Abbotsford Airshow
The Museum was once again a participant at the Abbotsford Airshow, 5 - 7 August. The 'Sold Out' signs and scorching weather brought back memories of past airshows. The Museum sales tent did a roaring business throughout. The Museum's flying collection was represented by the Fleet Canuck and the SE5a. On display was the non-flying Sopwith Camel - and a replica all-metal biplane for photo ops.
Sheila and Brenda ensure the sales tent is set up before the onslaught of buyers.
The 'green machine' was a favorite for photo ops for young and older...
The Museum's Sopwith Camel on display with contrasting generations of fighters in the background -
the RCAF Hornet simulator (right) and the F-35 from the Netherlands (left).
The Airshow crew who endured heat, thirst and noise can still make a smile
as all displays are packed away.
Remembering Ken Smith
Ken was a longtime supporter of the Museum and, over the years, especially during the first decade of the 2000s, he attended many of the Museum’s events (dinners, fundraisers, Member fly days, etc.). His enthusiasm for aviation and the Museum was heartfelt and genuine.
The photo of Ken was taken in 2004 on the occasion of a Museum formation flight that took place over Fort Langley for the May Day parade. Ken lived in Fort Langley at the time, so he was thrilled with the opportunity to fly for that event. Pilot, Bill Findlay recalls that he was honoured to have Ken join him in the Fleet Finch for that flight.
Pilot, Bill Findlay with Ken in 2004.
From the Langley Advance Times:
On July 22nd, 2022 we had to say goodbye to our beloved Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad and friend, Ken Smith.
Ken was born in Maidstone, England. After serving with the R.A.F during WWII, he immigrated to Canada in 1947, where he met and married his soulmate, Pam. He lived an exemplary life, full of love and laughter, and everyone who knew him fell for his charm and great sense of humour.
Ken was a proud Canadian who also loved his British heritage. He was honoured every year at Remembrance Day ceremonies, and although he didn’t like to talk about the war years, we are all very proud of his belief in service. Ken was a valued volunteer for almost 20 organizations such as Fort Langley as Mr. Yale, the Air Museum as a former pilot, the Scouts of Canada, the town of Langley, and many more civic groups and organizations. He was also a popular presenter in elementary schools as Mr. Yale, a War Veteran and even Santa Claus.
Ken was always one for adventure and great experiences. From moving the whole family to Malaysia where they embraced the culture and foods to hot air ballooning at 70, skydiving at 80 AND 90, to taking advantage of every opportunity to learn or experience something new – like beer pong at a family wedding! Ken’s passion for travel and adventure is a legacy he passes on to his family.
Ken loved music – old, recorded, and live. He and Pam loved to dance, and he still enjoyed cutting a rug at Christmas and New Year’s parties. Ken’s wit and sense of humour always shone through. He loved watching people and enjoyed sharing stories with the young and old.
The family takes comfort in knowing he didn’t suffer long after almost 98 years of independence. He loved his family and friends and thoroughly enjoyed every day. He always said, “I am a lucky man.”
He is predeceased by his wife Pam and his daughter Joan (Bruno). Survived by sons Ken (Cathi), Ted (Nadine) and Tom (Anne), grandchildren, Jason, Jenn, Brandon, Alana, Mitchell, Caitie, Cody, Scott, and his great-grandchildren Jesse, Ellie, Vivi, and Tom.
Forever, we will drink a toast to our beloved Dad, Grandad, and Great-Grandad at every family gathering as we know he will be there in spirit. But the best part is, he will enjoy a drink with Pam and Joan as they watch over us.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Museum of Flight where Ken enjoyed volunteering.
Canada Day, July 1
On Canada Day, the Museum unveiled a new display called “Aviation and the Crown – A Flight through History.” As we are an aviation museum, it seemed natural for us to explore the ways in which aviation has supported Queen Elizabeth as she connects with Canadians. As aviation has evolved, royal tours have been able to evolve as well, making it less taxing for the Queen to cross our vast country, and making it possible for her to include smaller and more remote communities on he visits. Particularly northern communities.
Unveiling the display panels.
The warm sunny weather made viewing the aircraft on display a pleasure.
The 'junior' crowd chose aircraft more fitting for their age...
The Canadian Museum of Flight takes particular pride in making it possible for all segments of our community to have an enjoyable and educational outing. In this instance, we are most pleased to recognize the support of Heritage Canada towards making that feasible.
The 'green machine' was a favorite for photo ops for young and older...
The photo of Ken was taken in 2004 on the occasion of a Museum formation flight that took place over Fort Langley for the May Day parade. Ken lived in Fort Langley at the time, so he was thrilled with the opportunity to fly for that event. Pilot, Bill Findlay recalls that he was honoured to have Ken join him in the Fleet Finch for that flight.
Ken was born in Maidstone, England. After serving with the R.A.F during WWII, he immigrated to Canada in 1947, where he met and married his soulmate, Pam. He lived an exemplary life, full of love and laughter, and everyone who knew him fell for his charm and great sense of humour.
Ken was a proud Canadian who also loved his British heritage. He was honoured every year at Remembrance Day ceremonies, and although he didn’t like to talk about the war years, we are all very proud of his belief in service. Ken was a valued volunteer for almost 20 organizations such as Fort Langley as Mr. Yale, the Air Museum as a former pilot, the Scouts of Canada, the town of Langley, and many more civic groups and organizations. He was also a popular presenter in elementary schools as Mr. Yale, a War Veteran and even Santa Claus.
Ken was always one for adventure and great experiences. From moving the whole family to Malaysia where they embraced the culture and foods to hot air ballooning at 70, skydiving at 80 AND 90, to taking advantage of every opportunity to learn or experience something new – like beer pong at a family wedding! Ken’s passion for travel and adventure is a legacy he passes on to his family.
Ken loved music – old, recorded, and live. He and Pam loved to dance, and he still enjoyed cutting a rug at Christmas and New Year’s parties. Ken’s wit and sense of humour always shone through. He loved watching people and enjoyed sharing stories with the young and old.
The family takes comfort in knowing he didn’t suffer long after almost 98 years of independence. He loved his family and friends and thoroughly enjoyed every day. He always said, “I am a lucky man.”
He is predeceased by his wife Pam and his daughter Joan (Bruno). Survived by sons Ken (Cathi), Ted (Nadine) and Tom (Anne), grandchildren, Jason, Jenn, Brandon, Alana, Mitchell, Caitie, Cody, Scott, and his great-grandchildren Jesse, Ellie, Vivi, and Tom.
Forever, we will drink a toast to our beloved Dad, Grandad, and Great-Grandad at every family gathering as we know he will be there in spirit. But the best part is, he will enjoy a drink with Pam and Joan as they watch over us.
Canada Day, July 1
Unveiling the display panels.
George Miller
Longtime Langley pilot, George Miller, hung up his helmet after 68 years at the controls of an aircraft. The 87-year-old Miller ended his career by flying across the country to the Chatham, New Brunswick airport in his Ryan Navion.
May 23, Victoria Day
Annual General Meeting
Tour Guides/Docents
Robert Gillcash has stuck up his hand to be our lead tour guide/docent for our general public tours. Thank you, Robert!
Robert says: “I have taken on the role of Lead Tour Guide and the first step I am doing is recruiting a lot of tour guides. Giving tours is a lot of fun, I really enjoy meeting our guests, talking to them, and even helping them learn a lot about our airplanes and how they work.
If you are even slightly interested in doing this, please contact either myself or Bruce Friesen, at the museum.
In addition to recruiting volunteers, I will also be arranging instructions, so you'll know what to say and show along the route. Finally, I'll be arranging schedules for the Tour Guides, so that we have a good amount of guides available on weekends and for private tours. Please give some serious thought to helping our wonderful little museum grow to its fullest potential.”
Please do!
Remembering Rose Zalesky
With profound sadness, the Directors and Members of the Canadian Museum of Flight Association note the passing of Rose Zalesky.
Rose holds a special place in our hearts as her character and commitment were fundamental to the success of our venture. In the 1970s, Rose, along with her late husband Ed Zalesky and three others, had the vision to protect and preserve our aviation heritage. And the organizational skills to collect and document most of what we now so proudly present to the public.
Rose invested many thousands of hours in the administration and management of our collections and of our organization. The evidence of her huge contribution of time, energy and skill resides in our corporate records. In our archives is an immense body of correspondence between Rose and donors, buyers, sellers and CMFT (as it was then) members. Each communication was personal, personable, positive, constructive and professional.
At this time of reflection, each of us is keenly aware that we are standing on the broad and strong foundation to which Rose contributed so much, as we strive to do our bit towards Rose’s passion: “Bringing British Columbia’s aviation past into the future.”
Remembering Rose Zalesky
Press
Restoration News
Donations of old photographs
Unfortunately, sometimes the person leaves before contact information is gathered and we have no way of tracing the story behind the photos.
The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP)
