Dennis McLeod VFC VP and Rick Thorburn

The Vernon Flying Club is pleased to announce that Rick Thorburn has been awarded a Lifetime Honourary membership.   A member of the flying club since 1971, he is the longest continual member we have. He has been on the executive many times serving in all the positions at one time or another, including President at least five times over the years.

 Aircraft Builder:  Rick has completed 5 Van’s RV projects and others in his 2 hangers.   He attended the University of British Columbia for seven years and graduated as an architect in 1966.  He established his own firm in Vernon.  The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre and the People Place in Vernon are just two of his designs. 

 Rick taught “Ground School” for 13 years to the Vernon Air Cadets (now the 223 Red Lion Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets). He has been a pilot since the 1930’s.

The “history page” that is on our website was co-authored by Rick.   As well, he managed and worked to realign the runway at our airport.  He received recognition for his success in getting the airport moved from the Regional district to the current status owned by the City of Vernon.   Rick was also  President of the Airport Commission for Vernon for a number of years.