Render soars to hall of fame

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This article was published 18/12/2019 (2360 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It seems like the sky’s always been the limit for Shirley Render.

It was recently announced that Render is one of five new members who will be inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame next year.

According to a CAHF news release, Render will be honoured at the 47th annual gala dinner and induction ceremony on June 4, 2020 at the Sunwest Aviation Hangar in Calgary.

Render, 77, is among four individuals and one organization to be inducted next year. The other individuals also include Clifford MacKay McEwen, a fighter pilot from the First and Second World Wars; Joseph D. Randall, a leader in Canadian commercial aviation; and Canadian astronaut Bjarni Trygvasson. As well, the Red Knight — the Royal Canadian Air Force’s solo demonstration team from 1958 to 1969 — will receive the Belt of Orion.

“It truly is an honour because here in Canada so much of our history is wrapped up in aviation,” Render told The Lance recently.

“James A. Richardson said the only way to open up the North was by plane. Yes, when I think of the role aviation has played in shaping Canada, I’m very honoured.”

The Wildwood Park resident and avid pilot — who also served as MLA for St. Vital from 1990 to 1999 — can include author and historian on her aviation resume, and she’s also considered a champion of the nation’s aviation heritage. According to the release, Render earned her wings in 1973 and began volunteering at the Western Canada Aviation Museum, and shortly after she was sitting on the museum’s board. After her political career ended, and with the museum in difficulty, Render was asked to return to the museum as executive director and curator. Officials say her leadership, which has been recognized with her appointment as executive director emeritus, helped revitalize the museum — a process that culminated in its redesignation as the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. She’s also the author of two books — No Place for a Lady and Double Cross.    

 
Render — who has a park named after her in St. Vital — said her work with the museum helped her combine her passions for aviation and education, and helped provide a catalyst for her two books.

“I learned more about Canada’s aviation history, and the museum gave me a push to go back to university to get my master’s degree in history,” Render said, adding “there are so many exciting things about aviation.”

“I came back to the museum after politics when it was in a slump, and I was so enthusiastic and passionate — and by then, I knew how to tell a story.”

When asked about what it feels like to fly, Render said there aren’t many things that compare to being at controls of an aircraft.

“I like the takeoff and landing the best, and you really have to be on the ball. I like the challenge,” she said.     

Go online at cahf.ca for more information.