Email from Mike Siemans to Dick Dunn

After being notified of Hank Siemans passing Dick Dunn requested an obituary for Hank Siemans and Mike, Hank's son, replied with the obit and further information over a few emails. The information in the emails has been consolidated here or added to Hank's obituary.

I retired years ago, December 2001. Finished my career in support of the CH113/113A SAR fleet at HQ in Ottawa. What an honour that was for me. A bit of a switch from the fast air and tactical helicopter world! I did a tour with 408 Sqn in Edmonton and 444 Sqn Lahr, so I know a little about TAC Hel! When I released out of Ottawa I took on a civilian contractor job for several years until the 'free move' deadline loomed & decided to retire for good and let the Forces pay my way to Vernon! I simply traded my uniform for civilian attire and moved up a few floors in the Cumberland building to manage the CF-18 Technical Manuals. That was quite a learning curve as the CF-18 fleet was the first CF fleet to use electronic publications, IETM.

I recall Dad coming to visit in Ottawa while I was there to go to a 427 Sqn reunion in Petawawa. He came to Ottawa a number of times, including with mom Lotte for vacation, driving across the country in their motorhome. Other occasions were AGMs of the RCAFA. Dad had a presence on Facebook for a number of years before passing. I took it down but perhaps should have kept it going in memoriam as I have seen done for other folks that have passed. I was a Facebook holdout until a year or so ago, realizing it was a good way to interact with my kids, relatives, old Air Force acquaintances etc. I’m sure if you search my name, youl'l find my profile. There are some good aviation photos including a vintage one of Dad with 2 buddies in front of a Harvard.

Attached are a number of photos, as the bio did not include any other than the cover. Please feel free to use them as you wish. I have more but not sure of the relevance to 427 Sqn. Some nice shots from the Sabre era. Pretty sure the aircraft are 427 birds in the attached. One is of Dad receiving an award from Prince Bernhard on the occasion of the Canadians winning yet another Guynemer Trophy shoot.

Mom Lotte is still with us, although she has dementia which is progressing rapidly. When Dad passed in 2017 she was unable to care for herself so had to go into a care home.

Mike Siemens