams Treasurer
- Ken Knutson Secretary
- Bob Fowles Director
- David McIntosh Director
- Matt Offer Director
- Ken Smith Director
- Capt Bill Thompson Lifetime Director
- Sandy Sideroff Executive Director
- Teresa Rhodenizer Gift Shop/Bookkeeping/ Collection Management
- Alicia Kapustianyk Administrative Assistant/ Volunteer Coordinator
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & ELECTION OF THE 2005/2006 DIRECTORS
Saturday, April 30, 2005 Doors Open: 6:00 pm Dinner: 7:00 pm A.G.M.: 8:00 pm $20.00 Per Person RSVP by 4:00 pm Thursday April 28, 2005 We require 48 hours notice of cancellation or you will be charged for the dinner GUEST SPEAKER Langley Regional Airport Manager George Miller
The 2nd Annual CMF Auction held on February 27th was an outstanding success with close to $6,000 being raised. Thank you to all the members who went and sourced donations, and a very special thank you to all the businesses and individuals who donated items to be auctioned off.
It’s not to early too start planning for next years event!
VOLUNTEERS OF THE QUARTER
We are very pleased to award the Spring 2005 Volunteer of the Quarter to Carol Bellavance and her daughters Marie-Claire and Gabrielle. Carol and her family joined the museum in the fall of 2002 and Carol started volunteering in the Gift Shop shortly after. Although she was working full time and raising a family, she still managed to give some of her time to CMF. Upon a promotion at work she was unable to carry on with volunteering during the week and so took on volunteering on the weekends when she was not working. Not only does she give of her time, she has trained her two daughters Marie-Claire and Gabrielle to work in the Gift Shop, clean the hangar and provide tours to Museum visitors. Due to the shortage of volunteers to work in the Gift Shop, Carol and her daughters for the past 4 months have been working many weekend shifts, which means working 5 days a week at her secular job, then a minimum one day at the Museum. At no time has Carol said “no” when asked if she can help us when we have not had weekend coverage. It is with our sincerest thanks that we recognize Carol and her daughters as
CMF’s 2005 Spring Volunteers of the Quarter.
We as Canadians are thanking the men and women who have served our great country by recognizing 2005 as the YEAR OF THE VETERAN. Many events are planned from coast to coast with some of the dates being highlighted on the last page of this newsletter. The Canadian Museum of Flight will host special events on July 1st Canada Day and November 11th, Remembrance Day.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
Surrey, BC Jerry Lloyd Pierre Lardy Sunshine Coast, BC Langley, BC Langley, BC R. Lalonde Enterprises Elke Wehinger Langley, BC Surrey, BC Victoria, BC Ingram Tuisi Wilfred Schnabel Terry Brunner Langley, BC Surrey, BC Langley, BC Larry Lunn Kerry Klokeid Gary Boehm Langley, BC Langley, BC Mississippi, US Vancouver, BC John Lazenby Andrew Comrie Bruce Norman Langley, BC Langley, BC Ron Letheman Tom Mathes Jerry Johnson George Grasdal Langley, BC Surrey, BC Vancouver, BC Mission, BC Gerow Family Denis Ackland- Snow Surrey, BC Abbotsford, BC Earle McCandless Christopher Ryan
Blonski Family
2005/2006 Board of Director Candidate – BILL FINDLAY Incumbent
I have been a licenced pilot and involved with aviation since 1965. The ensuing years have included eight years as a military pilot with the RCAF/CAF and thirty-one years of airline employment with CPAir, Wardair, Canadian Airlines, Air Canada and ZIP Air. I have been retired since June of 2004.
I have been a member of the Canadian Museum of Flight (CMF) for several years and in 2002 was asked to join the Flight Operations team as a pilot on the Fleet Finch. This wonderful opportunity has allowed me to take part in many Museum flying events that have helped to promote the existence and content of our fabulous Museum. I am currently serving as Vice-President on the CMF Board of Directors with additional responsibilities as Coordinator of Flight Operations. I have also had the pleasure of volunteering as the emcee at the Museum quarterly dinner/meetings.
What can I offer the CMF? I am enthusiastic, passionate about flying and have experience working with people in training. safety and policy development. I believe strongly in the benefits of a “team” approach toward promoting growth and improvement for our Museum. The Museum must continue to move forward with an aggressive fund-raising program. New sources of funding are necessary to continue Museum efforts on restorations, aircraft airworthiness and hangar upgrades. If re-elected to the Board, I will continue to promote the flying events carried out by the Museum’s aircraft and to seek ways to increase funding through projects such as increased memberships, sponsorship programs, auctions, raffles and grants. Together we can build an even better Museum.
2005/2006 Board of Director Candidate – BOB FOWLES Incumbent
From a background in (Air Cargo) aircraft maintenance and support, a Trades Diploma in Aircraft Mechanics, and over 14 years involvement with the Abbotsford Air show, I came to the museum going on 8 years ago through the Avro Arrow project. Since then I have been involved in the maintenance of our flying aircraft and ground support for most of our flight operations, flybys, air shows, and members days.
I was actively involved in the Tiger Moth and Waco AQC-6 Cabin restoration projects, and now with the Fleet Canuck restoration project and the Waco INF recover in progress in the shop now. As a tour guide I have enjoyed leading many groups of wide-eyed youngsters through our museum and still take tours through the museum if required.
I manage to attend and help out with almost all museum events held at the museum or on the airport and a few of our mall and exhibition shows including set-up and tear down. In running for my third term as a member of your board of directors I strongly believe in looking at things from the shop floor level as to how decisions will effect our volunteers, as our dedicated group of core volunteers are the heart and soul of this museum.
For the future I would like to see our museum expand starting by retaining our current collection as a foundation and keeping as many of our flying aircraft in the air as possible as I strongly believe our flying display is the best promotional and recruitment tool we have at our disposal, and we must recruit a steady flow of new volunteers especially young people into our museum to supplement our hardworking, dedicated, but sometimes overstretched group of core volunteers to take us through the 21″ century and beyond. If re-elected to your Board of Directors these are the general directional goals I will be striving towards…
2005/2006 Board of Director Candidate – JERRY LLOYD
Jerry was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and his family connection with aviation goes back to the early 30’s. Jerry was involved with many aviation companies and associations that had aviation connections. The two that stand out in his mind are the Aerospace Industry Association of B.C. and the Helicopter Association of Canada. The Aviation Council under his guidance and with the cooperation of dedicated members brought these major aviation associations into being,
In 1967 the B.C. Aviation Council was having a membership drive. Jerry and his father were in Art Sellar’s office, at the Langley airport. Jerry’s father borrowed $10.00 from Jerry, gave it to Art and said here is a new member for you. At this time Slim Lloyd was the Secretary of the Abbotsford Flying Club who, with the help of Don Watson and others, were setting up the first of the Abbotsford Air Shows that was to be held that year. Twenty-four years later Jerry was made Chairman of the Council following the administration of Ron Heath and Bob Mortimer.
Shortly after Jerry became managing director of the Council, the NDP Government cut off all financial funding. This had a tremendous impact on Council. The existence of the Council as a viable organization was threatened. It was through his efforts in fundraising and through appeals to associated companies for financial help, that he and some of the more senior members were able to keep the Council afloat.
Jerry was brought up in an aviation family; he has been associated all his life in matters pertaining to aviation. In teaching, lecturing and encouraging young people to enter into aviation as a career. He has been a continuous contributor to the development of aviation in British Columbia. Jerry is perhaps known to more people associated with aviation in both British Columbia and in Canada than any other person. He has served in many capacities with many organizations to further their advancement. Jerry Lloyd could make a great contribution.
2005/2006 Board of Director Candidate – MATT OFFER Incumbent
Matt was bit by the flying bug at the age of six when his uncle took him up in a Luscombe on a sunny June day, and at the age of 18 he obtained his pilots licence. He then joined the Royal Canadian Navy where he dealt with ASW helicopters and aircraft (such as the Tracker). Awarded CPSM in 2001 for UNEF Cyprus.
He received his BA from SFU, retired recently as a social worker, is active in his community where he is currently a Lt. in the Canadian Forces Reserve and involved in the CMF as a member of the Board of Directors, tour guide, member of the Education and Marketing committee along with historian. His hobbies are aviation history, military history, airplane models and Canadian history. Involved with the Chinese Canadian Veterans Museum, Vancouver.
“CMF is a major community resource, we have to work as a team to set its goals for the future. We have to begin short range and long range planning, which includes financial planning. We have to have a vision of the future of our aviation museum, and we have to work together to bring this vision to fruition. We owe it to the Canadian aviation pioneers and our children. Let’s meet this challenge together.”
2005/2006 Board of Director Candidate – BOB PARKES
Retired from School District # 36 (Surrey) after thirty-six years as a teacher and school based administrator. Has a B. Ed. (UBC) and a M. Ed (WWU).
As a teenager I served in the RCAF Auxiliary Reserve as an electrical technician. Since my early teens I have been keenly interested in aviation history particularly as it relates to the Military. During the last three years I have volunteered as a CMF tour guide and have worked at off site displays and sales events.
I believe it is essential that the Museum clearly defines its purpose. This would include inventorying its holdings and then carefully determining what to retain. Also, I believe the Museum needs to insure its financial well being by increasing the number of tourists and seeking funding from all levels of government and the corporate sector.
2005/2006 Board of Director Candidate – DR.GEORGE PRESTON Incumbent
George has been on the CMF Board of Directors for three years serving as President.
He was born in Jubilee Hospital, Victoria B.C. in 1931. He received his primary and secondary education in Victoria, at Mount Newton High School and Victoria College. He attended Simon Fraser University and graduated from the University of British Columbia. He later graduated from a course of Merchandising and Management at General Motors in Detroit.
His first 12 years of employment were with Underwood Corporation and Manufactures’ Life, then 2½ years with General Motors and finally 36 years as President of Preston Chev Olds Ltd at 200th Street and the Langley Bypass.
George is an entrepreneur that has led a life of service to his community. Fame, by definition, is a state of being well known and of good reputation, to which can be added, being recognized by one’s peers. By all these prerequisites, he qualifies. George, over the time, has sponsored almost three dozen health foundations and sports clubs. He has been Chairman and or President of almost every Society or Foundation in the district, most of which required financial or other assistance.
He was Mayor of the Municipality of Langley, 1975-1981. Chairperson of the Fraser River Port Authority, President of the Rotary Club and of the Chamber of Commerce, and at the same time received no less than five Commendations for Excellence from General Motors for sales and service.
George has been recognized a number of times and in a number of ways. Besides those awards for excellence in business, he has been recognized by Time Magazine, Sport B.C. – Support recognition, Chamber of Commerce Businessman of the Year, honorary Doctor of Law Degree – Kwantlen 2000, and recently the Langley Citizen of the Year. An impressive record of accomplishment indeed.
2005/2006 Board of Director Candidate-CHRIS RYAN
Chris Ryan has had a life-long fascination with aircraft. Some of his earliest memories are of watching planes such as Vampire jet fighters of the RAF, DC-6’s, Constellations, Viscounts and Vanguards flying overhead. His brother, Mike, also an avid aircraft spotter, pointed many out to him, and he quickly learned about many different types.
As a boy of four, he was introduced to the sensation of flight by Sherwood Moffat, a bush-pilot flying out of Harrison Lake, who took him up in a Cessna 170B on floats for a short flight over the town of Harrison Hot Springs. That did it. He was hooked. From that day on, he pestered his brother and parents to take him to air shows, airports, anywhere with aircraft. He drew them, read about them, built models of them and generally, to the extent possible as a youngster, lived them.
When, at age 13, his parents took him to the Science Museum in London England during a trip back to “the old country”, he got his first opportunity to actually touch an aircraft that had become a particular fascination… a Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIa that was suspended inside one of the halls and to drool over a perfectly maintained Rolls Royce Merlin. He also made the very unsettling discovery that his colour vision would preclude him ever living his dream, being a fighter pilot.
That did not dissuade him from his love of aircraft. He went on to get his private pilot’s license in September 1970 – right here in Langley. He even worked for a small airline, Gold’s Air West, pumping gas, washing planes, etc. on the dock in Vancouver Harbour. To this day, he remains fascinated by aircraft and aviation history.
Chris brings a broad background in business, systems analysis, project management, general management, negotiation, consulting and computer systems. Additionally, he has been involved in fund raising for a number of charities, and societies. He is also an avid aviation photographer.
2005/2006 Board of Director Candidate – KEN SMITH Incumbent
I was born in England and in 1940 I traveled to Michigan, U.S.A. as an evacuee, and after graduating from High School in 1942 I returned to England to enlist in the R.A.F. After completing I.T.W. in Scotland I was sent to Canada for flying training at Bowden, AB and Moose Jaw, SK, earning my wings in 1944. Upon my return to England and while undergoing operational training I (foolishly) volunteered to take a crash course in flying Gliders and ground fighting for the Rhine Crossing March 24th 1945, ending up co-piloting Halifax’s, dropping Agents and supplies to the Underground. Upon demobilization I returned to Canada. Finding flying jobs hard to come by, I eventually joined the B.C. Forest Service as a log scaler.
Subsequently I went into the Industry, spent time on projects in Malaysia and Sumatra and ended up in Log Supply Control, retiring in 1989 and moving to Langley. For the next 12 years I was a volunteer at the Heritage Site at Fort Langley, greeting visitors as Chief Trader Mr. Yale.
The last 3 years I have enjoyed being back in the Aviation world, last year was my first year on the Board of Directors but I spend most of my volunteer time as a tour guide here at our Museum of Flight and participating in the various special events. I am the Tour Guide Coordinator and work with the Museum administration to ensure sufficient staffing levels of volunteers for special events along with arranging tour guide seminars attended by many of our volunteers. I look forward to being part of any expansion and enhancement of this valuable place of Aviation History.
2005/2006 Board of Director Candidate- GORD WINTRUP
I am the owner of Bayfield Mortgage Professionals since its incorporation in 1982, currently employing 50 mortgage brokers. I also am the Director of several private Mortgage Corporations and was a director of the Mortgage Brokers Association of BC, having served as chair of the Ethics Committee. My community involvement started in 1980 as a soccer coach, later becoming chair of the Sur-Del Soccer Club.
Langley community involvement includes being a director, vice chair and chair of the Downtown Langley Merchants Association and a founding director of the Langley Good Times Cruise-In Society, which hosts and promotes one of the largest car shows of its type in Canada. Held on the second weekend in September, the show generates over five million dollars into the local economy and raises in excess of $100,000.00 each year for charity.
I feel that my business background and previous fundraising ideas and contacts could be a good addition to the board of the Museum, and I would like the opportunity to be of assistance in helping create and implement a long range plan to fund and build a new hangar to house ALL of our aircraft and memorabilia as well as our gift shop and library.
I believe the board has three general responsibilities; To represent the interest of all the members, to provide sound guidance to management, and to encourage membership growth.
I respectfully ask for your support.
Summer events are starting soon. Check on the web at www.canadianflight.org for upcoming events, and let Alicia at the Museum office know if you are able to volunteer.
Page 8 GLIDEPATH NEWS Sample issues 54 ch The Museum welcomes donations of used AVIATION BOOKS for the Library and to sell in the Gift Shop HELP SUPPORT THE MUSEUM & receive a tax deductible receipt for yourself! WW1 AERO (1900-1919) SKYWAYS (1920-1940) workahop notes Information on paint/col aeroplanes, engines, parts your wants and deposals information on curent projects news of museums and airshows achnical drawings and deta ⚫photographs scale modelling material news of current publications BUILD ONE! A REAL ONE! Sola dibutors for P3V, a computer program to generate a 3-view from a photograph Published by WORLD WAR 1 Geroplanes, INC. 15 Cars Road, Pugh, NY 12801, USA (845-473-3678 YEAR OF THE VETERAN Key dates in 2005 ⚫ May 1: Battle of the Atlantic Sunday ⚫ May 8: The celebration of the end of the Second World War in Europe (VE-Day) in Canada and The Netherlands ⚫ May 8: The opening of the new Canadian War Museum in Ottawa June 6: Celebration of D-Day July 7: The celebration of the end of the Korean War August 14: The celebration of the end of the Second World War in the Far East (VJ-Day) September 18: Battle of Britain Sunday November 5-11: Veterans’ Week • November 11: Remembrance Day . ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice of Special Resolution In order to maintain continuity each year on the CMF Board, a motion was passed at the January 19th, 2005 Board of Directors meeting that the Bylaws for the Canadian Museum of Flight be amended by a Special Resolution which reads: That the following be added to Part 2, paragraph 4 of the Bylaws and numbered Sub Paragraph L: The Board of Directors shall be elected at each Annual General Meeting for a term of two years with the elections of Directors being staggered each year. Elections of Officers shall be by a simple majority. This Special Resolution will be voted on at the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Museum of Flight which will be held in the Museum hangar on Saturday April 30th, 2005.