William "Turbo" Tarling

William "Turbo" McColman  Tarling of Cold Lake, Alberta passed away on December 23, 2023 at the age of 86 years.

Turbo is survived by his son: William Tarling; as well as many friends near and far. 

Turbo was predeceased by his parents: William & Norma Tarling.

As per request, no Funeral Service will be held.

 William ‘Turbo’ Tarling
 …………..That line represents absolute silence while I digest the landslide of memories that swarm my mind when I read his name.
   I know I’m only one in an immense long line of old Air Force comrades, probably even schoolmates from childhood and now recent decades of such reprobates like me from his Air Spray forest fire operations years.
      How many CF-101, 104 ,100 and T-33 ‘wingmen’ are there who would ring the Halls with tales of exploits past and laugh off the myriad of possible close calls and near misses in such places as Europe and elsewhere?  
    At the same time, they will in deep reverence remember the lost comrades to accident, other and now age is the keeper of those souls.
    For the Fire warriors I can speak to the hundreds of flights to not far above treetops in his trusty B-26, #13 thru smoke, fire and often turbulence which on a rare occasion could rock the ‘old girl’ pretty hard especially in the many mountain battles.
  The result of those harrowing runs was they ended in a “BULLSEYE” when his load smashed through trees or burning air to squelch the fire.
  Outside of his in air duties, of which he was an exemplary professional, he was a totally loyal friend and mentor to countless people like those who were treated to a “Turbo Tour” in the cockpit of trusty old #13...!!  
   Witnesses to his generosity of personality to help a friend in need with Economic or legal advice are also legion.
    His incredible meticulous attention to detail will live on for years to come in the near 30 photo albums which are incredible records of his Military and Forest fire careers. Those albums are already being recorded in the Edmonton Aviation museum(fires) and the Calgary Military museum for generations of Canadians and visitors to see the hundreds of Pilots, Engineers(mechanics) and support personnel involved at many levels!   He was terribly unselfish in recording EVERYBODY who was in the hundreds and hundreds of photos and the locations and dates.
   His work is a marvel of dedication to his ‘mates’ whether in Military or Civilian dress.
   His last months were another difficult battle now against a debilitating health issue but he stubbornly fought it with the same grit as his whole life. He strode hard till his last breath as witnessed by all who knew him at the end of his journey.
     He really was a “legend in his own time” being the Air Force’ highest Time T-33 pilot and was proud to have t33 in his email .
   I know he’ll be looking to set up a new email “up there” so be warned , don’t be surprised if a request comes in for a landing clearance from “cloud 33”.  Over and out.

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