Don Rogers

It is with great sadness that we inform you of another loss to the Avro Family:

Donald Howard Rogers born in Hamilton 26 November 1916 passed away at his home 16 July 2006. He has now passed on to the airfield in the stars.

Don started his flying career on Tiger Moths at the Hamilton Aero Club - he earned his licence in 1936. A little known fact is his wife June had actually gone for a flight in an aircraft before Don!

He was a flying instructor at Mount Hope during the early years of the War and in December 1941 he moved on to National Steel Car's aircraft division in Malton (the site which would later be taken over by Avro Canada). Don flew the Avro Jetliner and CF-100 while with Avro - he was one of the people who spent time with Howard Hughes at Culver City, Califorina from April until September 1952. After leaving Avro, Don joined DeHavilland as a Test Demonstration and Delivery Pilot.

He was awarded the Trans Canada McKee Trophy in 1983, in June 1998 he was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame and in December of 1998 was admitted as a fellow of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute.

I had the honour of being present at the service held on 27 Jul 06 at St. James Islington United Church (where Don had attended services for many years).

It was clear that Don touched the lives of many people there.  He was remembered as not only an aviation leader but as a loving husband to June for 66 years, father to Raymond, Stephen (deceased), and Constance, grandfather of Anthony, Kelly, Trevor, Catherine and Scott, and as an uncle and friend.  Brian Willer who’s father worked with Don at Avro, shared memories of Don as did one of Don’s nephews.  Memories of flights in a Lancaster, days at the cabin, home movies and time on the water sailing were among the things people will remember Don for.