Grief for the Snowbirds

Dear Editor:

I have often watched the Snowbirds fly in exquisite formation as they perilously perform with perfect precision an exhibition of flawless flying that is second to none in the aviation world. They do it with old airplanes yet make them look like geese locked in manicured military mastery.

They make me proud to be a Canadian when I witness each pilot’s phenomenal individual skills as the team passes overhead proudly displaying our Canadian red and white colours, representing the very best of Canada.

It is with humility that I pay tribute to them in this time of tragedy, with perhaps a small right to do so as a former RCAF pilot instructor on the CT-114 airplane (the Snowbird airplane) in 1967-1969, over a half century ago. We have a few former Snowbird pilots retired in the Okanagan (I am not one of them). Thanks to all of you, and our present Snowbird team, for your great service to Canada. We are proud of you and your dedication to what makes our country a beacon of the hope of freedom in this troubled world.

Sometimes, words cannot express the sad, sorrowful feelings of the heart. Especially when one of our own goes down while trying to lift all of us up, such as in this time of pandemic for our nation. It is a crisis from which we all need to be lifted up. That is what the Snowbirds were trying to do for us in this modern jet age. I am confident that we all hope they will continue their 2020 tour. Canadians need a team that represents the great resiliency of our nation, a culture of determination to win against all odds.

Capt. Jenn Casey died this weekend on the Snowbird team. Albeit she was not a pilot, she was a vital member of the PR team, and she was a brave Canadian. She will be missed; our sincere appreciation for her service and a kind prayer of comfort for her family and loved ones.

Keep up the good work, Snowbirds. You restore pride in us and our country when you fly to the skill level that we all love and appreciate. R. Garry Rayner,

West Kelowna