Here are a few responses that we received from our readers regarding Christmas related stores.

Thanks to everyone for sharing their special memories.

Jean Elliot sent us this beautiful story.

It was Christmas Day 1958 and my roommate and flying partner Cathy Graham (Lyons) and I, Jean Button (Elliot) had to fly to Sudbury, North Bay via Viscount. My Mom and Dad had driven from Ottawa to spend Christmas with us, but we had to work.

Travelling with us, as a passenger, was Helen Longfellow our other roommate, who was going home for the holiday.

We were resigned but disappointed to be away from the festivities. When we arrived in Sudbury we were met at the ramp by Mrs. Clark, the Station Manager’s wife.

She had gaily wrapped gifts for all the crew and stated that she wanted to brighten our day. Cathy and I received aprons and the front-end crew received playing cards. I have never forgotten her kindness and Cathy has kept the apron to this day.

One never knows when a random act of kindness will be a wonderful memory. 

Pictures are of Cathy in uniform with Helen as passenger and Cathy today with her apron.

From Jim Cornell

In February 2004 Bob Watson and I had the pleasure to fly Santa to London on Flight 868.

He was on his way to Norway to teach a group of budding Santas.

Regards, Jim Cornell

Jim provided us with a scan of Santa's business card which lead us to his web site, Santa School.com.

Sadly, Victor Nevada (AKA Santa Victor) passed away in 2009 after many years of portraying Santa Claus. He was so skilled that other Santas came to him for advice and in 1998 he founded  Santa Claus School Inc. Click Here to learn more about this remarkable gentleman.

Your NL Team 

From Sam Longo

Please find attached a possible submission for your upcoming Christmas edition. This was a column I wrote for Air Maintenance Update Magazine a few years ago chronicling a very wet Christmas midnight shift in YYZ while working for Air Canada, Line Maintenance, in the early 1980's. Hope you find it worthy. Merry Christmas to the whole NetLetter Crew.

Cheers, Sam Longo AME A&P

Click Here for Sam's article in PDF format.