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Reginald Wilfred Harrison
August 16, 1922 – November 20, 2025
It is with deep gratitude for a life fully lived and love generously shared that we announce the passing of Flight Lt. (Ret.) Reg W. Harrison on November 20th at the age of 103, surrounded by family. He will be missed by his daughters Susan (Brian), Marion, Laurie (Kent), sister Sylvia Acton, sister-in-law Eileen, as well as his grandchildren Rick, Alex (Ana), and Graham, great-grandchildren Tristan, Tyler, Violet, and Luka, along with dear nephews and nieces and their families. Reg was preceded in death by his wife Jean (Woods), sister Elsie, brothers Bill and John, brother-in-law Donald Acton, son-in-law Richard Leaver, sister-in-law Marg Harrison and nephew Shane Harrison.
Born on August 16, 1922 to William Harrison and Nellie (Harding) on the farm at Pheasant Forks in Saskatchewan. As a young man ploughing fields with horses, he watched planes training overhead and decided he wanted to fly. He enlisted in the RCAF, received his Pilot’s Wings in April 1943 and arrived in Liverpool on July 1st. Assigned to the 431 (Iroquois) Squadron in Croft England, he flew 19 missions over occupied Europe. He survived four crashes which earned him the nickname “Crash” while also participating in D-Day operations. Reg was one of the few Canadians honored to be part of the Guinea Pig Club after undergoing reconstructive skin graft surgery and was also a member of the Caterpillar Club for those who bailed out from disabled aircraft. He was recognized as the last known RCAF member of the WWII era from 431(B) Sqn as well as being the oldest member of the Snowbirds Alumni Association.
Reg met his beloved wife Jean in Ottawa when he returned to Canada; it was a moment that felt like it came straight out of a movie script. They settled down in Saskatoon where Reg dedicated himself to serving veterans through Veterans Land Administration for an impressive span of 38 years helping them acquire land and access other services.
An active member of the Presbyterian Church community; he played a crucial role in building Calvin Presbyterian Church on Lorne Avenue while serving many years as an elder there. Golfing brought him great joy throughout retirement; he curled into his nineties at Nutana Curling Club where he was part of a team that won the provincial Legion Master’s competition back in 2000. Reg enjoyed attending games at local rinks and regularly met up with friends over coffee until very recently.
A true gardening enthusiast; Reg took pride in crafting beautiful outdoor spaces especially excelling at growing roses. As an honorary lifetime member of Saskatoon Horticultural Society; he collected numerous awards for his floral displays.
Though not one to often share stories from his wartime experiences; following Jean’s passing he found solace when an article about his service appeared in Air Force magazine back in ’93 leading him to form new friendships across various walks of life which significantly enriched his later years – something we believe contributed to extending them too! His warmth combined with gentle humor made lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
The subsequent three decades saw documentaries made about him along with media attention including annual Remembrance Day appearances at schools plus Deana Driver’s memoir titled “Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death” alongside multiple awards recognizing his bravery.
The honorary membership within both Squad-431/Snowbird family meant so much bringing heartfelt tributes from both past & present members reflecting their affection & respect towards him & everything he’d accomplished during military service! Notably awarded titles such as Knight within France’s National Order Legion Honneur acknowledging contributions towards liberating France along receiving Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal plus King Charles III Coronation Medal among others; even having registered AAC Harrison-a new yellow field pea seed variety-as homage via collaboration between FP Genetics & Royal Canadian Legion honoring veterans’ sacrifices!
After losing Jean-his devotion remained strong ensuring family ties stayed intact via thoughtful card choices every occasion possible while making countless trips visiting daughters/families saying they kept airlines thriving!
Never considering himself heroic but rather reserving that title only for those who never returned home – reflecting upon mortality during age hundred remarked “I think people have a soul… When I die…I’m going soaring…in clouds…and wearing my RCAF uniform blazer.”
The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation toward St. Paul’s Hospital staff providing outstanding care during Reg’s final days here.
If you would like-please consider donating either towards Saskatchewan Aviation Museum or any charity dearer your heart instead flowers!
A celebration honoring Reg’s life will take place Saturday December sixth starting two o’clock PM held at local funeral home followed by reception across street Edwards Family Centre afterwards!
Please leave condolences or catch livestream here: www. saskatoonfuneralhome. com
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