I was born in Winnipeg, Mb the oldest of five children, moving shortly thereafter to a farm in Saskatchewan. In 1959 our mother passed away so dad moved us all to Regina where I finished my public schooling and started high school. In 1962 we moved to Moose Jaw where I completed my high school and left immediately for Centralia, ON to start my training in the RCAF. This did not last very long and upon returning to Moose Jaw driving truck. I met and married my wife (Donna) and I applied to Transport Canada to work in Air Traffic Services. In 1968 I started my training and over the years worked in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, NWT and Nunavut. During the years moving around the country (we were only allowed to work in one location for 2-3 years at that time) we had three daughters (two of which are still in the military). Moving around so much gave us an appreciation for the vastness and beauty of this country. For the most part the people are exceptional and willing to help at the drop of a hat. A person could not ask for anything more.
I have not been a member of the RCAF Association for as long as most members of the council, but I have learned a lot from the distinguished members that have come before me. At the wing level I have held the position of Vice-President, President, Transport Chair and currently hold the fundraising chair position for the last number of years. I have held at the Group level Vice-President and President (NOW Chairperson) four terms. On the National level I have held the position of Director and a member of the honors and Awards committee and currently the Air CADET Liaison Director. The members that I have met from across the country were outstanding and a credit to their respective wings. I would like to get the Members-at-Large more involved within the association. They are ALL members, and their voices should be heard. I also have held various positions with the Royal Cadian Legion and Lions Clubs International.
My military career has varied over the years starting with the Air Cadet Program. This program, the whole cadet program, is the best that I have ever seen. During my cadet years I had the privilege of going across Canada and parts of the United States seeing things I never would have seen otherwise. I aged out in 1964 as a WO2 but did not get my wings as I would have liked. I joined the RCAF in 1965 but did not last very long and joined Transport Canada/Nav Canada as an Air Traffic Specialist which I held until 2004 when I retired accident free. In 1970 I joined the Cadet program as an officer and worked in various locations in Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. I also aged out in 2004 at the rank of Major which I never would have obtained had it not been for my colleagues, family and members of the organization. After retirement I continued with the program as a Civilian Instructor and work both the corps level and as Summer Camp Supervisor for the Air Cadet Power Pilot Training program. My time with the Sask Militia District (1995-1996) was also great as a transport and a finance officer for the SYEP program.
