At 103 years old, former WWII bomber pilot Reg Crash Harrison is still reading about aviation adventures

Whenever I am in Saskatoon, which is about 250 kilometres north of where I live in Saskatchewan, Canada, I visit my friend and former book subject Reginald "Crash" Harrison. I wrote Reg's life story in the award-winning book Crash Harrison: Tales of a Bomber Pilot Who Defied Death, and I always enjoy our visits.

Now at 103 years and two months old, Reg admitted to me, "I think my old age is finally catching up with me."

"Oh my goodness, Reg. You're 103. I suppose it's bound to happen."

This feisty gentleman survived four plane crashes (none of which were his fault) as a bomber pilot during the Second World War. He has a remarkable recall of those events and was a pleasure to interview during the process of writing, editing, and publishing that book. Reg met his late wife as part of his war story, which turned into a beautiful love story and is also detailed in our book. 

Author-publisher Deana J Driver
and 103-year-old Reg "Crash" Harrison
Saskatoon, SK, Canada, Oct. 5, 2025

Reg still reads every day, even though he's lost some eyesight and some of his previous physical strength, despite lifting eight-pound weights daily for the last few decades. He still follows Canadian news and events, and enjoys watching Toronto Blue Jays games on TV.

During my recent visit, I brought Reg a copy of my latest book, Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada's North: A Bush Pilot's Adventures, which I co-authored with the book's subject, Dorrin Wallace. I knew Reg would enjoy the book because he has a vast collection of aviation and war history books that he still refers to in conversation.

Reg immediately took the book over to his screen magnifier and placed it under the viewing device. It was such a delight to watch this unfold!

Reg "Crash" Harrison, getting his first look at Deana Driver's new book
by Dorrin Wallace,
Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada's North: A Bush Pilot's Adventures

Reg "Crash" Harrison, looking at the cover page of
Deana Driver's new book by Dorrin Wallace,
Flying a Gooney Bird in Canada's North: A Bush Pilot's Adventures

Reg is a member of the renowned Guinea Pig Club because he received experimental plastic surgery on a wound he suffered during the Second World War. He was also named an Honorary Snowbird by the Canadian Forces aerobatic team, which presented him on his 100th birthday with the metal plaque seen behind Reg and me in the top photo.

Honorary Pilot, SPS Air Support Unit plaque for Reg "Crash" Harrison

Reg's latest accolade came from the Saskatoon Police Service, which named him an Honorary Pilot of their Air Support Unit on the day before his 103rd birthday. Reg was delighted to show off the award, which adds to all the others adorning his apartment walls.

Well earned, kind sir. It's always a pleasure to see you.

Deana J Driver and Reg "Crash" Harrison, age 103,
Oct 5, 2025