A tip of the hat

While we've heard Murray Fraser speak of some of the fine fellows down at "the plant" (Bristol Aerospace), we can also get a glimpse of his co-workers' high regard for him through a few notes Dad saved. Although he preferred to manage engineering projects rather than people, he was a respected manager and all-round good guy. We're not surprised.

The President of Bristol Aerospace, Murray Auld, sent the encouraging memo below. Edo refers to the Edo Aircraft Corporation of College Point, New York, founded by Earl Dodge Osborn. Edo pioneered the design and manufacture of metal seaplane floats. (See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_8ccwoVZTc for a 1942 Edo video.)

MacDonald Bros. Aircraft (MBA) Limited started in 1914 as MacDonald Brothers Sheet Metal and Roofing, which led to work overhauling and repairing aircraft. The company changed its name in 1930 when they started to build aircraft floats under licence from Edo. In WWII virtually all the floats used by the US Navy and Air Force were built by Edo. After the war, Edo diversified, and was noted for the manufacture of underwater sonar detection equipment. The partnership between MBA and Edo was an important one, lasting 55 years.

Murray Auld

And in 1973, Mr. Auld penned these kind words in honour of Dad's 25 years with the company:

The most sincere praise is unsolicited and unexpected. Below: some kind words from two parting employees, "Eugene" and "Norm." They obviously appreciated and respected Dad tremendously.

Eugene Schench bid Murray a fond farewell in his 1954 Christmas card.

Above: Likewise, "Norm" hoped to be as cool as Murray some day.