Paisley

Thank you for taking this nice picture of our family at Bruce Park on Remembrance Day.  It was a pretty special day. We have come every year with Dad since he moved back to Wpg in 2000.  Recently Dad was diagnosed with ALS.  He came out of the hospital in order not to miss the parade this year.  As we stood watching the ceremony, his son Alan, and his grandson Jared tapped him on the shoulder.  They surprised all of us by coming in from Vancouver and Utah, respectively. It was a great Remembrance Day for us this year.

My Dad’s name is Herbert James (Bert) Paisley.  WAG WO1 (Rtd) Paisley attended #3 Wireless School in Winnipeg and served with RCAF from August 1942 to September 1945.  He was assigned to #419 “Moose” Squadron and was stationed at Middleton, St. George, England.  He was the Wireless Operator on Lancaster #823, also named “Lily Marlene”.  After the war, Dad and his crew flew the Lanc back to Yarmouth via the Azores.  5 of the 7 crew remained lifelong friends and attended many Wartime Pilots and Observers Reunions together.  Dad is the last remaining crew member.   He has been a member of the Legion in Kelowna BC, Orangeville ON and Winnipeg MB.

Addendum - Since this article was published on 11 November 2007, Cmde Bert Paisley passed away on 22 December.   Our condolences go to the family.

Seated: Patti Bonas (Daughter), H.J. (Bert) Paisley
Standing: (L-R) Dieter Bonas (Son-in-Law), Alan Paisley (Son),
Richard MacKenzie (Son-in-Law), Jared MacKenzie (Grandson), Jackie MacKenzie (Daughter).