CLARKE WILLIAM GEHMAN

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• Tex was a great fighting four plane lead. I arrived on 430 Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron based at Grostenquin, France just as Larry Mosser was departing. Tex was then a senior Flight Lead with maybe a year left in his tour in NATO Europe. I flew as a number two or four many times with Tex leading. One episode in particular comes to mind. We were up as a four plane, Tex leading and I as number two. We were patrolling what we called the iron triangle: Ramstein - Bitberg - Spangdalem over West Germany where a great deal of practice air fighting took place on a daily basis during the Cold War. Inevitably our section entered a whirling dog fight around 40,000 feet. My job was to hang onto Tex clearing his tail while he pressed his attack. We pulled up into the top of a high speed yoyo meeting the opposing section head on. It was clear we were going to come pretty close to the other section and I will always remember Tex transmitting “heads up two” just as a warning to be extra alert. That was typical of Tex; always concerned about the team members. RIP Leader! - Posted by: Hugh Bacon (Number Two) on: Apr 06, 2022

• Tex and I were fighter pilots together during the late 1950s at Grostenquin, France flying the F-86 Sabre, the RCAF's best fighter. He was a great friend, an excellent pilot and a fine Air Force Officer. We were both single at that time and along with many of the other single guys went skiing in Switzerland toured around France, flew to Denmark and other NATO countries and generally had the time of our lives, all while keeping the Russians on their side of the fence and serving our country. It was a memorable time for we 20-year-olds, and it was an honor and a pleasure to share them with Tex. His sons and their families can be proud of Tex and his service to Canada. God bless and rest in peace my friend. Larry - Posted by: Larry Mosser (430 (F) Squadron) on: Apr 03, 2022

• Sadly viewed the notice of passing on CBC National news. I was a very young pilot who met the charismatic "Tex" on the Instrument Check Pilot Course in Winnipeg. He came into one of our lectures and announced he was retiring and the school offered him a swan song in the Tudor. He asked if anybody wanted to join him and that he was flying to Chilliwack. Having grown up there myself I eagerly volunteered but was somewhat intimidated by this crusty and legendary aviator. I thought Tex would do all the flying and I would just get to do some sightseeing and witness one of the greats in action. Ironically, that's not how it played out. Tex had me do all of the flight planning and flying while he whistled tunes all the way out and back. A good lesson for me and a very fond memory. Clear skies and a tailwind my friend. - Posted by: Brian Myrah (Friend and fellow pilot) on: Mar 25, 2022

• I am so sorry to hear of Tex’s passing and offer my sincere condolences to Patrick, Murray and Kirby and families. Tex and I were neighbours while in Portage and thus began a friendship that lasted for 48 years . We have kept in touch over all the years despite the miles apart and we’re able to get together in Winnipeg just prior to the pandemic. Tex and Betty were wonderful people . You are missed . - Posted by: Jim Carnegie (Friend) on: Mar 05, 2022

• Flew RC with Tex. Was one of the first guys that gave me advice. Loved his sense of humour. He will be missed by all who knew him! (Except maybe for the ones that had no sense of TEX humour!). - Posted by: Charles Latschislaw (RC Buddy) on: Feb 24, 2022

• I certainly feel the sorrow that all of you do now. They say time heals. That may be true but memories last forever. Don’t ever forget how wonderful your parents were. I won’t. - Posted by: Ed Thompson (A long time friend) on: Feb 20, 2022

• I am very sorry to hear that Tex has left us. He and I crossed paths at least twice in life. The first was at 2 Wing were I was born and he flew Sabres. Although Tex did not know me at that point - nor me him - he might have known my Dad (Maurice) who was then CO of 109 Comm Flight, and who somehow managed to wangle 6 flights in a Mk 6 in 1956. The second was at Transport Canada in Winnipeg, where Tex and a bunch of his F-86 and CF-104 pilots were employed (aka "The Military Mafia"). By that point, I had shed my short pants and Tex was a respected and trusted colleague. My deep sympathies to his family and my appreciation of a wonderfully written obituary for a fine gentleman and officer who served his country with bravery and distinction. - Posted by: Mike Murphy (Colleague) on: Feb 19, 2022

• My grandfather Wilf Nubel flew with Tex, Larry Mosser et Al. - 430sqn. I had the privilege of getting to know Tex over the years and grew up hearing stories about Tex. I got to meet Tex and Elizabeth, first at SPAADS 2006 Ottawa, Penticton 2010 and Hamilton. He was truly a gentleman and Elizabeth a wonderful lady. I have a great picture of Tex, Larry Mosser, myself and my grandfather, that is in my house from SPAADS Ottawa 2006. I am profoundly saddened to hear of his loss and the Wheeldon/Nubel families will always remember him. Per Ardua ad Astra - Posted by: Ron Wheeldon (Grandson of pilot who flew with Tex - 430sqn) on: Feb 19, 2022

• Our Deepest Sympathies to the family of the late Tex Gehman RIP our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad times. Take Care and Stay Safe. From Chris & Donal Quinn Dublin Ireland - Posted by: Chris & Donal Quinn (Cousin of Elizabeth (Quinn) Gehman) on: Feb 19, 2022