McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo
Retirement is awesome! I have lots of time to indulge in my favourite pastime of playing cards.
There are several Senior Centres and branches of the Royal Canadian Legion in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia and a card game can be found on most afternoons and evenings.
While playing, it is a particular pleasure to meet people who have served in the Royal Canadian Air Force and listen to their stories; which they are always willing to share. Frequently mentioned is the CF-101 Voodoo interceptor aircraft that was deployed from 1961 and 1984. Thankfully, many of these aircraft have been preserved. I have also had the fortunate opportunity of meeting a few gentlemen who worked on these aircraft as maintenance engineers during their military service.
The CF-101 Voodoo was needed in defence of Canada during the very uncertain times of the “Cold War”. Luckily, none of their weaponry ever had to be used in conflict.
On most Mondays, I enjoy a nice leisurely drive from my home in Cloverdale (a part of Surrey) through some of the picturesque farmland of B.C. to Abbotsford to play Euchre in the evening. On arrival within the Abbotsford city limits I drive along the western border of the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) where McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo registration 101035 rests on display.
Personally, I am always fascinated by how a casual meeting at a friendly card game can result in hearing some very interesting personal stories. Everybody has one, listening can be very rewarding.
More information:
CF-101 Voodoo at Wikipedia
Preserved Voodoo page
YouTube video of CF-101 #035 being moved at YXX