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"Love truly, laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything
that made you smile"
Moe Grant, the Yukon pilot who never got cold feet was born in
Mortlach, Sask. on March 06, 1929. He moved to Carcross 6 months
later to become a Yukoner.
For the next 78 years his adventures created a colourful 5 %
notoriety.
By ten years of age, Moe had developed his love of airplanes
inspired by George Simons of Northern Airways. Hermon Peterson
 continued to influence his flying career, in fact it was Hermon
who saved Moe's life in the crash of his Tiger Moth in 1950
where he lost his legs. Hermon and Moe's father refused to give
up the search and found Moe 5 days later living on a bottle of
scotch - his gift for his father's birthday. His courage and
determination to overcome obstacles formed his character and
everything he did.
Music and motion created Moe's life. His fascination began with
anything that moved fast - motorcycles, cars, planes and women.
His pace was slowed to a halt when he met Cora on the shores of
Lake Bennett. Cora's Mom wrote to tell her to "Leave lover boy,
bring the dog and come home." Of course she didn't and they were
married November 20th, 1953. His pace was once again
sped up with the arrival of 2 wonderful and wild boys, George
and David. They carried on Moe's fascination with speed - George
with planes and David with cars. Cora always said flying was
Moe's first love, which he proved by buying new planes before
plumbing. The family journey included many airplane adventures.
With airplanes, many lifelong friendships developed, too many to
list in this short space. Sharing his love of flying, he
mentored many up and coming pilots. His log book tells a rich
and colourful tale of his escapades.
As winters set in and it became 40 below, the planes were parked
and out came the fiddles, mandolins and guitars. Numerous
jamming sessions filled the years and continued until 2007. Moe
played in many fiddle contests, dances, Sourdough Rendezvous,
and virtually any music event he was invited to with many of the
other colourful 5%ers. Forever generous with his time, "Moe
and the Gong" entertained the residents of Macaulay Lodge
with their music for 32 years.
Moe's involvement with the YOOP's took him through all the
chairs, including Grand Lodge President. He was the official
driver for Mr. & Mrs. Yukon during special event in his Model T.
The car was sold to Whitehorse Motors were he worked in many
capacities including General Manager for most of his working
career.
Moe is survived by Cora, his sons George (Jane) and David (Rose)
and grandchildren Garrett & Jennifer; Odessa & Tina; his sisters
Leslie & Lillian, brother Gordon; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Moe inspired us all because even with evident limitations, he
didn't allow it to compromise who he was. He loved his flying,
music and most of all people.
When it came time to step down, it was with grace and no
regrets. In the end he held on with his blue eyes blazing and
then peacefully flew on, closing his last flight plan at 2:10 pm
Christmas Day 2007. Goodbye Captain Moe, you will always be part
of our hearts. |
