An Abbotsford businessman has been selected as a Member of the Order of Canada.
During a ceremony last Friday (Feb. 13) at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Barry Marsden, co-founder of Conair Aviation in Abbotsford, was honoured for his contributions to the aviation industry
He was among 36 people named as “members” – one of three levels of the Order of Canada – which honours contributions at the local or regional level.
Marsden also received the honour in 2014.
Eight people were invested as “officers” for national service or achievement, and two were named as “companions” for international service or achievement.
Marsden began his career as an aerial firefighter pilot and aircraft maintenance engineer before co-founding Conair Aviation.
He led the company through expansive growth to become Canada’s largest aerial firefighting business, specializing in the development of aircraft and wildfire suppression techniques.
He assumed the position of president and CEO in 1991 and oversaw the creation of Cascade Aerospace, which provides commercial and specialty aerospace defence services internationally.
Today, he funds scholarships to support the next generation of aviation professionals.
The Order of Canada, established in 1967, is one of the country’s highest civilian honours and is awarded annually by the Governor General of Canada.
Since its creation, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the order.
