Bob Diemert was a legend in Canadian aerospace research and development—and the aerospace mentor to Beaverworks Mint’s founder, Joseph Green. Diemert pioneered the warbird restoration industry, famously restoring the first Hawker Hurricane used in the 1969 film Battle of Britain. For the film, Bob was invited to fly his restored Hurricane in re-enactments of the historic air battles where many brave Canadian pilots defended Britain.

He regaled us with stories of flying his Hurricane to Great Britain. Because the aircraft bore its original markings, he was able to bypass many regulations typically applied to vintage planes—and even got lost for a while, flying over England en route to the film set. Along the way, he met notable actors, including Canadian icon Christopher Plummer.

 

“Oh, on good days, you could see ol’ Charlie Redstar flying around!”

Diemert went on to restore several WWII warbirds, including the Japanese Val Bomber and a Mitsubishi Zero. A true genius in aerospace, airframe design, and aerodynamics, he was a fixture at Friendship Field in Carman, Manitoba.

A dear friend to Green, Bob passed away on January 11th, 2024, at the age of 85. He was featured in the NFB film The Defender, which inspired Green to seek him out and eventually develop a close bond, affectionately calling him his “aerospace dad.”

“Without a doubt, this Hawker Hurricane is dedicated to the pilots who flew and fought in them, but I also want to ensure that Bob is remembered as a true Canadian aviation icon.”