Flight Lieutenant D. Barrie Dragan, RCAF, Retired passed away peacefully in his home in Nictaux, Nova Scotia on November 24, 2018. He was in his 87th year.
Barrie is survived by his children, Mary Anne (Jim); Dan; Paul (Ericka); Jennifer (Louis) and Ernie (Renee); his grandchildren, Liam and Geneviève Richer and Maximillian Dragan; and his sister, Marie Rafausse. Barrie was predeceased by his wife Hope (née Wall); sister Muriel Hawley and brother Don Dragan.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Barrie joined the Royal Canadian Airforce in 1949 and received his Pilot Officer’s commission from King George VI in 1950. Promoted to Flight Lieutenant Navigator, Barrie flew many missions to map the Canadian Arctic. He once fell off the wing of a Canso into a lake in northern Quebec, thereafter known as Dragan Lake, until it was later renamed in the 1990’s.
Barrie and Hope married in Vancouver and made their way through many postings across the country, ultimately landing in Greenwood, NS, where Barrie continued to share his love of flying as an instructor at the Greenwood Flying Club. He and Hope made their home first in Nictaux Falls, then moved to Nictaux in the late 1960’s. He continued to be an active member of the military community following his retirement, as both a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and several Air Crew Associations.
A Legion Tribute conducted by the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #1, Middleton with Rev. Leon Langille officiating, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 4, 2018 in the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., 902-825-3448, followed by a reception. At Barrie’s request, his family invite you to celebrate his life from 3 – 5 p.m., in the Middleton Legion, 205 Marshall Street.
The family of Barrie wish to express their gratitude to his close friends, neighbours and caregivers who so kindly gave their time and assistance to him during the course of his illness. We are profoundly grateful to Cheryl Graham, who was Barrie’s friend and supporter, faithfully at his side until his passing. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #1, Middleton, would be gratefully appreciated. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com