Bearcats and things
 

Ten or twelve years ago a Canadian pilot posted intermittently on Jet Blast his reminiscences of a long and eventful life in aviation. I remember reading through tears of laughter his very detailed and descriptive dry sense of humour, recalling tales of crop-dusting/spraying/water-bombing (my memory's not that good now!) in converted warbirds such as the Bearcat and Avenger. I got the impression that these postings were prompted by his having been diagnosed with what he referred to as the "Big C", which I assumed was cancer.

Does anyone out there know what became of this superb storyteller (and aviator, obviously). I'm sure there's much more to tell, was his life storey ever published?

I would love to see it passed on to the whole new generation of pilots who've started their careers since then and have never known any flying other than straight-and-level with passengers.

I suspect that you are refering to a gentleman that posted under the handle Duke Elegant. Les made his final flight 8 years ago last month. Lots of his stories reside over on AvCanada

Yes,

You will find some of his stories here:
AVCANADA; View topic - TALES OF A WAYWARD AVIATOR

Thanks for the prompt responses gents, I've just re-read the first couple of stories ... and they are at least as good as I remember. Apologies to the Duke's memory for calling him Canadian, and to any who feel I should for confusing a Bearcat with the Avenger (in name only).

You don't necessarily have to be born in Canada to be a Canadian. When it comes to pilots, they don't get much more "Canadian" than Les and his contribution to aviation in Canada was significant in its own way. I still miss his stories.

My last trip through LHR the Custom's officer said "welcome home". I hadn't a clue what he was on about! It wasn't until I was picking up my rental car that it suddenly dawned on me....my Canadian passport accurately lists my place of birth as UK, so yes I was "coming home"..........but, I consider myself as very much a Canadian and wouldn't characterize myself any other way. Perhaps part of the mindset of living in a part of the world that is predominated by folks that are originally from away (with all due respect to our First Nations friends and neighbours) :)

Even their ancestors came from somewhere else. The only true natives in Canada are the bears and the beavers. ;)