2024
Henri Boulanger
Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba
Henri Boulanger is a true pioneer in Canada’s aviation history. He was born in 1935, one of seventeen children in rural Manitoba. In his early twenties, he purchased a De Havilland Fox Moth which motivated him to get his private pilot’s license in 1958. He gained his Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Commercial Pilot’s license shortly afterwards. In the early 1960’s Henri began his career hauling fish and offering transportation in the biplane he had restored. Henri worked for Bearskin Lake Air Services in northern Ontario as an AME in the early 1960’s and was their commercial pilot.
Tragedy struck in 1965 when Bearskin’s owner John Hegland (Henri’s brother-in-law) passed away. When it appeared that no one would come forward to save the heavily financed air service, Henri decided to purchase and dedicate himself to rebuilding it. He grew and expanded the fleet to include Cessna 180, Beaver, Norseman, Beech 18, Piper Aztec and Navajo aircraft. He was responsible for hiring and training many new AME’s and pilots over the years.
Rodney DeNeve recalls that Henri taught him to fly; how to land an aircraft on wheels, then floats and on skis. Later Henri would guide him to a life long career in aircraft maintenance. As a professor at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology). Rodney would later return the favor to Henri by instructing Henri’s son Matthew who enjoys a career in aviation maintenance as Buffalo Airways Quality Assurance Manager.
Henri’s impact in the north is legendary. He played a pivotal part in the 1960’s developmental boom of Canada’s mining and lumber industries. He was adored by the people living and working in those industries in the north. As a big proponent of the Indigenous Peoples being “captain of their own ship”, he supported them by providing access to supplies, medical services and opportunities.
Stories abound of how as soon as Henri was heard flying overhead and about to land, that people would swarm down to the docks to see Henri. Twenty-five years after leaving the north, when Henri returned as a special guest for a ceremony and homecoming reunion, that Henri would receive a “hero’s welcome”. “It was the kind of attention paid to celebrities” one newspaper said of the endless lines for hand shakes and hugs. Henri would receive gifts and was serenaded with the song” I’ll Fly Away” by a local band.
In 1977 Henri sold his shares in Bearskin. Henri moved his family back to his home town Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. For the next 40 years Henri combined his talents as an AME and pilot working for AMO’s and operators in Manitoba such as Adventure Air, Silver Pine Air Services, Tall Timber Lodge, Eagle Aviation, Blue Water Aviation and Air Park Services. Henri said that his most challenging experiences included difficult salvage jobs where temporary repairs were need to fly an aircraft back to base sometimes in challenging weather conditions.
Henri was truly passionate about the work he did. Many clients are truly thankful for Henri’s perfectionism, attention to details, quality of workmanship, hard work and ingenuity. Henri is regarded as an honest and generous gentleman.
Henri’s wealth of knowledge is huge. He would share this knowledge and develop deep personal connections with those he shared his knowledge with.
Henri has created life-long friendships. He recognized the value of having a good sense of humor so to overcome difficult situations.
In 2015 Henri was recognized as the” Most Experienced Pilot/Engineer” by the Midnight Sun Fly-In Association. In 2023 the Central Aircraft Maintenance Association awarded Henri “2023 Outstanding Aircraft Maintenance Engineer”.
Henri has held his AME license for over 60 years. His business today is called “Siver Fox Solutions.” He continues to work doing Annual Inspections and other jobs as called upon.
At 88 years of age, Henri has been married for 54 years. He has three children and five grandchildren. In his 70’s he learned to tap dance. An avid golfer and photographer.