It was only last week that I was trying to explain a flight Herb and I had in really, really bad Calgary weather in a C-45 – never built for bad weather.

I gave up.

My listener, a current pilot, had never heard of an airway – “Green One” or a Standard Radio Range approach to minima where your instincts, and seat of the pants played important roles. His world is now more of a video game with computers replacing the real challenges of earlier, more primitive days.

I am glad that I shared many primitive days, with Herb, challenging flight as it should be.

In 1961, when I bought Lancaster FM-136 at RCAF Station Macleod, Alberta, it didn’t have any engines. I wanted to fly it into Calgary to serve as a memorial. Calgarian Doug Harkness was Minister of Defence, at the time, and loaned four engines for the flight. Herb got insurance cover with premium payment only due upon a claim!

And I can remember the time when Herb accompanied the CF-100 I had purchased in Lethbridge, for our museum. He got its rudder stuck under a bridge on the way to Calgary.

Friends are especially useful in lonely moments. You can close your eyes and remember adventures with them. I have often allowed my mind to drift back to those special times.

I will catch up with Herb, down the line, and we can share these moments – again – in person.

Till then.

Lynn Garrison

Herb's day-to-day exploits as a Fighter Pilot during the Cold War with 403 RCAF could fill volumes. It was a privilege to be included in his reminiscences, he having been raised in a time when everyone in Calgary literally knew everyone else. Herb had a splendid memory for facts, figures, flying characteristics of the P-51 - which we had both flown - and the Pilots he knew from his early years in aviation. We are the richer for having known his weathered smile, his laughter, the grip of his handshake, the wealth of his knowledge and the goodwill he was always ready to share with friends and strangers alike.

Darrell Knight

I am a staff member of 952 "Westjet" Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron and got to know Herb through his work with us. He was there when we stood up the unit in 2013, and was involved at our ceremonies up until COVID shut down our in person parades. Herb was thrilled to work with cadets, and we loved having him visit when he could. He was always willing to give tours of the Westjet facilities to our cadets. He always had a spring in his step and was excited to show everyone the aircraft, hangars, maintenance facilities, and simulators. In honour of his involvement we named a Flight after him a few years ago, which he was tickled to learn about. My fondest memory of Herb was when we were standing up the unit and he asked why our unit number is 952. We showed him that on a telephone keypad 952 spells WJA , the Westjet stock code. He was delighted to hear it and couldn't wait to share that back at the hangar.

Thank you for all you've done for us, Herb. You are and always will be a beloved member of 952 Sqn. Godspeed, and sincerest condolences to your family.

I would like to send my best wishes and healing prayers to Herb's family. I had the honor to serve with Herb as one of the original YYC White Hat Award Volunteers at the Calgary International Airport. I also enjoyed working with Herb as an RCAF vet and an RCAFA National Board Trustee. Herb and shared many military RCAF and air cadet collaborations and always enjoyed discussing our RCAF experiences at the 285 Legion. Herb was unique, gifted and well respected.

Heartfelt condolences to Peter and Barbara and the Spear family from the Carleton's. Herb had such a wonderful long life. I recall meeting Herb in the fifties when he visited Mrs. Spear and Peter and Carolyn at Mt. Eisenhower junction (Castle Junction). Our family at the Mt. Eisenhower Warden Station were good friends with the Spear's, and we share many good memories.

I am so very sad to hear of Herb's passing. Herb was not just a kind soul but a beacon of support for those around him. I remember when he learned about my fear of flying; he generously took the time to walk me through the steps of a commercial flight and talked through my fears. His understanding and guidance profoundly changed my perspective on flying. He was kind and went out of his way to help so many.

During this difficult time, please know that you are in our thoughts. He had an extraordinary life and was a truly special individual who will be greatly missed.

On behalf of the Chevron Retirees Association we wish to express our condolences on the Passing of Herb Spear who attended many functions as part of the Chevron Retirees Association.

Sincerely,

John Abramchuk, Past President

Chevron Retirees Association

I had the opportunity to work in the same place as Herb for many years and I remember him always with a smile and ready to share his wisdom on how to stay young. He was both so full of life and young at heart.

I was privileged to have met such a wonderful man and pray that he continues to celebrate a wonderful life in heaven.

Condolences to the family he's left behind but continues to guide in life lessons.

Herb, you will be missed but never forgotten.

While having Breakfast at the Hilton Hotel in Witchita with Herb during a Beechcraft convention I asked him where in aviation do you make money. Shocked at my question he replied, “Money? Son there is no money in aviation. Only fun”. I’m sure Herb had lots of fun. Highly respected aviator and gentleman who loved people. He will be missed. But he was a contributor and left a mark. Condolences to the family.

I had the pleasure of meeting Herb many a time walking

Through WestJet Hanger and on board our planes. Always

Friendly and outgoing to listen and tell a story or two for sure,

he will be Dearly missed and not forgotten from all our WJ Family ❤️

Deepest condolences to all of Herb’s family. He was an amazing man who enjoyed a full and wonderful life. May he fly high within all our hearts ♥️

Judy and Michael, it was an honour growing up with your family and having Herb there with me at westjet , our condolences to you and your family

It was a great pleasure to have met and worked with Herb. He will be missed! Our deepest condolences to all of you during this difficult time.

What an amazing person Herb was. I had never flown a day in my life. I was scared to go on a plane. As a grown man with a family I thought I’d better get some help. That’s where I met Herb. I was literally dropping of my family at the airport and they were going on vacations without me. Herb changed my life, I will be forever grateful to him. I am flying and going on vacations with my family ever since. He will always be missed, and never forgotten. My condolences to the family.

Amazing man. Amazing life. He was a big piece of the heart of WestJet. Deepest condolences to his family.

Sending our deepest condolences to you and your family! Take care of each other.

Sending warm thoughts to all of Herb’s family for a life so well lived. Herb and Mary were both loved by the Exton family and in particular my dad Brian considered Herb one of his very best friends, to hike, to storytell and to laugh. I enjoyed keeping in touch with Herb- it kept the memory of my folks alive. We shared a White Hat honorary award in tourism in back to back years…my only regret that I was out of town and unable to present it to him. But my joy? Seeing him on his 100th birthday and him thanking me for coming, bringing love from our whole family. Blessings to you Herb.

Michael, Judy & family… I was so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing – 100 years… what a remarkable achievement and life he led. I think I was one of the first successful graduates of his Fear of Flying program and thanks to him I was able to actually fly with minimal anxiety, which improved with every flight. He even offered to take my first flight with me… who does that? Herb did that. His personality was so unique, caring, calming and patient, always sporting a big smile to greet you with. His passion for flying and aviation knowledge just made me feel at ease speaking with him. I can’t thank him enough and he has truly earned his wings in heaven. Embrace your memories… he is with your mom now… don’t cry because he is gone… smile because he was here!