Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame
Profile of Members
Harold Anthony Oaks
Nickname: "Doc" Oaks
Birthdate: November 12, 1896
Birth Place: Hespeler, Ontario
Year Inducted: 1974
Death Date: July 21, 1968
Awards: DFC
"The professional daring of his aerial expeditions into uncharted regions, led others of his breed to colonize the unknown north and bring outstanding benefits to Canadian aviation."
Harold Oaks was one of the first pilot/geologists who foresaw the great economic potential of the Canadian Shield. It was also his vision of low cost air transport which persuaded financier James Richardson to form the first of Canada's major airline services. Western Canada Airways was formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to accommodate his goal of low cost transportation of people and equipment over vast wilderness distances. In 1926, he designed and built the first portable nose hangar, now used universally by bush flying operators to service aircraft engines outdoors in severe temperatures.
Marion Alice Orr
Birthdate: June 25, 1918
Birth Place: Toronto, Ontario
Year Inducted: 1982
Death Date: April 4, 1995
Awards: CM
"Her firm dedication to aviation from youth, her ability to impart knowledge and encouragement to students and her determination to succeed, have all been of benefit to Canadian aviation."
Marion Orr began her flying career with the Air Transport Auxiliary where she ferried military single and twin-engine aircraft within the British Isles. After the war, she became a pioneer in women's aviation as she performed many 'firsts'. During her career as an aviator, she became the first woman to operate the St. Catherines Flying Club and Aero Activities Limited, both in Ontario. Orr was also the first woman to fly and instruct with helicopters and later became the first woman to participate in bush flying. Back problems shortened her career, but she still amassed over 21,000 hours as a pilot. Amazingly, over 17,000 of these hours were in the role of instructor on single and twin engine aircraft, on wheels, skis and floats, and in helicopters.© Copyright in the portrait drawings of the honoured members of the Aviation Hall of Fame, which were prepared by Mrs. I. Coucill are the property of Mrs. Coucill.