That
evening there was a dinner at the local community centre
and it was excellent. More speeches, including one by
author Bill Zuk and one titled "My Grandfather,
My Hero" by (obviously) Zura's grand daughter were
well received. Following this there was music and dancing
by, appropriately, the Spitfire Band who played the big
band and swing music of 1930s adn 1940s. To watch people
of this vintage, such as Anna Zurakowski (Zura did not
attend the evening events) and Don and June Rogers (Avro's
Chief Test Pilot) carve their own aerobatics across the
dance floor really makes one wonder if culture has advanced
or done the opposite!
During this period aficionados
were able to view the displays of the Zurakowski Park
people, speak to Bill Zuk on his upcoming biography
of Zura, Scott McArthur of Arrow Recovery Canada, myself
and one other author who was present. It was also quite
moving to see the elation and relief of some of the
aging Avroites to see that some of us are finally promoting
what they (and I) feel is the true story of Avro Canada,
the "politics of abdication" included.
Personally, I felt priviledged
to be there. I only hope that Zura doesn't get wind
of the fact that I gave his bride a kiss and told her
that she was doing a wonderful job taking care of a
magnificent man! I would not want this intrepid warrior
gunning for me!
Randall Whitcomb
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