Max Ward

Born Nov. 22, 1921, in Edmonton

Occupation: Founder of Wardair, bush pilot

Contribution: Max Ward transformed a bush pilot operation in Yellowknife into a world-class charter airline and scheduled service provider reputed for its top-drawer inflight service and state-of-the art aircraft. Started in 1946, incorporated in 1953 and renamed Wardair Canada Ltd. in 1961, the airline commenced overseas charters in 1962. In 1985, it became a scheduled carrier. In 1989, as Wardair was vying to become Canada’s third major scheduled carrier, Ward, saying government regulations forced his hand, sold to Canadian Airlines International for $250 million. He was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame and received the Order of Canada for providing air links between Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Ward, a pioneer in coldweather operations, decided at 80 to stop flying.

Quote: “The marketplace has changed ... People want barebones transportation now. They don’t want to pay for the extras we used to offer.”