Stocky's in the “Hall”

Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame announced its four inductees for 2013 and included in the list is Wing Commander James Francis “Stocky” Edwards, for whom our Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk is dedicated. We congratulate Stocky for this high honour and the Hall of Fame induction committee for this excellent choice. Edwards is a renowned and decorated wartime RCAF fighter pilot and combat leader. He is known for his prowess with the P-40 Kittyhawk as part of the Desert Air Force during WWII Allied operations in North Africa. Until his retirement, Edwards provided important command experience to the RCAF/CAF and today continues his role as an inspirational leader for young people. Edwards was named to the Order of Canada in 2004.

Recently, at our 2012 Members Gala, Vintage Wings of Canada gave an equal honour to Stocky, when we raised a 5 foot by 13 foot banner in his honour in our pantheon of Canadian aviation heroes at our facility in Gatineau, Quebec.

Also inducted with Stocky were three others – all builders of Canada's aviation heritage. They are:

Victor R. Bennett’s long career in aviation has seen his active involvement with a host of organizations, spanning business, professional and heritage sectors. His background in the RCAF Reserve, education in law, exemplary leadership skills, business acumen and entrepreneurial talent, have seen him reach the top of his field in providing FBO, repair, overhaul, completion and refurbishing services to customers worldwide, as chief executive at Innotech Aviation. 

Joseph Fernand “Frank” Henley established his career at the RCAF, and also bush flying. Henley held executive positions at Maritime Central Airways (MCA), Nordair and Hydro Quebec, where he masterminded immense logistical effort to transport heavy equipment, supplies and personnel to the James Bay hydro project via air. In doing so, he pioneered the use of ice runways for the delivery of heavy loads by air. Henley was named to the Order of Canada in 2003.

John Sandford, former president of de Havilland Canada, was its chief executive during the company’s tumultuous period as a crown corporation. During this time he launched a new generation of regional airliners that saved the company from collapse. His legacy can be seen in the more than 1,000 Dash 8 aircraft used by airlines around the world.

Dave O'Malley