Ken Beanlands, Thank You.

By this time, I am sure that you all heard about Ken’s decisions to stop flying and building new airplanes as well as stepping down as an editor for CRUFC Skywriter. You all know the reasons behind Ken’s respectful decisions: the unfortunate mid-air collision that he suffered on February 1 st as well as other issues he described in the March Skywriter.

The aftermath of the air collision left Ken’s Christavia MK 1, C-GREN, damaged beyond possible restoration, in addition to seriously injuring Ken’s left leg. The Christavia’s very solid and well-built cage structure no doubt, saved Ken’s life. Ken’s left leg is recovering and we all wish him to start jumping on both legs sooner than later.

My untold story with Ken started with the first Skywriter I received in December 2013. It was my first time heard about Ken. When I found the ad “Beanlands Aviation Ltd., Portable Aircraft Maintenance Shop”, I thought about the phrase “Portable Aircraft Maintenance Shop” and said, “this guy is smart”. To fly where your clients are, hits a few birds with one stone: you fly, you provide your customer with convenient service where they are, and you advertise your business by yourself when presented at your clients place (Ed. note: I didn’t “fly” to the customer sites very often… I couldn’t find a trailer hitch that would fit the Christavia. Granted, I now have a picture in my mind of DC-3’s hauling gliders full of troops in WWII… I’m sure I could have rigged something similar up with Chrissy!). I put Ken’s name on my list of people to know.

Ken’s sense of humor is unmistakably presented in every discussion. He didn’t lose it even during his mishap. In commenting on his crash after the air collision, he said he was “naked and a blind in Edmonton” because of his missing glasses and cut up clothes.

During all interactions with Ken, I found he always gives his detailed, candid opinion on any question you ask him. In a few cases when I did ask him about his opinion, he was very thorough, logical in his way of thinking as well presenting the other opinions related to the subject matter.

Ken; I will miss your email reminder, prompting me to write the “From the Cockpit” column week before the Skywriter publication due date. I got into the habit of waiting for the reminder before I start writing it.

Over the last ten years, Ken has put more time and effort into the club than many of our members. Therefore, the CRUFC officers are pleased to present Ken a lifetime membership for his devotion and tireless contribution to the club activities. In addition, a certificate of appreciation will be presented to Ken for his contribution and accomplishment as an editor of the Skywriter.