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Family, friends and Canada’s aviation community gathered in Saskatoon on Saturday to honour Flight Lieutenant Reginald Wilfred “Crash” Harrison, the decorated Second World War pilot whose humility, warmth and resilience left an enduring mark on generations.
Harrison died Nov. 20 at the age of 103. His funeral and celebration of life were held Dec. 6, bringing together relatives, Snowbirds, veterans and civic leaders to remember the last surviving member of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s wartime 431 Squadron.
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According to Bomber Command Museum of Canada Archives, Harrison was born in Pheasant Forks and grew up on several farms near Lorile.
For his service he was awarded the 1939-1945 Star Medal, the Aircrew Europe Star and Clasp, the Defence Medal 1939-1945, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, and the Bomber Command Bar. In 2016, he received the French National Order of the Legion of Honour and in 2022 he received the Queen
Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.
‘He stood larger than life’
Harrison’s grandson, Alex Harrison Lever, delivered the family’s eulogy, saying no speech could fully capture the influence his grandfather had on the people who knew him.
“Although not great in stature, to me he always stood larger than life,” Alex said. “Grandpa embodied every positive trait that role signifies.”
He described Harrison’s rare ability to make every person feel truly heard.
“He offered his genuinely undivided focus,” he said. “Each of us who knew him knew him in our own personal way.”
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren shared memories of a man who remained energetic, curious and engaged well into his 90s. They remembered conversations at the kitchen table, his interest in their lives and the joy he expressed when meeting new generations of the family.
Harrison’s daughters — Susan, Marion and Laurie — reflected on a father who taught compassion, acceptance and resilience.
“Growing up with him as a father was to feel loved, cared for, protected and encouraged,” they wrote. “He lived the values he taught us.”
They also spoke of his wit, his love of education and his lifelong tradition of sending carefully chosen cards for every occasion.
Aviation community pays tribute
Brian Swidrovich, who worked closely with Harrison for decades through community air events, said it was impossible not to feel inspired in his presence.
“It was impossible to say no when you were sitting in front of people like Reg,” Swidrovich said. “He embodied the spirit of a kind and gentle soul.”
He recalled the joy Harrison expressed when flying in a Second World War-era B-25 bomber and, decades later, when he took to the skies in an open-cockpit Tiger Moth at age 100.
Filmmaker Anthony Towstego, who documented Harrison’s wartime memories for over 25 years, also shared a message.
“Whenever I asked Reg for an interview, he always opened up, sharing his most treasured and sometimes painful memories straight from the heart,” ToStego wrote.
Snowbirds honour their last Second World War predecessor
The modern 431 Squadron, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, offered an emotional tribute, noting that Harrison represented the final living chapter of the squadron’s wartime origins.
Lt.-Col. Gaëtan Paquette, the Snowbirds’ commanding officer, spoke of Harrison’s lasting influence.
“Although that chapter has closed, his spirit, his bravery and his humanity will continue to live on every single time the Canadian Forces Snowbirds launch into the skies.”
Paquette said Harrison’s humility defined him as much as his wartime heroism.
“Reg’s wings have earned a rest, but his legacy will continue to fly as long as 431 Squadron continues to exist,” he said. “Reg may have taken his final flight, but his memory and spirit will never be forgotten. Crash, my wingman, rest in peace. We now have the watch.”
Following Paquette’s remarks, Mauryse ‘Maurie’ Carmichael, former commanding officer of the Snowbirds, spoke on behalf of the Snowbirds Alumni Association, joined by Lt.-Col. (Ret.) Denis Bandet.
Carmichael recalled meeting Harrison during the squadron’s 70th anniversary and said he reminded modern aircrew that the giants who built their history were honest, humble people.
“Their courage shaped the path we continue to walk,” she said. “Those of us who have worn the 431 Squadron badge know we stand on the shoulders of giants.”
She said the Snowbirds’ values of teamwork, excellence and resilience were forged long before the team existed.
“His legacy lives on in every 431 Squadron aircraft that takes off into the sky,” Carmichael said. “Flight Lieutenant Harrison, airman, leader and honorary Snowbird, thank you for showing us the way. We will never forget.”
A legacy that will continue to soar
Harrison’s wartime service included 19 missions over occupied Europe, participation in the D-Day operations and survival of four plane crashes, earning him the nickname “Crash.” He was a member of both the Guinea Pig Club and the Caterpillar Club, symbols of endurance and sacrifice.
Speakers emphasized that despite his remarkable service, Harrison rarely spoke of himself as a hero.
“You can be a war hero and still come home to grow roses, you can engage with the darkest parts of life and still be moments away from a joke or wry smile,” his grandson Graham wrote.
Harrison is survived by his daughters, his sister, Sylvia Acton, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his extended family.
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