Funeral services were held Friday morning at World War II fighter ace ace “Goods” Edwards in Courtney, British Columbia
Edwards was an award-winning Canadian fighter who died on May 14 at his home just three weeks before his 101st birthday, with his wife Tony and close friends.
James “Goods” Edwards was widely considered the greatest living fighter pilot in Canada. (Sent)
Prior to the service at Christ the King Catholic Church, Edwards’ daughter, Dorothy Edwards, shared some of her memories of her father with the media.
“It’s a really sad day. He’s my father and he’s not here now, but he was a hero when we needed heroes and now we need them again,” she said.
Dorothy called her father an inspiration and noted that the funeral was attended by many soldiers and friends who also admired him.
‘DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN’
Edwards was active in various charities and outdoor activities until his death.
“I think he left happily, knowing he did his best,” Edwards said.
“Almost all [his interests] he had a common nature and environment, “she said.” He was a hunter, a fisherman and an artist. He had a lot [passions]more than hobbies because he did them so well and for so long. “
Edwards was well known internationally for his achievements, and was even awarded several times by both Canada and France.
He was known for being modest, and his daughter said his children did not know about their father’s heroic past.
James “Stocks” Edwards
“We didn’t know at all about his heroism during the war, and when we started asking, he would just betray him,” she said. “He was modest but proud in a very, very quiet way.”
It wasn’t until others approached her father that Edwards and her siblings learned the details of Edwards’ past.
“People just started coming looking for him from all over the world, really. He would accommodate everyone. He would do it with strangers who were interested, “said Edwards.
Two Canadian CF-18 military planes and a Cormorant helicopter made an overpass over the church as Edwards’ coffin was moved on Friday.
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