Angus Curran Morrison

Angus Curran Morrison was born in Toronto on April 22, 1919, and educated at Upper Canada and Bishop's Colleges. He served in the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps in the United Kingdom, North Africa, and Italy, and became a pilot before demobilization. He founded and operated his own firm. Atlas Aviation Ltd., in 1947 in Ottawa, Ontario, with bases extending as far as the Quebec North Shore. He was appointed Executive Secretary of the Air Industries and Transport Association of Canada (AITA) in 1951.

In 1962 AITA experienced a change in its organizational structure, with the operators forming their own organization, the Air Transport Association of Canada (ATAC), which at that time represented 95 percent of Canadian air carriers, fixed base operators and helicopter operators. Morrison was appointed Executive Director, and later President and Chief Executive Officer of ATAC. He thus became a full-time officer associated with all undertakings of ATAC.

As Past President of ATAC, he was recognized for his contribution to the development of the aviation industry. Many examples of the results of his efforts could be cited regarding lasting improvements for all members, enhancing all aspects of Canadian air transportation. For government, he championed integrity and air safety within member air operators, service organizations and manufacturers. For the industry, he lobbied for more liberal government regulations. His endeavors over the years resulted in duty-free treatment of aircraft, engines, and parts when a type or size was not made in Canada, saving the commercial operators very large sums of money. He worked hard for an agreement with the Department of Labour to allow operators to average hours of work over a 52-week period, thereby making it possible to comply with the standard labour code. Aviation training was enhanced due to his influence in the establishment of Instructor Refresher Courses which were jointly developed by the Royal Canadian Flying Clubs Association (RCFCA) and ATAC.

In 1977 ATAC received the Diploma of Honour from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) in Paris for the Association's contribution to the air transport industry under Morrison's leadership. He personally was awarded the Federation's Paul Tissandier Diploma, "Pour son importante contribution depuis 1947 a la promotion et a 1'accroissement des activites aeriennes."

Morrison retired from the Air Transport Association of Canada in 1985 and was made an honorary life member at that time. In 1986 he was awarded the C.D. Howe Award by the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute (CASI), "For achievement in the field of planning, policy-making and leadership in aeronautics and space."

In 1987, at an Aviation in Transition Recognition Dinner held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Aero Space Museum Association presented him with a trophy which read: "To Angus Morrison, an aviation pioneer whose contribution to the industry has added immeasurably to its development." He was named an Associate Fellow of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute in July 1987 and died at Almonte, Ontario on June 30, 2003.

Angus Curran Morrison was inducted as a Member of Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame in 1989 at a ceremony held in Edmonton, Alberta.