Farewell
John Gillespie Magee, Jr. (9 June 1922 – 11 December 1941) was an Anglo-American aviator made famous for his poem High Flight. Magee served in the Royal Canadian Air Force which he joined before the United States entered the war. He died in a mid-air collision over Lincolnshire in 1941. The original manuscript copy of High Flight is in the United States Library of Congress.
High Flight
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
– Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
Louis F. P. Trevisan passed away in Thousand Oaks, California on June 13th 2018 at the age of 95. He was born in Trail British Columbia, Canada to Peter and Emma Trevisan. Louis skied, played soccer, hockey and was an avid swimmer. In 1942 -1946 he served in the RCAF, in Canada and England. Upon his return to Canada he joined the Trail City Police force and was the last surviving member. In 1950 he served in the B. C. Provincial Police force as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Grant Papineau of 879 (Earl MacLeod) Wing in Chilliwack passed away on May 13th, 2017. Grant, a former RCAF Firefighter, served the RCAF Association for 37 years.
David Deal Barrett, Chilliwack BC (Pictured here going flying on November 11th, 2016 with the "Fraser Blues")
David was a WWII Pilot, Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather; he left us on March 6th, 2017 at 5:30 PM at Chilliwack Hospital. By his bedside was his wife of 72 years, Lillian, son Bob and daughter-in-law Joanne. Most of his 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren were up to visit him before his quick and unexpected demise. His daughter Jeri unfortunately was down south at the time, but was able to say “I love you” by phone, shortly before his eyes closed. He will be greatly missed by all his many friends and family. His daughter Carolyn who predeceased him a year ago February will be waiting to greet him at his new home. One of his last words were “I think my wheels are leaving the ground.” Dave was a long time member of 879 (Earl MacLeod) Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association and Branch 280 of the Royal Canadian Legion.
