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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2007-09-26, Page 16Crossroads 16 Times -Advocate Wednesday, September 26, 2007 CentraliaAirport renamed to honour father By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF HURON PARK — An event at Goderich Aircraft Sunday afternoon gave the com- pany a chance to celebrate the present and honour the past as a dedication cer- emony was held to rename the airport for the company president's late father. Goderich Aircraft bought the Centralia Airport in April and have officially renamed it James T. Field Memorial Airport. A dedication service in Huron Park Sunday included speeches, entertain- ment, a Harvard aircraft fly -by and sky- divers. A ribbon was cut to officially mark the renaming of the airport, and a framed display was put out noting James Field's military career. Those on hand were also able to view the airplanes at Goderich Aircraft. With nearly 500 people in attendance, company president and co-owner Blaine Field noted Sunday marked 21 years and 28 days since the Field family learned their father James was killed after being lost in a thunderstorm over Lake Erie in a single-engine Cessna 210 Aug. 26, 1986. Blaine spoke of his father as a leader, someone who showed excellence in all he did. Marrying Sharon in 1962, James and his wife would have four children, Blaine, Cathy, Todd and Chris. James served eight years in the U.S. Air Force between 1962 and 1970, including time in Thailand and Vietnam, rising to the rank of master sergeant and working in maintenance support. Upon returning to Canada with his family, James started his own aviation business, Brant Aero in 1972. Noting they were poor at first, with James working two jobs, Blaine said times started to become financially better for In for a landing — Ross Forsyth of Burford drops in on the festivities Sunday afternoon in Huron Park. Goderich Aircraft officially renamed the Centralia Airport the James T. Field Memorial Airport to honour company president Blaine Field's late father. (photos/Scott Nixon) the family in the late 1970s, while Brant ents were able to enjoy life. Hard times Aero stabilized and grew and his par- hit the family in 1979 when Blaine's younger brother Todd was badly burned in an accident. In 1981, the recession began and money started to become tight again. In 1984, Sharon was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 39. She would suc- cumb to the disease the next year. Through it all, Blaine said his father remained strong. "The love between them was inspira- tional," he said, describing his father as generous, kind and quiet, but someone who could be the life of the party when he wanted to. Blaine said James always saw the good in people and didn't judge them. "Dad, you've guided me in my heart and in my mind for the last 21 years," Blaine said in dedicating the airport to his father. He thanked his staff, part- ners, friends and family for their sup- port. Blaine's sister and company vice-presi- dent Cathy Forsyth also spoke and said she believed her parents were looking down on Sunday's ceremonies. A friend of the family, Chris Starr, said he wanted to honour James, whom he described as "a very outstanding indi- vidual," someone who was humble and a loving and caring father. He said James spent most of his life in aviation and had the drive and vision to create his own business. Starr noted the renaming the airport will help James' name live on. Goderich Aircraft focuses on the refur- bishment and modification of regular commuter aircraft. The company started in Brantford as Phoenix Aviation, but moved its head office to Huron Park in 1999, changing the name to Goderich Aircraft. The com- pany still also operates out of Brantford and Burford. Goderich Aircraft employs 115 people and had $15 million in sales this year. Making it official — A ribbon cutting was held to officially rename the Centralia Airport.Top left, from left are co-owners Pawel Pach,Andy Orr, Cathy Forsyth,Terry Clarridge and Matt Crawford. Above, company president and co-owner Blaine Field, left, along with Crawford, hold a dis- play showing the U.S. Air Force career information for Field's later father, James T. Field.At left, Gary Brown of Oakville lands safely after sky- diving from 3,500 feet. ALBERT STREET DENTURE CLLNIC Denture Specialist Dean R. McTaggart D.D. •Complete and Partial Dentures •Denture Repairs with same day service •Relines •Additions Clinton Hours: Mon - Thur 9 am - 5 pm 50 Albert Street, Clinton 519-482-1195 NOW OPEN in Goderich Fridays 9 am - 3 pm 519-482-1195 at Goderich Dental Centre office of Dr. B. Swaminath, 169 Bayfield Rd.