Ed Rae Fun Fly

Ed Rae Memorial Fun Fly

2025 Ed Rae Memorial Fun Fly

More info to come.

Rain date: 2025-06-08

Who was Ed Rae?


Ed Rae joined the Air Force in 1943 when he was 18 years old. He was a rear gunner on a Halifax aircraft. He was shot down near the end of the war and became a prisoner of war in Barth Germany. When he was released after the war, he came home and became a draftsman at Rockcliffe Air Base. He later worked as a Production Artist for the Department of Foreign Affairs where he was discovered by Alan Beddoe (a local heraldry expert) to be a part of a group of people to transcribe names of fallen soldiers that had died during WW11, into the Book of Remembrance located in the Peace Tower at Parliament Hill. He later became quite active with a group called the International Group of Prisoners of War. He put out a semi-annual newsletter and attended many reunions. Unfortunately, both he and his wife (Irene Rae) died in a car accident on October 27, 2001.

Ed Rae was really active in the Stetson Flyers. He was responsible for producing signage for the club, whenever asked. He would never say no. That was large signs for displays , for small shows or displays at the museum. He was our first contractor, for cutting the grass at the field. We had to insist on pay for work performed. Ed was always available to help. Rarely he missed a meeting. His career, he was a graphics designer. Would never take money for any signs that he produced for the club. He was on the Canadian MAAC Nationals committee in 1987. For this major event he provided his services the event logo, signs, poster, crests, pins, trophies (something like 125 trophies). He was a very generous man and our friend.

2024 Ed Rae Fun Fly Event Report

Event Date

It was an unseasonably cool and blustery morning, although a much better upgrade from the weather a week before. As I arrived at the field with my cup of Timmie’s in hand, I saw our stalwart, ever-present president already at our field and getting things set up.

As we discussed the sub-optimal weather conditions, the wind was blowing steadily from the north, the sky was a solid grey, and the  temperature was around the 13° mark (REALLY glad I brought my Kenora dinner jacket and a windbreaker) and we were wondering what the attendance was going to be like.

As the morning progressed, the parking lot quickly filled up and at 9:00, Pierre led the pilot’s meeting, the usual rules as per MAAC and such. After that we held a brief memorial ceremony for our friends no longer with us, Sue MacDonald, Jim Denyer and Jason Hlaing. A quick word from Mike Lalonde about the spot landing contest and from yours truly and we were on our way. 

Category

2023 Ed Rae Memorial Fun Fly Event Report

Event Date

June 4th, 2023 - Ed Rae Memorial Fun Fly

The event was held on Sunday, June 4th, due to quite breezy conditions on Saturday.  We wish to thank the twenty-two pilots who registered plus guests and spectators who attended. In total, we had 40 people.

The event was held on Sunday, June 4th, due to quite breezy conditions on Saturday.  We wish to thank the twenty-two pilots who registered plus guests and spectators who attended. In total, we had 40 people.

Click on the links below to view photos from the event:

This year’s event catered to a special request from Mrs. Ann Brown, widowed wife of Jim Brown, a former Stetson member who passed away earlier this year. She spread some of Jim’s ashes on the runway, then gave an emotional eulogy, which described Jim’s passion for RC Modeling. All who were present could relate to Jim’s feelings about the hobby and the relationships he enjoyed with this great community. After a moment of silence to reflect on the dearly departed, the club offered Ann a bouquet of flowers as a memento for this day.

Category

2022 Ed Rae Fun Fly Event Report

Event Date

June 4-5, 2022 was the annual Stetson Ed Rae memorial Fun Fly Event!

After a fine but breezy day for Saturday, Sunday was significantly better!

This weekend (4-5 June) was the Ed Rae Memorial Fun Fly, our first major event since 2019! Nineteen pilots defied the brisk winds and cool temperatures on Saturday and eleven more signed up on Sunday, when the weather was a bit more suitable for relaxed flying. Most people agreed that it was a great opportunity to socialize and get back together after two years of cancelled event. Many thanks to our cooks and food handlers, Debbie, Pauline, Alain and Jim, and to our ever hard working President Daniel. Enjoy the pictures!

Pierre Coulombe
 

Category
FLYING FIELD ADDRESS

5800 Frontier Road, 
Vars, ON, Canada
 

Google Maps Link

 

MAILING ADDRESS:

Stetson Flyers Model Airplane Club 
PO Box 91542 RPO Mer Bleu 
Orleans, ON, K1W 0A6 
613-518-4463
contact@stetsonflyers.com