I just came across this on the internet - the old devil never told me that he received the DFC but that's the kind of bloke he was. At work, with CWNG in Calgary, one of us would say just before lunch time, "Is there a planning meeting today?" If the answer was yes, that was him and me going down to a local bar for a beer at lunch time.
William (Woody) Verne 'Bill' Tobias Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Tobias of Calgary announces his passing on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the age of 86 years.
Bill was born September 17, 1921 in Morden, MB, and served with the 432 Royal Canadian Air Force squadron as a pilot in World War II, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He completed his Engineering degree from the University of Manitoba upon returning from the war. Bill worked for CIL at various locations between Labrador and Alberta until his retirement. Bill then worked for Canadian Western Natural Gas (CWNG) for another eight years until his second retirement. He volunteered as a leader with the 18th Scout Troup for over forty years and was an active member of the Aircrew Association. Bill kept active by hiking, participating in karate, swimming and was always seen walking his dog.
Bill was the beloved husband of fifty-seven years to Julie; father to Jim Tobias, Bruce Tobias and Kimberley Barrett of Calgary and Chris Tobias of Lacombe and their spouses; and was the loving grandfather to seven grandchildren.
I'm hoping to visit before I get too old and it's got to be sooner than later (I just turned 80). Your writing has captured me and it's my dream to get there soon.
Yes. Charlie was a good friend. I really miss him. He was up here a few times. He even landed his own plane on the river one time. Now that's crazy....
When I lived in Calgary in the 80's, I worked with an older fellow whose name was Bill (Woody) Tobias. We were talking one day and I was telling him about where I had moved from to come to Canada, Yorkshire. Well, to my surprise it turned out that he knew more about Yorkshire than I did (coming from Birmingham) and so I asked him how come he was so knowledgeable about Yorkshire. He replied that he had been in Yorkshire in WW2 (1939 to 1941) where he had been a Lancaster Bomber pilot. The following day, he came into my office with a book and he handed to me saying that I might find it interesting - it was his Pilot Logbook. I was amazed as I read about sorties over Germany, anti-aircraft fire, damage to his planes, death and injury to his crews. Woody was a quiet, educated, knowledgeable gentleman - not the type that you see in the movies like Top Gun, etc. He told me that when he had completed his tour of duty (30 combat missions, as I recall) he had returned to Canada and trained other pilots in the prairies for the rest of the war.
So, Julius, I hope that you are filling your Pilot Logbook in dutifully so that readers will be able to read all about your crazy exploits in your little plane.
I was sure the man was ready for it & it was a grand event :)
Wow!!!
Good for you Julius, what a tremendous achievement. Well worth the wait!
What a fantastic achievement & a great story. You didn’t give up on your dream & that’s really inspiring.
Absolutely brilliant congratulations. A very funny read.
Congratulations Julius. Great story and a real personal achievement!
Hi Julius,
I just came across this on the internet - the old devil never told me that he received the DFC but that's the kind of bloke he was. At work, with CWNG in Calgary, one of us would say just before lunch time, "Is there a planning meeting today?" If the answer was yes, that was him and me going down to a local bar for a beer at lunch time.
William (Woody) Verne 'Bill' Tobias Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Tobias of Calgary announces his passing on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the age of 86 years.
Bill was born September 17, 1921 in Morden, MB, and served with the 432 Royal Canadian Air Force squadron as a pilot in World War II, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He completed his Engineering degree from the University of Manitoba upon returning from the war. Bill worked for CIL at various locations between Labrador and Alberta until his retirement. Bill then worked for Canadian Western Natural Gas (CWNG) for another eight years until his second retirement. He volunteered as a leader with the 18th Scout Troup for over forty years and was an active member of the Aircrew Association. Bill kept active by hiking, participating in karate, swimming and was always seen walking his dog.
Bill was the beloved husband of fifty-seven years to Julie; father to Jim Tobias, Bruce Tobias and Kimberley Barrett of Calgary and Chris Tobias of Lacombe and their spouses; and was the loving grandfather to seven grandchildren.
Cheers,
Graham
I'm hoping to visit before I get too old and it's got to be sooner than later (I just turned 80). Your writing has captured me and it's my dream to get there soon.
Sincerely,
Mike Schlesinger
Do it, you will not be disappointed! I sincerely hope to have another holiday there too.
Passing my 125 this year seems a doddle compared to your landings and take offs. Enjoy.
I enjoyed a good story well told, thank you. Charlie Russell, as in Talking With Bears ?
Yes. Charlie was a good friend. I really miss him. He was up here a few times. He even landed his own plane on the river one time. Now that's crazy....
Thanks for a wonderful story.
Thanks for a wonderful story.
When I lived in Calgary in the 80's, I worked with an older fellow whose name was Bill (Woody) Tobias. We were talking one day and I was telling him about where I had moved from to come to Canada, Yorkshire. Well, to my surprise it turned out that he knew more about Yorkshire than I did (coming from Birmingham) and so I asked him how come he was so knowledgeable about Yorkshire. He replied that he had been in Yorkshire in WW2 (1939 to 1941) where he had been a Lancaster Bomber pilot. The following day, he came into my office with a book and he handed to me saying that I might find it interesting - it was his Pilot Logbook. I was amazed as I read about sorties over Germany, anti-aircraft fire, damage to his planes, death and injury to his crews. Woody was a quiet, educated, knowledgeable gentleman - not the type that you see in the movies like Top Gun, etc. He told me that when he had completed his tour of duty (30 combat missions, as I recall) he had returned to Canada and trained other pilots in the prairies for the rest of the war.
So, Julius, I hope that you are filling your Pilot Logbook in dutifully so that readers will be able to read all about your crazy exploits in your little plane.
Stay safe.
Cheers,
Graham
What a great story! My logbook is far more sedate...
Loved reading this. What an amazing accomplishment.
Well done, another box ticked off