Duke Elegant:

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 10:05 am

Four years ago today Les passed away and it seems like only yesterday he was here entertaining us with his stories and adventures.

I trust everyone here still read his stories and remember his positive acceptance of how fate sometimes ends our stay on this planet.

He is very missed by all his friends.

X Driver · Post by **X Driver** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 10:18 am

You Have a good memory .. I remember many good storys from Les, always started out there I was. I still hang out with some of the folks lucky enough to have flown survey with him. We'll hoist a beer to him at the next Wed night safety meeting.

flyinthebug · Post by **flyinthebug** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 11:49 am

I truly enjoyed his posts/stories. He deserves to be remembered today!

Class move Cat. I would have had no idea it was 4 years today.

Fly safe all.

PT6-114A · Post by **PT6-114A** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 12:55 pm

seems like just the other day he was checking me out in the caravan. I will have to look but I have a good pic of him with his feet up on the dash and news paper over his face and he is fast asleep. I remember one Xmas in CYOW a bunch of use were out for dinner and les had the hole place rolling on the floor even the tables all around had stopped there chatter to be entertained by les. PT6

lilfssister · Post by **lilfssister** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 2:14 pm

For those of you not around at the time, read the bottom twelve ( ? ) posts in the forum linked below, to find out who Duke Elegant was

viewforum.php?f=51

. ._ · Post by **. ._** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 2:17 pm

He's the reason I started writing stories here. I never knew the guy personally, but I'm glad I was part of the virtual community he belonged to.

He even commented on my first Avcanada story.

viewtopic.php?f=54&t=561&p=3840&hilit=t ... ator#p3840

I'll hoist a few for him tonight.

-istp

Pratt · Post by **Pratt** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:58 pm

Wow, 4 years ago I went to his funeral in Chilliwack. Seems like yesterday. RIP

Mitch Cronin · Post by **Mitch Cronin** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 8:46 pm

"Honour is mans gift to himself" .... I'll never forget him. Thanks ., nice memory. I never knew the man in person but I sure came to love him here.

FamilyGuy · Post by **FamilyGuy** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 9:03 pm

4 years goes by so fast - seems like yesterday reading his storys.

Does anyone know if they were ever compiled somewhere other than here?

Siddley Hawker · Post by **Siddley Hawker** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 9:26 pm

Geez, has it already been four years? Thanks for the reminder Cat.

I never did meet Les but we did cross paths in Yarmouth. I first ran into him when he used to post on PPRuNe as Old Flashey. Then he disappeared for around a year or so and reappeared as Duke Elegant. I remember he posted something that looked familiar, so I asked "Is that you Flashey?" He said "Shit Sid, you got a good memory" then told me he'd been away fighting his first battle with cancer.

'79K20driver · Post by **'79K20driver** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 5:32 pm

What a great guy to be around. He was a first class guy. You always knew it was going to be a good time when Les was around. I remember riding with him on a commercial flight and he had everyone, flight attendants and all, in stitches. First class indeed.

wallypilot · Post by **wallypilot** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 7:07 pm

PT6-114A wrote:seems like just the other day he was checking me out in the caravan. I will have to look but I have a good pic of him with his feet up on the dash and news paper over his face and he is fast asleep. I remember one Xmas in CYOW a bunch of use were out for dinner and les had the hole place rolling on the floor even the tables all around had stopped there chatter to be entertained by les. PT6

Les and new survey pilot in a sh**ty bar in alberta after fun day of survey training:

Les with a smirk, to new survey pilot: "so, what's your total time, anyways?"

New pilot with beer in hand: "well, gee, I'm pretty proud to say I have over 1200 hours"

Les, with aforementioned smirk still on his face: "oh well, I can tell you that I have more time than that....."

New pilot, jovially interjecting: "well, i'd expect so..."

Les: "wait, you didn't let me finish.....I have more time than that".....(pause for dramatic effect)...."inside the beacon"...(pause for dramatic effect)....."ON FIRE".

PT6-114A · Post by **PT6-114A** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 7:40 pm

Hey wally do you remember changing crews in YEG and the caravan taxis in, Les tells the capt. to get out and start walking then les gets out of the plane and pulls his jacket over his head so that people would not see him walking in with old Cats-a-scare-us

Good times good times
PT6

neophyte · Post by **neophyte** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:08 pm

4 years!!! Time flies.

RIP Mr. Elegant, your words will live forever.

N

wallypilot · Post by **wallypilot** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 11:36 am

PT6-114A wrote:Hey wally do you remember changing crews in YEG and the caravan taxis in, Les tells the capt. to get out and start walking then les gets out of the plane and pulls his jacket over his head so that people would not see him walking in with old Cats-a-scare-us
Good times good times
PT6

oh yeah, i forgot about that....hilarious. RIP good friend.

good ol' cats-a-scare-us. what a dufus....do you remember the ugly one he(cats-a-scare-us) took home from the bar? sent shivers down my spine...then it turned out she was a pro.

PT6-114A · Post by **PT6-114A** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 1:13 pm

Here is a day that X-Driver took Wallypilot and my self up to CYCW for lunch in the stagger wing. I took another one I just can not find it but when we started the plane and a big cloud of smoke billowed out and Les was standing there taking in the smell with a big smile on his face.

PT6-114A · Post by **PT6-114A** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 1:35 pm

Hey wally speaking of the dufus here you go

MacStork · Post by **MacStork** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 1:43 pm

Yep....the Duke was one guy who could make you laugh until you cried!
He touched so many people in so many wonderful ways....Rest in peace Les..
We miss you.......

... · Post by **...** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 1:52 pm

I remember one thing about his last days in this "frequency"...one of his family members came on here and informed us that everything being said about him on this site was printed and brought to him in the hospital.

This family member stated that during the brief moments between conscience alertness and morphine hits, he would read what this CANADIAN AVIATION community was up to and the warm thoughts being expressed.

Makes me wonder why a lot of discussions turn to bitter bickering, borderline personal insults.

Part of Avcanada's new mission statement was to promote, encourage and enhance a better environment with minimal bickering among members in the new year. I admit I have already failed however, the fact that I admit failure...makes me feel stronger as a person.

Les was a strong man and he knew what it took to be a decent person.

I hope one day to emulate his actions. Something I am sure I will fall short of, but will die trying.

Rest In Peace Les...

wallypilot · Post by **wallypilot** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 2:20 pm

PT6-114A wrote:Hey wally speaking of the dufus here you go

ahh, the memories....that was probably right before he got intercepted by that mirage! I notice the prop tie is still on....i hope someone told him before he cranked the starter!

lucky37 · Post by **lucky37** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 2:43 pm

FamilyGuy wrote:Does anyone know if they were ever compiled somewhere other than here?

I spent some time a while back and compiled all the stories I could find on both Avcanada and PPRune, the many posts that came up in between the stories, and some pictures here and there. It's a 193-page Word document that's 10.6 MB, and a good read. What's the maximum file size I can post? If it's too big then I can split it into parts, for anyone who is interested. He seemed like an amazing guy, full of heart and charisma.

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 3:59 pm

The last time Les and I were in an airplane together I was giving him his check out in C-GDIK.

Les could really make an airplane do what he wanted, a truly gifted driver.

FamilyGuy · Post by **FamilyGuy** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:04 pm

lucky37 wrote:
FamilyGuy wrote:Does anyone know if they were ever compiled somewhere other than here?
I spent some time a while back and compiled all the stories I could find on both Avcanada and PPRune, the many posts that came up in between the stories, and some pictures here and there. It's an 85-page Word document that's 10.6 MB, and a good read. What's the maximum file size I can post? If it's too big then I can split it into parts, for anyone who is interested. He seemed like an amazing guy, full of heart and charisma.

Talk to the mods - I'm sure there is a way to post it here.

I thought it was all lost to the server crash a few years back...

... · Post by **...** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 4:08 pm

lucky37 wrote:
FamilyGuy wrote:Does anyone know if they were ever compiled somewhere other than here?
I spent some time a while back and compiled all the stories I could find on both Avcanada and PPRune, the many posts that came up in between the stories, and some pictures here and there. It's an 85-page Word document that's 10.6 MB, and a good read. What's the maximum file size I can post? If it's too big then I can split it into parts, for anyone who is interested. He seemed like an amazing guy, full of heart and charisma.

Pass it along to Joe or Sulako (as he has super moderator powers) and they will set up a special link PDF download for reading. Makes it easier and will be secured for ALL to read as long as this site stands.

Fork-Tailed Devil · Post by **Fork-Tailed Devil** » Sun Feb 08, 2009 5:10 pm

I too had the honor of flying with 'Captain Kangaroo' on several occasions. It was always a memorable experience. The highlight was flying in the YCW airshow with him in the King Air and exceeding multiple aom limitations just because "there were lot's of ladies watching". Yeah those stories about being on the run from jealous husbands weren't an exaggeration! He helped me out immeasurably when I was starting out in aviation including buying lots of the amber nectars. So as we all get older take a lesson from the Duke. Help out those 'cherries', give 'em some encouragement, buy 'em the odd a beer, and tell 'em a story. It's good for your soul. Here's to you Les, she'll be right mate!

........Did I ever tell you about that time I was taking the Porter into that little village in New Guinea? Hang on we better order a pitcher, this is going to be a long one!

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