A Tribute to Saskatchewan Aviation and Heroes Lost
Introduction to CF-JDO
The Saskatchewan Government Airways CF-JDO exhibit tells a story of perseverance, community, and remembrance. In August 1959, Flight Officer Raymond Gran and Conservation Officer Harold Thompson took off on a mission from Peter Pond Lake, never to return. Their disappearance left a deep mark on Saskatchewan’s aviation history. Nearly six decades later, their aircraft was discovered, and the recovery effort became a testament to the resilience of those who sought to honor their legacy.
The Remarkable Recovery Effort
In 2018, the families of Ray Gran and Harold Thompson located the CF-JDO wreckage in Peter Pond Lake, lying 59 feet below the freshwater surface. With the frozen lake providing access, the community rallied together. Guided by the expertise of recovery teams and the support of Michel Village, St. George, and Dillon First Nations, the aircraft was retrieved in April 2019. This collaborative effort brought closure to a 59-year-old mystery.
The Memorial Exhibit: Honoring Saskatchewan Heroes
The CF-JDO exhibit is more than an aircraft display—it’s a heartfelt memorial to Flight Officer Ray Gran, Conservation Officer Harold Thompson, and their contributions to Saskatchewan’s aviation legacy.
Central to the exhibit is a full-scale replica of the Saskatchewan Government Airways (SGA) Cessna 180 floatplane. Built over three years by skilled volunteers, including commercial pilots, carpenters, and mechanics, the plane is adorned in its distinctive SGA livery. Visitors can learn about its history and connect with the lives and stories of those who served in Saskatchewan’s skies.
A Temporary Move
Due to the museum’s Restoration Hangar needs, the CF-JDO exhibit has been temporarily relocated outside. A smaller memorial display is being developed inside the museum to preserve the story and history of this significant artifact until it can be brought back indoors.
The Legacy of CF-JDO: Into the Mist
The recovery and history of CF-JDO are chronicled in the compelling book Into the Mist, written by Victoria Hetherington. The narrative follows the incredible journey of Ray Gran’s daughter, Linda, who spearheaded the search to bring her father and Harold Thompson home. This book intertwines personal accounts, historical context, and the heartfelt determination of those involved.
Copies of Into the Mist are available for purchase in the museum’s gift shop.
Acknowledging Our Generous Supporters
This exhibit would not have been possible without the dedication and contributions of our sponsors and donors.
- Gold Sponsors ($25,000):
- In Memory of Peter Rens
- Silver Sponsors ($10,000):
- Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers
- Linda & Don Kapusta, in Memory of Marcella Gran
- Harold & Marjie Fast
- Redhead Equipment
- Bronze Sponsors ($5,000):
- Martin, Tammy, Connor, Megan, and Alyssa Gran
- Jamie Wallace
- Gary Redhead
- Friend Sponsors ($1,000):
- Jackson Air, Technica Mining, Jack Klassen, Trudy Cuthbertson, Cameron Cuthbertson, and more.
- Additional Sponsors:
- Many individuals and groups contributed under $1,000, showing how a community’s collective effort can achieve extraordinary results.
Help Us Tell Their Extraordinary Story
The Saskatchewan Aviation Museum invites you to visit the CF-JDO memorial exhibit and experience this extraordinary chapter of Saskatchewan’s aviation history. Whether through the display or the pages of Into the Mist, this story captures the enduring spirit of adventure and community that defines Saskatchewan’s skies.
