A unique opportunity has presented itself for the memory of a fallen pilot to be honoured in the Lake Diefenbaker area.
Sadly, Captain Walter Niemi, nicknamed 'Nemo', was killed in the crash of his CF-18 Hornet at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta on January 11, 1989. During his career, he flew the CF-104 Starfighter at Cold Lake, as well as Baden-Soellingen, Germany from 1982 to 1986. Captain Niemi was said to have flown the jet on several occasions, the first of which was on March 3, 1982. It was said that five days later was Niemi's first time hitting Mach 2.
Now, more than 30 years later, Captain Niemi's surviving family has been presented with an idea that they hope will serve as a picture-perfect memorial - the opportunity to purchase Starfighter #104644 to put on display in Niemi's hometown area.
Niemi grew up in the Birsay area, so the goal was to find a spot for the retired aircraft to be as close to the village as possible. The RM of Coteau council has already given their permission for the plane to reside within the municipality, and thanks to local developer Rauncie Kinnaird, the current plan is for the Starfighter to be placed on-site at the Sandy Shores Resort area that's located by Lake Diefenbaker.
Retired air force officer Steve Alex, who currently owns the aircraft, approached Niemi's sister, Nicki Cammack, some time ago and asked if there had ever been any consideration over placing a Starfighter in her late brother's hometown area. Alex told her that he owns a jet used by Captain Niemi, but after deciding to let it go, the plan was then arranged to hopefully have it honour Niemi's service.
The price of the Starfighter includes the "full service" package at $53,000 in US dollars, or approximately $66,000 in Canadian currency. This includes the aircraft being restored by Alex to display quality as well as the cost of delivery from its current home in Maine to Saskatchewan, where it will then be reassembled. On top of having no engine, it's said that the jet's cockpit furnishings are also not included as they were sold as spare parts by the military.
If all goes as planned and the aircraft can make its new home in the Lake Diefenbaker area, the current plan is to have an unveiling and dedication ceremony in the late summer or early fall of 2022. However, all will depend on the progress of fundraising at that time. People can support the project by checking out its GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/t98g54-wally-niemi-memorial-starfighter-project or check out the other numerous ways to support this venture by going to rememberingwally.com/starfighter644.
