I have been enjoying Downhome since subscribing a couple of years ago. It is a magazine I really look forward to receiving every month. In your November 2022 issue, there was a wonderful article about Gus Harris entitled "Intercontinental Navigator." In reading about Gus and his adventures, I wondered if he might have met my dad in the RCAF. My father, Robert H. Blackburn, born in 1919, was a navigator trainer in 1942. As Gus was trained in Winnipeg in the same year and Dad was in nearby Portage La Prairie, I wondered if they might have crossed paths. I phoned Gus's daughter, Susan Tiller, in St. John's in November, explained who I was, and was wondering if I could connect with Gus. She was very pleased I had phoned, but said Gus's hearing wasn't good but he would enjoy an email from me. From then to January 12th, Gus and I corresponded. We shared stories and pictures. He enjoyed reading a book I sent him that my dad had written. It is a collection of short stories and poems titled "Against the Snow." Waiting longer than normal for a return email from my January 12th email, I phoned Susan for two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to hear that Gus was in good health and also find out if Gus had received his Quilt of Valour lap quilt. My wife and I had submitted his name and the organization presented a lap and a bed quilt to Gus the next Sunday at Susan's home. Gus was very surprised and pleased and Susan was good enough to send us a photo and a short video of him with his quilts. Very sadly, on March 2nd, Susan emailed us to let us know Gus had died in his sleep three days after a fall. As Susan said in her email, she was so lucky to have a father whose mind was sharp for all 100 years - as was my father on his 100th birthday. I was very sad to hear of his passing as I had felt a close friendship with Gus through our emails. I hope to meet his daughter Susan on our sixth trip to your wonderful province. Thank you, Downhome, for giving me the joy of this new friendship, as short as it was. Regards, Harry Blackburn Brampton, ON   Submitted By: NULL