JAMES (JIM)
RUSSELL PUGH
CAVU is an acronym used by aviators. It means
‘Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited’ – ideal flying conditions.
James Russell Pugh was an aviator. He flew
the hottest fighters at the beginning of the Cold War; the trickiest
helicopters; lumbering transports; and docile and unforgiving trainers – 138
aircraft types in all during a 35 year military career and later as a civilian
instructor.
He investigated aircraft accidents in
hopes of preventing the same events from happening to other pilots. He flew
chilled organs across Canada in a jet for a life-saving transplant. He trained
American helicopter pilots in Nap of the Earth flying techniques for survival
in Vietnam.
Out of the cockpit, Jim Pugh loved his
family, camping, travelling (83 trips), socializing, building and flying model
aircraft, and was extraordinarily well read and informed. He was a natural
mechanic, from his first flame-spewing Model A to his beloved Cadillac – every
weekend he could be found in the garage with tools and a smile. He passed this
knowledge on to his son, grandson, and son-in-law.
Squadron Leader (Ret.) Pugh’s final flight
occurred on June 8, 2014, after a recurrence of debilitating cancer and almost
two months in hospital. He died peacefully at 82 in his new Winnipeg home,
attended by Helen, his wife of 58 years. Jim’s memory lives on with his son
Jeff; daughter Virginia; grandchildren Brennan, Charlsey, and Valerie; son in
law Gerald; and former daughter in law Rebecca.
A private family gathering will be held at
Rushing River Provincial Park.
In lieu of flowers, cards, or gifts, a
donation to the Canadian Cancer Society of Manitoba would be appreciated by the
family.
Wojcik’s
Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
204.897.4665, is in care of arrangements - wojciksfuneralchapel.com
The skies are CAVU, Squadron Leader. You are cleared for
take-off.
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 – 897 - 4665
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
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