Skids Up ------yes, that situation makes you VERY close, but it can be almost the same in other situations also. We used to have that in this industry many years ago, but seldom anymore. Those that were part of that era I speak of, formed relationshipos with engineers and other pilots that ran just as deep and lots of those friendships have lasted a lifetime.....and no shots were fired. We've lost that and it's truly a shame.
Know Roy Heibel, Trans-quebec Helicopter Pilot?
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transquebecniece
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Cap, you're a virtual well-spring of information! Forget this research stuff! I just want to hang out on this forum and talk to you and the others ALL DAY! Damn job anyway. You have an incredible memory---not only about Roy but about SE Asia and Canadian aviation---I'm a very lucky girl---we're all very lucky---that you are willing to share your knowledge and memories. And thanks for the PM. Methinks I'm going to be busy a while now 
. And on final thought about the phoney Vietnam Vet wannabes, it couldn't be about the bennies...must be about the attention or the glory or the glamour or the need to feel connected to something so controversial. That's been bugging me. What gives on this type of being? I find it bizarre!
Sharkbait, I've missed you and will look forward to our chats again soon. Safe landing.
Biggles, thanks for the PM. You rock! I'm anxiously waiting...
Skids Up said, "Reading of the stories you have posted, almost makes one wish he could be a part of it. But of course we can't if we weren't there, we just don't fit into that crowd. The closest we will come is "borrowing" from your experience and friendships. I'm one of the lucky ones that had people like you and your friends, my dad and his friends, and many others, fighting for my freedom. The rights and wrongs of any such conflicts are not important here, but you sharing with all of us is." OH MY GOSH, SU! I could've written that word for word; those are my exact thoughts and you've said it quite nicely! Welcome aboard!
Okay, now. Carry on, folks!
. And on final thought about the phoney Vietnam Vet wannabes, it couldn't be about the bennies...must be about the attention or the glory or the glamour or the need to feel connected to something so controversial. That's been bugging me. What gives on this type of being? I find it bizarre!Sharkbait, I've missed you and will look forward to our chats again soon. Safe landing.
Biggles, thanks for the PM. You rock! I'm anxiously waiting...
Skids Up said, "Reading of the stories you have posted, almost makes one wish he could be a part of it. But of course we can't if we weren't there, we just don't fit into that crowd. The closest we will come is "borrowing" from your experience and friendships. I'm one of the lucky ones that had people like you and your friends, my dad and his friends, and many others, fighting for my freedom. The rights and wrongs of any such conflicts are not important here, but you sharing with all of us is." OH MY GOSH, SU! I could've written that word for word; those are my exact thoughts and you've said it quite nicely! Welcome aboard!
Okay, now. Carry on, folks!
TQniece -------- you can put a "Hold" on those accolades please. My memory is a factor of the date on my birth certificate and when I started in the business. There are a host of others on this site that could do exactly the same...........I just happen to be the one making the contribution. "Share my memories?".........like I said, there are lots that have the same AND more experiences and besides........what do you think us pilots/engineers talk about a lot of the time when we have our "rubber arms" lifting "brewskis?" 😀
The "attention, glory and glamour" you speak about are promoted by Holloywood. Those words don't apply when you are trapped in a downed a/c, with your co-pilots brains splattered all over the side of your face, there are things sparking/arcing, you can smell jet fuel and you're expecting to be a "crispy-critter" any second. Those aren't the words that come to mind, but some others do that aren't allowed on this site. 'Nuff said.
The "attention, glory and glamour" you speak about are promoted by Holloywood. Those words don't apply when you are trapped in a downed a/c, with your co-pilots brains splattered all over the side of your face, there are things sparking/arcing, you can smell jet fuel and you're expecting to be a "crispy-critter" any second. Those aren't the words that come to mind, but some others do that aren't allowed on this site. 'Nuff said.
murraybale
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I am happy to say that yes I knew your Uncle - We met in Matagiume sp?? in Northern Quebec. We would talk to each other in Moris code !! 🙂
I am not sure if I can help you with any information - but I may be able to put you on to others that may help !!!
I am not sure if I can help you with any information - but I may be able to put you on to others that may help !!!
transquebecniece
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Hey, Murraybale! Thanks for stopping in. So you communicated in Morse Code; how fun is that! I'd love any contact information of others who knew Roy; feel free to PM me if you get time.
The cumulative memories I'm gathering are a wonderful inside view of those who worked with Roy. We never got to see him at work, just at play...which we indeed have fond memories of. But your memories help round out "his story."
And hey to everyone else; I've been busy reading recommended books and continuing with recommended research avenues (thanks bunches!). Finding out all kinds of interesting things.
Back soon!
The cumulative memories I'm gathering are a wonderful inside view of those who worked with Roy. We never got to see him at work, just at play...which we indeed have fond memories of. But your memories help round out "his story."
And hey to everyone else; I've been busy reading recommended books and continuing with recommended research avenues (thanks bunches!). Finding out all kinds of interesting things.
Back soon!
Hi everyone:
TQN: I'll PM you with a contact phone number for Rockie.
Moi, j'ai fait une tournee avec TQ en Baie James, moi aussi, "under canvas."
Actually, when Quasar went under I moved to east end MTL for fun and was playing goal for a commercial league team "tout pres de Metro Viau juste en face du Stade Olympique." I had a few east end girlfriends and life was good!
I was hoping to collect some UI but of course I had to make some phone calls in a feeble attempt to find work. To my dismay, every company I called offered me work. Merde! I went with TC to move drills and had a great time! The "tents' were fantastic. Wooden floors and doors. Warmed with a "Longyear heater" central stove. Four beds to a tent. Pretty cushy compared to the arctic.
I remember how the party manager abused me and Trans Canada because I was new to the area, even though I told him that I had been longlining for many years, although not the particular brand of drill they had on the project. "This is Trans-Canada's last chance!," he yelled. After the first day, I managed to break the so-called time record by 30%. All of a sudden I was the man. Haha.
I'd been warned that the easterners have little understanding for what it takes to fly in the mountains. Whatever...
For a BC boy to have a chance to see some of Baie James was excellent. I'd become bilingue on my own, using up 92 accumulated days off from the PCSP job (the arctic) to live with a family in Alma for 3 months. That was awesome!
ArniePye
TQN: I'll PM you with a contact phone number for Rockie.
Moi, j'ai fait une tournee avec TQ en Baie James, moi aussi, "under canvas."
Actually, when Quasar went under I moved to east end MTL for fun and was playing goal for a commercial league team "tout pres de Metro Viau juste en face du Stade Olympique." I had a few east end girlfriends and life was good!
I was hoping to collect some UI but of course I had to make some phone calls in a feeble attempt to find work. To my dismay, every company I called offered me work. Merde! I went with TC to move drills and had a great time! The "tents' were fantastic. Wooden floors and doors. Warmed with a "Longyear heater" central stove. Four beds to a tent. Pretty cushy compared to the arctic.
I remember how the party manager abused me and Trans Canada because I was new to the area, even though I told him that I had been longlining for many years, although not the particular brand of drill they had on the project. "This is Trans-Canada's last chance!," he yelled. After the first day, I managed to break the so-called time record by 30%. All of a sudden I was the man. Haha.
I'd been warned that the easterners have little understanding for what it takes to fly in the mountains. Whatever...
For a BC boy to have a chance to see some of Baie James was excellent. I'd become bilingue on my own, using up 92 accumulated days off from the PCSP job (the arctic) to live with a family in Alma for 3 months. That was awesome!
ArniePye
transquebecniece
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ArniePye,
(Or should I say Frenchie? 😀 I haven't a clue what you've said; just so you're being nice!) Thanks for Rockie's 411. I will write to him only on the assumption that you feel he'd be okay with that. And I hope people will tell their own tales of working on the James Bay Project here. I just can't believe all I've read, well...all that's available to the public to read...on it. Massive project. And you mention that "Quasar went under?" Does that mean went bankrupt or out of business? I see a company today called Air Quasar and was wondering if it is one and the same? Adieu! It's the only French this French-Canadian descendent knows (my ancestors have probably disowned me by now!)
(Or should I say Frenchie? 😀 I haven't a clue what you've said; just so you're being nice!) Thanks for Rockie's 411. I will write to him only on the assumption that you feel he'd be okay with that. And I hope people will tell their own tales of working on the James Bay Project here. I just can't believe all I've read, well...all that's available to the public to read...on it. Massive project. And you mention that "Quasar went under?" Does that mean went bankrupt or out of business? I see a company today called Air Quasar and was wondering if it is one and the same? Adieu! It's the only French this French-Canadian descendent knows (my ancestors have probably disowned me by now!)
transquebecniece
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P.S. I'm REALLY nervous about writing to Rockie. Strange that I've waited so long to talk with any survivor from the Harrison Lake crash and now I'm kinda freaked out on what to say or how to say it...which usually isn't a problem for me. You guys are tight; I'm not a pilot or part of your circle. I feel like an intruder on this Forum but I REALLY feel like an intruder with the Harrison Lake survivors. I'm taking a deep breath here and hoping for words to come that won't fall too heavy. And as for the Harrison Lake photos---yes, yes, please send them my way! I have photos from the shoreline and from out on the lake; and it's a huge lake. Aerial photos would be an absolute treasure, AP!
Oh Transquebecniece, don't think for a second that you're an intruder. No siree, you are very much part of this family. It's one of the "specials" that this industry has.
I understand your nervousness with Mr Rockie, however, perhaps it works both ways, sometimes stirring up memories, strangely, becomes comforting and closes a painful chapter. Ran into the man who was with my bro when his time was up, 30 years later, this man was still feeling guilty though he had nothing to do with the cause of the accident, he never really moved on. Exceptionally, this story has a wonderful conclusion and he's now again a very special friend of the family.
ArniePye, you sound so familiar mon ami, got me wondering who you could be!
Cheers All,
Have a good weekend!
I understand your nervousness with Mr Rockie, however, perhaps it works both ways, sometimes stirring up memories, strangely, becomes comforting and closes a painful chapter. Ran into the man who was with my bro when his time was up, 30 years later, this man was still feeling guilty though he had nothing to do with the cause of the accident, he never really moved on. Exceptionally, this story has a wonderful conclusion and he's now again a very special friend of the family.
ArniePye, you sound so familiar mon ami, got me wondering who you could be!
Cheers All,
Have a good weekend!
TQniece ------- Biggles is exactly correct.....you "fire away" with whatever questions that you feel you must or that you are comfortable asking......either on a PM basis or on the open forum here. As Biggles aslo stated, you are a member of a "special cub" here because of your kinship to Roy. I believe that all those that knew Roy would do it in his memory and out of due respect for the man.
You should also know, in case you haven't already surmised as much, that I didn't associate with Roy as long as some others. The only reason that Roy and I "clicked", so to speak, was because of a "shared background" in a place where every day could be your last. Even that, we only shared on occasions when we were alone and in private. Roy was not adverse to relating stories about 'Nam' at any time in public, but there were "certain areas" that he never touched on when relating those stories. I do the same and understood fully and why it has to be that way.Those few "areas" were reserved for those that understood the experience and certain explanations weren't needed. Sometimes, just a look after making a statement sufficed and all was understood.....then it was usually followed up with a side-splitting story about some personality or place. In otherwards, someone feels comfortable enough with you to "ask you in", you listen and they know you understood.......you relate something in return...they understand and relate to it........then you both move on quickly and don't dwell on that subject too long at any given time. If you make the mistake of remaining there, you know where the conversation is going and that place is very ugly. 'Nuff said.
You just "fire at will" TQniece and I'm sure that all the guys here, that knew Roy in any way, will be more than happy to reply. Please don't feel ill at ease about doing that. To Biggles.......thanks for "jumping on that" right away with a quick response to TQniece.
You should also know, in case you haven't already surmised as much, that I didn't associate with Roy as long as some others. The only reason that Roy and I "clicked", so to speak, was because of a "shared background" in a place where every day could be your last. Even that, we only shared on occasions when we were alone and in private. Roy was not adverse to relating stories about 'Nam' at any time in public, but there were "certain areas" that he never touched on when relating those stories. I do the same and understood fully and why it has to be that way.Those few "areas" were reserved for those that understood the experience and certain explanations weren't needed. Sometimes, just a look after making a statement sufficed and all was understood.....then it was usually followed up with a side-splitting story about some personality or place. In otherwards, someone feels comfortable enough with you to "ask you in", you listen and they know you understood.......you relate something in return...they understand and relate to it........then you both move on quickly and don't dwell on that subject too long at any given time. If you make the mistake of remaining there, you know where the conversation is going and that place is very ugly. 'Nuff said.
You just "fire at will" TQniece and I'm sure that all the guys here, that knew Roy in any way, will be more than happy to reply. Please don't feel ill at ease about doing that. To Biggles.......thanks for "jumping on that" right away with a quick response to TQniece.
transquebecniece
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Cyclic Monkey: Thanks for the PM today. And I take it all to heart with great understanding. I appreciate it very much. I hope you'll jump into this Forum thread too if and when you feel like it!
Between you and Biggles and Cap, I'm ready to write that letter. Thanks for the push; I can't believe that having a name and an address struck fear in me. I know it's a delicate topic in your industry and I just don't want to upset anyone; that's all. So I'm going to give it my TLC and my best shot, come what may. And I'll be thinking of you guys when I do; you've given me my guts.
Biggles...still thinking of you in your quests and Cap: I thought of you and the 1st Air Cav Division when I heard Kris Kristopherson singing an old Johnny Cash tune on the radio this week. Remember Sunday Morning Comin' Down?
"Well I woke up Sunday morning, With no way to hold my head that didn't hurt. And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad, So I had one more for dessert. Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes, And found my cleanest dirty shirt. An' I shaved my face and combed my hair, An' stumbled down the stairs to meet the day. I'd smoked my brain the night before, On cigarettes and songs I'd been pickin'. But I lit my first and watched a small kid, Cussin' at a can that he was kicking. Then I crossed the empty street,'n caught the Sunday smell of someone fryin' chicken. And it took me back to somethin', That I'd lost somehow, somewhere along the way. On the Sunday morning sidewalk, Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned. 'Cos there's something in a Sunday, Makes a body feel alone. And there's nothin' short of dyin', Half as lonesome as the sound, On the sleepin' city sidewalks: Sunday mornin' comin' down." They just don't write 'em like that anymore! Makes me want to have beer and chicken tomorrow on Sunday...and I hate chicken!
Sharkbait: Welcome home. A little bluebird told me you're in need of some chicken soup, vitamin C, zinc and a bottle of blackberry brandy. That's the remedy and it works. Best cough syrup ever invented and makes you sleep like a kitten! Hope you're on the mend! Achoo!
Between you and Biggles and Cap, I'm ready to write that letter. Thanks for the push; I can't believe that having a name and an address struck fear in me. I know it's a delicate topic in your industry and I just don't want to upset anyone; that's all. So I'm going to give it my TLC and my best shot, come what may. And I'll be thinking of you guys when I do; you've given me my guts.
Biggles...still thinking of you in your quests and Cap: I thought of you and the 1st Air Cav Division when I heard Kris Kristopherson singing an old Johnny Cash tune on the radio this week. Remember Sunday Morning Comin' Down?
"Well I woke up Sunday morning, With no way to hold my head that didn't hurt. And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad, So I had one more for dessert. Then I fumbled through my closet for my clothes, And found my cleanest dirty shirt. An' I shaved my face and combed my hair, An' stumbled down the stairs to meet the day. I'd smoked my brain the night before, On cigarettes and songs I'd been pickin'. But I lit my first and watched a small kid, Cussin' at a can that he was kicking. Then I crossed the empty street,'n caught the Sunday smell of someone fryin' chicken. And it took me back to somethin', That I'd lost somehow, somewhere along the way. On the Sunday morning sidewalk, Wishing, Lord, that I was stoned. 'Cos there's something in a Sunday, Makes a body feel alone. And there's nothin' short of dyin', Half as lonesome as the sound, On the sleepin' city sidewalks: Sunday mornin' comin' down." They just don't write 'em like that anymore! Makes me want to have beer and chicken tomorrow on Sunday...and I hate chicken!
Sharkbait: Welcome home. A little bluebird told me you're in need of some chicken soup, vitamin C, zinc and a bottle of blackberry brandy. That's the remedy and it works. Best cough syrup ever invented and makes you sleep like a kitten! Hope you're on the mend! Achoo!
TQniece ----- Kris Kristtofferson flew for Petroleum Helicopters out of Morgan City, LA when he first came back from 'the rice paddies' and was "cutting a pretty wide swath" for some time after(as in 'lock up your women' and hide your good booze). He went missing from work and they couldn't find him. When they finally did about a week later, he was in a motel room, playing his guitar and "four sheets to the wind". He got his butt fired and he had to earn money sooner or later, so he started selling his songs soon after. You named one of the first songs and the rest is history. That's another guy that might have known Roy.....good guy too.
transquebecniece
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Cap, Yeah, I kinda suspected that he might have known Roy and vice-versa; his music was all over our house when I was a kid. And it wasn't that he was just some popular recording star at that time, there seemed to be some kind of deeper connection---his music was almost religious for lack of a better word---for my dad and his brothers...so maybe they knew something we kids didn't. Who knows. But I'm one of the few of my generation who probably knows all his songs by heart. And darn. KK was just in Denver in September promoting his new movie, Silver City. It's probably good I didn't know this then. I'd have been arrested for stalking the poor guy just to ask some questions! Ha! And 'ol Mel Tillis is still around, too; has his own place in Branson, MO...the midwest's milder answer to Nashville so to speak. So they were both 1st Air Cav, too, huh? Curiouser and curiouser! I'll have to join their fan clubs. You think they ever really get their fan mail? Boy, you guys just hob-knobbed with all kinds of interesting characters over there...perhaps without even knowing it at the time I suppose. 🙄
Tqniece ---------just like when you're in high school........you never know where some of your friends or acquaintances might end up, you loose track of them and then one time you turn on the TV and you go......"well for 'sh*t's sake, I never knew she could play a guitar....and she didn't look like THAT in high school". 😀
