History and airplane fatalities on Kagianagami Lake, Ontario

[Billie T.]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Bill Thompson. I am a journalist from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

I originally submitted this to another section of the forum and was advised that this would be a better option

I am investigating three airplane accidents as part of an upcoming article on the history of Kagianagami Lake in Northern Ontario.

The first one happened on March 12, 1932, when a Canadian Airways pilot with the last name of "Dean" died in a crash near the Hudson Bay Outpost on the "Kag." He was flying a Junkers W.33fi airplane. I am trying to find the pilots first name, if indeed his last name was "Dean", as well as the departure site and anything else pertaining to the flight.

The second crash happened on the Kag on Feb. 22, 1959, according to the Library and Archives Canada. The pilot was flying a Cessna 170 and I am looking for any and all information concerning this flight.

The third crash took place in 1963 and the airplane involved was a Taylorcraft BC12D, according to the Library and Archives Canada, and I am looking for any and all information on this flight, as well.

Thank in advance for all your help. I am very impressed with the AVCANADA web site. It's full of Canadian history that most Canadians would never be aware of.

Sincerely,
Bill Thompson

[Hiflyer2]

I would suggest you get hold of Luenenberger Air Service firstly and Nakina Air Service both in Nakina and ask them some questions and they may be able to direct you to someone that might know. I doubt they know themselves.

Some of the First Nations crowd in the area would know some elders that may have some info. I used to know quite a few up there that might know something but they have since passed away. Elmer Ruddick was a manager for Austin Airways, the elders like John Baxter and his brother Eli would have known but they all have passed. Another family that may know something would be The Nate family in Fort Hope. Corny and Themus. Not sure if they are still alive. Also the Ritch family of Nakina as well. They all lived and trapped in that area.

Good Luck and let me know your results.

[Driving Rain]

Another longtime pilot in that area might help you out is Don McNabb of Geraldton. Don was a pilot with the OPAS and the OMNR air service for most of his flying career. He still lives there. I'm pretty sure Dons phone # is in the Geralton directory.

[edgarlavoie]

Here is a link to info on the 1969 crash: http://images.ourontario.ca/gateway/2686507/data?n=1
Also, a retired bush pilot in the Greenstone (Geraldton) area who may be able to help you is:
Bill Ferring
807-854-2000
I am a local historian. If you know the meaning of Kagianagami, I would appreciate that info, as well as your source.

[stef]

You should try Andy Yesno at the Fort Hope band office (Eabametoong First Nation.) He has documented a lot of the local history. If he doesn't know himself he'll be able to point you in the right direction.

AFAIK Corny and Temius are still alive and well. I'm sure Corny would be happy to talk to you if you can track him down.

[Billie T.]

Dear Mr. Lavoie,

I got an email from Bobo telling me about your posting on Aviation Canada.

Before I get into the "meaning" that I have for Lake Kagianagami, I thought that you might find it interesting that according to Jeff Ball, B.A., B.Ed., M.Sc., Geographic Names Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Kagianagami Lake has had 15 different names such as "Great Cockinagoimy" (1873) and "Kagainagami" (1910) and "Kageinagami" (1900, 1901 and 1907).

Ball also stated that even if the name – no matter how it is spelled – appeared on an "official" government map - it still wasn't necessarily official unless the Geographic Board of Canada approved it.

In the case of Kagianagami Lake, the name was first approved for official use in 1933.

In addition, I believe “Kagianagami” in native tongue – possibly Cree – means “Everlasting Waters.”

I believe, that the article that you refer to in your posting is the article that I wrote for the Chronicle Journal Newspaper in Thunder Bay.

In closing, thanks for your input Mr. Lavoie. I will follow up with Bill Ferring as you recommend.

Sincerely,
Bill Thompson

[Nakinajay]

The plane crash that the Ritch family was involved in were my dads brothers. He witnessed the accident.