Warbird Information Exchange

Hi there!
I am new to the forum (found it when I wasn't looking) and am thrilled with what I have seen so far, with much to still uncover.
I was reading the thread on the history of the CWH which I found fascinating as I saw most of the aircraft in their early state. In fact, I even remember seeing the Canso flying boats that Austin Airways used to run out of hangar #5 at Mount Hope!
The reason for this post is to see if anyone that reads this has any memories of Don and Bernie Curry. I started working with Don as a 15 year old airplane nut and went on to get my PPL because Don used to pay me with an hour of dual instruction (at Condor Aviation) for working on his planes. Bernie taught us about life, about fabric covering, and about corned beef on rye. God, her lunches were delicious!
I started with Don when he had the old fire hall rented at YHM and was with him when he moved to hangar #5. I even visited him and Bernie when they moved the operation (supposedly to retire) up to Collingwood. While with him (and the rest of the crew: Bob Small, Paul Cronkwright, Brian Harrington, Jim McDonald, Mike Hutchins, and others to be named later) we saw two Stearmans, one Tigermoth, two Harvards (one the T-6 that Dennis Bradley purchased) come in, and leave the shop.
I think of all of the people that I met through Don and Bernie, often, and would be interested in hearing from anyone that has similar memories.
Regards,
Jim Radix
Caledonia, Ontario
Canada.

Hello Jim, Welcome!

Hi Jim Welcome to WIX

I never knew Don but I had the pleasure of meeting Bernie on several occasions. I met her through Collingwood classic aircraft foundation and have had the honour of learning to fly tailwheel on the Fleet Canuck that she recovered.
She passed away about three years ago and I specifically remember the announcement one of our club members made regarding her passing. " ...I miss her already" was how the announcement ended.

Bernie was a real special person and I'm richer for having met her

Andy Scott

So glad to hear from you Andy.
It is the first that I have heard of Bernie's passing, although I had to admit that it was hard to imagine her still being with us.
She sent a quilt that she had made when my son was born (March 2002) so she was still handy up to that point at least. I spoke to her on the phone a couple of times over the years and she was still full of beans even then.
I remember staying with Don and Bernie at their house in Creemore. The house was built by Bernie and her first husband Bill. Knowing what I know about Bernie, it was more built by her than him!
I am sorry to hear of her loss, but you could not pack much more into a life than she did!
Thanks again for responding.
Jim