CANADIAN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT NEWSLETTER ISSUE 52 Winter 1997
Top Gun Turned Grocer
On October 25, 1996, the Museum held its Annual General Meeting in the hangar at Langley Airport. If you were unable to attend, you missed a wonderful guest speaker. Mr. Yadollah Sharifirad is a former Irafian fighter pilot who is now a greengrocer with a shop on Dunbar Street in Vancouver. The story of Yadi’s journey from top gun to seller of fruits and vegetables is a fascinating one.
Yadi was trained as a fighter pilot in the United States and returned home to Iran in 1977 to prepare for war against Iraq, a war that lasted 8 long and bloody years. Yadi quickly became disillusioned; he had envisioned himself as a warrior fighting a noble cause, but targeting civilians was not on his list of noble ideas. His attempts to avoid killing innocents by faking equipment problems didn’t go unnoticed by his superiors and his assignments therefore became more and more difficult.
It was on one of these missions that Yadi was shot down when the tail of his F-5 was hit and he was forced to eject over enemy territory. Yadi’s body was broken in 14 places, and he was unable to move. He was rescued by 3 Kurdish rebels who hid him and told him that if he managed to survive for the next 2 hours, he would live. Yadi was hidden in the Iraqi mountains by the rebels until such time as they felt he would survive the trek to Iran. The journey took 48 hours with Yadi trapped in a long box strapped to a horse. At the border, Yadi had to wait another 2 months before the Iranian Kurds accepted the idea that they should help someone on the side of their enemy, the Ayatollah.
Eventually Yadi arrived home a hero. An audience with the Ayatollah was his reward, and Yadi realized from their conversation that he did not wish to risk his life for such a man. Nonetheless, Yadi accepted a post in Pakistan as military attache. In this capacity he met and became friends with many foreign diplomats. All too soon Yadi was back in Tehran doing mundane office work and was no longer in the public eye. It was not permitted for Iranians to associate with foreigners, but when the Argentinean ambassador came to Iran for a visit, Yadi spent an evening with him. This encounter cost Yadi his freedom. He was arrested.
“Yadi realized… he did not wish to risk his life for such a man.”
Yadi’s jail term began in 1987. He was tortured and accused of being a spy for the CIA. He lived in a tiny cell under appalling conditions and was escorted back and forth to the washroom twice a day. After a few months, he was transferred to a larger prison and for the first time was able to mingle with the regular prison population who enjoyed his company and friendship, once more treating him as a hero. Finally, during a rare home visit, Yadi learned he was paroled.
Fired from his job, and with no money to support his family Yadi’s future looked bleak. It was the offer of a job by a carpet retailer that turned his life around. Yadi would now be able to provide a meager living but it was not enough and he and his wife Akram decided that they wanted to leave Iran. They wanted their freedom.
After a fruitless trip to Turkey to seek protection there, Yadi was able to get Akram and his two youngest children, Shahrokh and Mohrokh to Canada. Finally in Vancouver, Akram asked for political asylum and some time later was joined by their eldest son, Shahram. It would be another 3 years, after further harassment by the government of Iran, before Yadi himself quietly stole away from his homeland.
Yadi made his escape by slipping across the Turkish border with his peasant guide. After dodging gunfire as he and his guide ran across the border, Yadi finally made it to freedom. The Canadian Embassy in Turkey helped Yadi get to his family in Vancouver.
This account of Yadi Sharifirad’s life has been considerably condensed from the one told by PJ. Reece, a journalist for the Vancouver Courier, which I am sure was also condensed from the the original story told to him by Yadi Sharifirad himself. Yadi is a compelling man whose life was once a dream and then a nightmare. Now he is content to help his neighbours and make a living in a safe and comfortable home with his family.
INSIDE
- Top Gun Turned Grocer.
- Odds and Ends…..
- Special Resolution………
- Around the Museum….
- Donations………….
- Welcome ……. 8
- HOURS 10 A.M.-4 P.M. Daily
- ADMISSION FEES
- General (Age 16 thru 59).. $4.00
- Senior (Age 60 up)….. $3.00
- Youth (Age 6 through 15)… $3.00
- Family (2 Adult+4 youth). $10.00
- Children under 6… FREE
- Museum Members. FREE
- ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES
- General $35.00
- Family $45.00 .
- Seniors. $20.00
- Students w/I.D.. $20.00
Please check the members expiry date on your newslet ter mailing label. Renew by mail, telephone or visiting the museum. We accept cash, cheque, Visa or Mastercard.
The CM.F.T. is a non profit society dedicated to the preservation of aviation and transportation heritage (Society #32,035). Membership can be obtained by paying the required dues. Charitable status allows for the issuance of tax deductible receipts for donations of artifacts, goods and money. The C.M.FT. is governed by a board of Directors which is elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting in April.
The CMF Newsletter is published quarterly by the Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation.
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 CMFT Newsletter. The editor reserves the right to make changes in manuscripts without altering the meaning.
Editor. George Gregory
Contributing Editor.. …Julia Retallack
Photographer …Larry Niven
All mail and correspondence can be sent to:
Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation
c/o The Newsletter Editor
Unit 200 5333-216th Street
Langley, B.C.
V2Y 2N3
Tel: (604) 532-0035
Fax: (604) 532-0056
E-Mail: CMFT@mail.xl.ca
Directors
- Blakely, Ron 465-1343
- Chesney, Joe. 888-3281 .
- Devisser, John 277-5000
- Elgood, Terry 279-2062 .
- Emerslund, Bill.. 298-6374 .
- Kingston, Barry.. 826-2712 .
- Krywiak, Ron (Vice President). 433-6240 .
- McWilliams, Ron 590-0226
- Nouch, Veryl (Treasurer). 465-9789
- Proulx, George (President). 538-3836
- Read, Michael. 536-7402
- Reid, John 271-1899 .
- Rempel, Brian 946-8383
- Retallack, Keith (Secretary).. 526-4969
- Robinson, Jane.. .536-3287
Office/Library: Margaret Giacomello
General Manager – “Gogi” Goguillot
- Office phone…. …532-0035
- Fax 532-0056
- E-Mail Address:.. ..CMFT@mail.xl.ca
Executive Committee
- President……. George Proulx
- Vice President… …Ron Krywiak
- Secretary Keith Retallack
- Treasurer.. …..Veryl Nouch
Lifetime Directors
- Barry Jackson, N.Vancouver.. 932-2367
- Ron Stunden, Richmond….. 277-3827
- Bill Thompson, Pender Harbour…………….. .883-2445
Committee Information
- Magazines, George Proulx. 538-3836
- Special Events, George Proulx.. 538-3836
- Newsletter Editor, George Gregory. 882-8016
- Restoration, Sheila Chmilar. ..540-6236
- Research, Jerry Vernon…… 420-6065
- Photo Archive, Ingwald Wikene. 543-9935
- Computer Services, Michael Read.. 536-7402
- Exhibits, Ron McWilliams. ..590-0226
- Library, Margaret Giacomello 532-0035
- Collections, Jerry Vernon…. ..420-6065
- Transportation, Tony Hudak… .590-1855
- Hampden Project, Fred Gardham .681-6886
- Parts Disposal, Tony Hudak. 590-1855
- Keeper of Aircraft, Ron Krywiak: .433-6240
Odds and Ends
Rich Vigurs of the Township of Langley washes off the CF-100 with members of a local youth group.
The upcoming speaker for the next meeting will be It. Cmmdr. Joseph W. Entriken, U.S. Navy (ret).
He attended West Chester State University and then joined the Navy in 1942 as an aviation cadet. He received his commission and wings at Pensacola, Florida.
The first three years of service were spent flying transports (DC-3’s and DC -4’s) in the Aleutians; from Seattle to Attu. Next came two years based in Honolulu, with operations from California to China.
The Navy sponsored further education at lowa State College; then as the Korean War was imminent, was transferred to NAS North Island, Coronado, California; then to P2V-5 squadron, home based in Whidbey Island.
Deployed to Atsugi, Japan for anti- sub and electronic counter measures operation of the Korean and Russian coast. This also had mine laying capabilities.
Further assignments included both U.S.coasts and Italy. The most interesting was “Project Magnet”. Each trip, an around the world flight, was spent analyzing the earth’s magnetic field. Interesting, but considerably less enjoyable, was “Operation Deepfreeze One” in 1956, this will be the subject of the evening’s get together. Lt. Cmmdr. Entrikin was the first person to fly from land (Wigran AFB, in New Zealand) and land on the ice in Antarctica. For this feat, and other heroic missions he has received many citations and decorations.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- CMFT General Meeting February 28 1997
- CMFT Annual General Meeting April 25, 1997 Langley Hangar
- P.A.M.E.A. Richmond Inn February 27,28 and March 1 Richmond, B.C. Volunteers Required
The Canadian Museum of Flight is holding the next
DINNER AND MEETING
at the Canadian Museum of Flight Hangar 5333-216th Street, Langley 6:00 pm bar 8:00 General Meeting on Friday, February 28, 1997 7:00 pm dinner 8:30 Guest Speaker Cost is still to be determined. Call For Reservations 532-0035 Mon-Sun 10am-4pm before Tuesday, February 25 at 4 pm.
Did you know that one of our members was part of the D-Day landing?
(Fulton) Muir Adair was part of the AMES 15082 mobile Ground Control Interception, 21 Base Defense Sector of 85 Group, RAF, and landed on Omaha Beach in the American sector of the Normandy beachhead June 6, 1944. His unit moved forward with the army, giving radar coverage to the French Channel ports, and then on to the liberation of Paris: “From D-Day until the fall of Paris, Flight Sergeant Adair was in charge of the major part of the men and equipment of 15082 GCI (Ground Control Interception) and was at all times in the front of the battle. His unit was responsible for the ultimate destruction of over 50 enemy aircraft. his skill and devotion to duty, his coolness and judgement in the face of many difficult situations, was a fine example to all those who worked with him”.
He had enlisted in Toronto on April 8, 1945; after his tour in Europe he was awarded the Croix de Guerre according to AFRO 1619/45 on 19 October 1945. He returned home to Cannington, Ontario on August 12 1945.
Muir volunteers on Tuesdays in the giftshop.
Special Resolution to Change Bylaw
At the General Meeting on Friday, February 28, 1997, the membership will be asked to vote on the following proposed change to the Museum’s Bylaws:
Bylaw 4c
Original:
Other Directors not being lifetime directors shall be elected by the members of the Association in an annual election, to hold office until their successors shall have been elected and qualified or until they retire or are removed. Each member of the Board of Directors shall be a member of the Association in good standing throughout his term of office. The Board of Directors other than Lifetime Directors shall be retired at each annual general meeting of the Association, but any member of the retiring Board, if qualified, may be re-elected for a further term subject to a limit of three (3) consecutive years of office. Nominations for the election of Directors shall be made by a nominating committee struck from the membership for that purpose, provided always that such a method of nomination does not procude nomination of any other members in good standing, which nomination shall require at least two (2) members not serving on the nomination committee, themselves in good standing. The election shall be by secret ballot of all members if there are more nominations than those made by the nominating committee.
Proposed Change:
Remove the above highlighted words “subject to a limit of three (3) consecutive years”.
Around The Museum
We’re Looking for a Book Appraiser
The Museum has a need of someone knowlegable in the appraising of books to do some work for our glorious cause on a volunteer basis.
Contact Margaret at 532- 0035 for more details!
The beautiful Waco Cabin Sesquiplane on display in the Musuem’s Langley Hanger
- The Fleet Finch has a newly rebuilt motor by Doug Moan, now up & run ning.
- A new pickup truck has been donated by Canadian Forest Products, arranged by Brian Rempel. John Clark flew Brian and his wife Grace up to Port Hardy 3 weeks ago to get the truck after a three month wait (but isn’t it worth it, Brian?) •
- Canadian Car & Foundry MK II Harvard plane currently parked out near the helicopter landing site is donated by Dr. Gordon Potter.
- T-28 Trojan (c. 1960’s) the owner will park it on site for benefit of visitors who will no doubt appreciate this new addition to the already growing treasure trove of aviation wonders.
- Waco Cabin aircraft, flown by the late Dr. Harold Pickup of Alert Bay, BC is also undergoing a restoration thanks to funds donated from Mrs. Pickup.
- One of our founding directors Bill Thompson is refinishing the children’s train display – a great addition for all our little future train buffs (future aviators notwithstanding).
- Our own Gogi Goguillot was recently awarded a plaque presented November 14 by the Langley Aviation Council recognizing his involvement in the Aircraft Parts Supply and 5 year commitment as a Past President of the Experimental Aircraft Association in late 1970’s and early 1980’s.
- The Tiger Moth engine has been determined fit for an overhaul and is the focus for Terry Elgood’s talents. •
- The woodworking genius of Milt Lake, our resident carpenter has lent itself to the completion of recently completed bookshelves for back issue aviation magazines, and the converted area for the sorting and storage of the archives.
- Don Butterly is currently solving the internal intricacies (or unsolved mysteries) of a Link Trainer to be transformed into an active, hands-on display; he has also completely repainted the CF-104 Starfighter….no time for mischief, Don?
- Mr. C. Howell is the lucky winner of the dollhouse raffle; the dollhouse is the creation and donation of Art Seller, a man of many talents, who will also take lucky prizewinner Allan Kitsul for a ride in his Stearman; Allan’s son Dan Kitsul won the free ride in the Pitts Special, the draw for which occurred Friday December 27, with George Proulx and Margaret Giacomello present – alas, the draw had to be postponed due to the “inclement weather.
- Acknowledgements Appreciative thanks to:
- Jane Robinson who has arranged with with the Qwantlen College Langley Campus to bring students to upholster the Waco Cabin.
- Pitt Meadows Wings & Wheels for Julie Paciejewski’s extraordinary efforts in pulling off the Canadian Museum of Flight, Wings and Wheels event held at the Pitt Meadows airport not even the pouring rain, which in itself is a note worthy event, deterred interested visitors
- George Miller has arranged to get the RCAF insignia on the CF-100 and CF- 104
The final inspection of the C.M.F. building has been passed! Now to greener pastures and clearer flight paths…..
- Exciting Events
- The light up of the DC-3 went off without a hitch December 14… this lovely illustration of illumination could easily be misinterpreted as a new light formation for the landing strip! •
- Remembrance Day activities included the participation with the Seaforth Armories.
- It looks like the C.M. F. will participate in the 1997 Abbotsford Airshow. If confirmed, fourteen volunteers will be required for each of the three days; if interested, please plan your weekend for this exciting, international event (and bring sunscreen).
- On December 14 1996, Sean Rossiter, came in for a book signing at 3:00pm, to promote his latest work titled, “The Immortal Beaver”, about the De Havilland Beaver; Mr. Rossiter’s visit was arranged by Harry Van Eaton….thanks Harry!
- Rumour Mill ….
Now for some more enticing tidbits of occurrences in the wings (pardon the pun)….- The portable giftshop will likely be the Sopwith Camel trailer after the Camel aircraft has been moved out in the Spring
- the construction of the flaps and ailerons of the Hanley-Page Hampton is in the final stages…the finishing installation touches to be applied sometime in Springtime.
…looks like Spring is going to be a busy season, just in time for our summer visitors!!
- Welcome Back!
To Art Seller, who built and donated the dollhouse, after a brief absence, and John Reid who was on medical hiatus- we’re glad to have you back in action!! - Some Housekeeping….
- The Board of Directors have been looking for personal liability insurance of non-profit organizations, with success.
- Annual General Meeting
Happening April 25, 1997! Anyone who would like to stand for the office of Director of C.M.F. please let Gogi know – he is putting together a list for this. - Nominations Open For Board of Directors
Those interested should contact. Gogi at 532-0035 - Newsletter Deadline
Are you thinking of contributing to our esteemed publication? You need to know that the deadline for submissions to the Spring issue is no later than March 7. Contact Editor George Gregory at 882-8016 or Margaret at the Museum office (532-0035) if you want to make a submission. Thanks!
Attention Collectors!
CMF has material of various nature for sale; they include:
- -several gliders in various conditions
- -a Bowers Flybaby
- – less engine
- -a partially built Taylor “Titch”
- -two Lovings “Love”, partially built
- -a partly completed Thorp T-18
- -other assets, also for sale
Phone 532-0035 and ask Gogi for details!
The Harvard being loaded up for its trip to Nanton
Donations
- Cash
- Dines, Don
- Foster, Ed
- Foster, Evelyn
- Kinsman, Albert
- Kiwanis of Golden Ears
- MacInnes, Rod & Wendy
- Pickup, Lilla
- Rempel, Brian
- Sorko, Ken
- Stevens, Marc
- Street, Sheila
- Van City Staff
- Vernon, J. E.
- Watson, Donald
- Small Artifacts
- Goosen, Ken
- Tools, Equipment, Etc.
- Canadian Forest Products
- Clark, John
- Emerslund, Bill
- Fraser, David
- Goguillot, Gogi
- Moen, Reg
- Paciejewski, Julie
- Sidus Systems Inc.
- Wish List: Items we still need:
- -VHS video camera and cassettes for cataloguing the collection and the recording of Museum events,
- -486 or newer CPU type computers with monitor/keyboard/mouse
- -WINFAX modem software and 28,800 bps US Robotics modem
- -Novell 4.1 or lantastic networking software and cabling
- -500 MB 1 GB computer harddrives
- -External CD-ROMs
- framing and glass for the CMFT photograph collection, for public display
- materials and chemicals for the work on fabric covered aircraft
- -expertise and materials to seal a water leak in the hangar
- expertise and materials to repair the roof on the ATCO giftshop/library
- -interest and expertise in fund raising activities
- -expertise to complete the restoration of various aircraft engines
- -portable NAVCOMS
- aircraft maintenance material for metal aircraft: cleaners, rags,protective agents, etc…..
Visit the C.M.F. Giftshop
Besides our selection of books and other aviation paraphernalia, there is a wide selection of mugs with various witty anecdotes and catchphrases. As well, hand-made mahogany aircraft models of seven different aircraft are currently available, but special orders on most aircraft are being taken. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
More Volunteers Required For Gift Shop!
The Gift Shop is one of the Museum’s main revenue producers. More volunteers means more funds for the Museum’s use. Contact Margaret at 532- 0035 for more details!
The Museum’s Vampire restoration is coming along
Mik Ball of Canadian Forest Products presenting the keys to our new truck to George Prouls on January 18
Mr and Mrs C Flowell were the first place winners of the Dollhouse Raffles
You have probably heard about. the Tate family. They have membership in every organization, including Amateur Radio.
First there is Dic Tate who wants to run everything. Then we have Ro Tate, who is always trying to change everything.
Next comes Agi Tate, who stirs up trouble whenever possible, with his brother Irri Tate, who is always there with a wet blanket every time a new idea is suggested.
Hesi Tate and Vege Tate are there to say they can’t possible work but are more than willing to watch everyone else.
Imi Tate just wants to copy others and refuses to try anything new. Devas Tate loves to interrupt and shoot down everyone else’s ideas. Poten Tate wants to be the big shot. It’s a good thing we often have Facili Tate, Cogi Tate and Medi Tate, who save the day and get everyone pulling together…
The Link Trainer on display in the hangar. Come by to see it; you may get a ride in it if you’re lucky!
Welcome!
The museum would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new members and those of you who have returned to the fold. Boy, are we glad to see you! The museum has many opportunities for those of you who would like to get more involved. Some of the volunteer positions offer great learning opportunities. Our busiest time is in the spring and summer, therefore someone who has time during the week or week end to the museum would be much appreciated.
We could use part-time gift shop clerk, and someone to organize the volunteers (i.e.: a volunteer co-ordinator), There is also a need for a tour guide for school groups. The tours are booked in Winter 1997 page 8 advance and are irregular; the person would merely be called upon to do a tour when one is scheduled. We work around our volunteers’ schedules so it is nice to have 3 or 4 people we could rely on. Hopefully some volunteers would have time during the week to help out.
The office could use a manager, someone to work with the gift shop clerk to keep the office running smoothly. The position is not an onerous one. There are also volunteer jobs for the Airshows and other events we attend. Volunteers are needed to help Gogi with the routine work of washing aircraft and doing grunt work.
The library needs someone who is knowledgeable about aviation to help sort the collection and catalogue books. Eventually, the library will need a person to do data entry of our collection into a new database. The library’s collection of newsletters and other serial publications needs organizing.
If you are a secret writer, perhaps you would like to help with the newsletter, or if your secret desire was to be a reporter, we could use one for the newsletter too.
I hope this little hint from us gives you some ideas. The museum is a fun place to spend time so come on down. and visit. Margaret will be happy to answer any questions and match you with your perfect job. .