HAROLD (HAL) ALEXANDER WISHART, CD

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HAROLD (HAL) ALEXANDER WISHART, CD April 26, 1920 - August 15, 2011 On August 15, 2011 an officer and a gentleman quietly passed on at Deer Lodge after a full and interesting life. Hal is survived by two daughters, Dayle Dutkowski of Edmonton and Lesley Oas of Vancouver, three grandsons and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves his long time companion, Marjorie McLeod of Winnipeg as well as her children and grandchildren. Hal was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Maude, sister Marjorie Harper and brother Cecil. Joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940, Hal became a pilot and was assigned to the Home War Establishment to protect the east coast of Canada out of Nova Scotia and then Newfoundland. Hal learned to fly on a Fleet Finch with skis, and frequently laughed about the challenges of coming to a halt when landing on snow. Hal's extraordinary tale of his crew's plane crash and survival through a six day blizzard in the wilderness of Newfoundland, was the stuff of legends; he shared a glimpse of what the crew experienced in the middle of nowhere with few resources and no modern technology to assure them of rescue. Incorrectly informed that Hudson 768 had exploded in the harbour, Gander Station shut down for the remainder of the blizzard, adding to the flight crew's danger and delaying a search. After leaving the RCAF, Hal became Winnipeg Branch Manager for Travelers Insurance Company and ended his career in financial services with Royal Trust in 1986. Hal spent many years with the Kiwanis Club (President 1972) and the RCAF Benevolent Fund (Chairman of the Board 1996) where he advocated for veterans and their families in need of support. Hal also served as the Chairman and Vice-chairman of the Commonwealth Wartime Aircrew Reunions; a series of six events over three decades that brought thousands of veterans together in Portage La Prairie. He was continuously involved with the Wartime Pilots and Observers Association since 1946, spending many of those years as President. Hal served as the first Honorary Colonel at 3 CFFTS at Portage La Prairie and held the position for twelve years before retiring in August 2006. Hal brought a link to the history of the Air Force, the esprit de corps, and fascinating stories of flying during the war. To this day 3 CFFTS Portage hands out the Hal Wishart Trophy at every Multi-Engine Wings Parade: a fitting symbol for the man who did so much for others in his long service to the military community. Articulate and well-read, politically and philosophically astute, Hal was always ready with a quip or a story, and provided keen insight into current events of the day. At all times open to new adventures, Hal travelled widely, visiting Africa, Cuba, Mexico, England, Dominican Republic, Tunisia, Morocco, and Scotland. He took up painting after retirement, meticulously planned his summer gardens, and enjoyed music and singing. Many thanks to the staff at Deer Lodge who cared for Hal in the final months of his life. A special thank you is extended to Dan Edgar whose friendship and letters Hal truly enjoyed. On Monday, August 22, 2011, a celebration of Hal's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Anavets Assiniboia Unit #283, 3584 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations in Hal's memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0V9.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2011