For nearly half a century, the legendary “Punch” Dickins played a leading role in Canadian aviation. A distinguished airman during the First World War, he gained renown in the 1920s and 1930s as a pioneering bush pilot. He flew vast distances in Canada’s North, demonstrating the feasibility of flight in remote areas, the coldest weather, and the most difficult landing conditions. In the 1940s, Dickins contributed to the design of the de Havilland Beaver, an airplane famous for its short take-off and landing capabilities. His endeavours helped make Canada a world leader in frontier aviation.