One of Canada’s most celebrated Second World War fighter aces has died at the age of 100.

James “Stocky” Edwards had 19 confirmed aerial victories and was Canada’s most prolific ace in the Western Desert campaign in North Africa. He was inducted into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame in 2013.

Born in Saskatchewan where he played hockey, Edwards was once offered a chance to try out for the Chicago Black Hawks. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940.

He eventually settled in British Columbia where he died this weekend.