BUSBY, John William  - March 5, 2012 (Sept 1, 1913 - March 5, 2012)

Bill passed away peacefully at Vancouver General Hospital after 98 wonderful years. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife Margaret (2000). Survived by his daughters Gail (Rick) Rogers, Pat (Tom) Copp & Betty (Dale) Hewitt. Also survived by 7 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren & 2 great great granddaughters.

Bill was born in Brandon, Manitoba, raised in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan and then moved to Edmonton, Alberta where he took his training to become an Aircraft Mechanic. Bill joined Canadian Airways in 1938 and rose to become Director of Maintenance & Engineering for CP Air. Upon Bill's retirement in 1978, Margaret & Bill spent many winter months travelling south to enjoy the sun with relatives and friends.

Department: Maintenance & Engineering
Stations worked: Edmonton/Vancouver

Dad was a man of few words and a gentleman to the end. He loved his family and his happiest times were when we were all together.

Funeral Service: Dunbar Heights United Church 3525 West 24th Ave Vancouver, B.C. Sunday 2 p m
Date of Burial or Service: 01.04.2012

In lieu of flowers we would appreciate a donation made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.

REED, Captain JB (Jack) - February 18, 2012  

Captain JB (Jack) Reed broke through the clouds to sunny skies, making his final takeoff on Saturday, February 18, at the age of 83. He was born in Red Deer, Alberta on February 14, 1929.

Raised in Trail, B.C., he learned to fly under Capt. Bert Snider, CPA. After a brief sojourn in the RCAF on the Harvard, Jack joined Canadian Pacific Airlines in 1955.

He loved flying, being part owner of a Stinson 108 and was just short of 34 years with CPA, before retiring in ’89. His career included the C46, DC3, Convair 240, DC6 Series, Bristol Brittania, DC8 series 43 to the Stretch (4 types), Boeing 737, DC10 series and Boeing 747.

South America (Lima Base) 1974-’77 provided Jack and his wife, Lula and 4 children with much excitement, including earthquakes and a revolution. Peruvians love gold. Thus, his claim to fame was realized, with the implementation of gold wheat sheaves on the peak of the Captain’s hats, thanks to the co-operation of Capt. Roxborough, Chief Pilot of Operations, YVR.

A gathering in his honor will take place at a later date, at their home in Tsawwassen, B.C. where Jack and Lula have enjoyed themselves until his final days.

BLACKWOOD, Alistair James - February 5, 2012 (1918 - 2012)
Passed away peacefully on February 5, 2012. Beloved husband of Joyce and the late Eunice.
Loving father of Gail (John), Bruce (Trudy) and Mike (Debbie). Grandfather of Shannon (Mike), Christopher, Liam and Keralee. Great-grandfather of Alexandra and Samantha.

Many thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Lakeshore General Hospital and the West Island Palliative Care Residence.

A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at J.J. Cardinal 560 Lakeshore Dr, Dorval (Quebec) H9S 2B3, tel: 514-631-1511 on Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 3 to 5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the West Island Palliative Care Residence would be most appreciated.

GORRILL, James (Jim) Fletcher - February 7, 2012   (June 12, 1930 – February 7, 2012)

Jim passed away suddenly at his home in Cochrane, AB on February 7, 2012.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Rosa Gorrill (nee Janisch) and leaves behind his daughters, Cara Sauriol (nee Gorrill) and Lisa Gorrill; son Jim Gorrill; granddaughters, Sabina Marie and Carina Rose Sauriol.

Born in Calgary in 1930, he started life in Gleichen, AB before moving with his family to Calgary in 1941, after the death of his father. His love of the mountains brought him together with Rosa, both members of the Alpine Club of Canada. Married in Petersfield, MB, they lived in Calgary until 1975, when he moved his family to Carstairs, AB. After spending twenty-nine years with Air Canada, he took early retirement. Jim and Rosa eventually settled in Cochrane with a view of the mountains. Jim had a lifelong passion for photography, seeing beauty everywhere through the lens of his camera. From climbing Mt. Robson, to burning the soles of his feet on a dock in Antigua, he loved to travel and explore.

Jim’s family was the most important part of his life and with great sadness, Jim’s family  invite friends to pay their last respects to a very much loved and respected father at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.), on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. You may forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222, www.albertacancer.ca/memorial or directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

In living memory of Jim Gorrill, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.

CUMMINGS, Earl A - February 4, 2012  

Earl A. Cummings, the 'Captain', Retired Air Canada Pilot, 1939-2012 Earl Cummings and his wife Doris of 44 years enjoyed their retirement living between Hockley, Ontario and Panama City, Florida. He died at Southlake General Hospital in Newmarket, Ontario, Saturday, February 4th, 2012 from cancer. Earl was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on May 28, 1939 and was the first child of Earl Thomas Cummings and Geraldine Olive Cummings (nee Armstrong).

While still young Earl and his family moved to Winnipeg where he enjoyed a 'spirited' youth. Notably during the years 1958-1959 he sang on the CBC television show 'Saddle Songs' hosted by Lloyd Robertson. Singing was not his ultimate career - instead he grew wings (or rather earned them). Outstanding recommendations state that Earl was a diligent, responsible and hard-working pilot, serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force (1961-1963), bush-piloting (1963-1965) then ultimately flying with Air Canada (1966-1999). Both literally and figuratively, Earl realized his world in flight.

His successes in life are many; however Earl would be the first to admit that his family was his greatest. He is survived by his wife Doris (nee Surch), his children Jennifer Weber (Tom Weber), Earl G. Cummings (Kim Cummings), his grandchildren Johanna & Jaimee Weber, Katelyn & Cole Cummings; his mother Geraldine Cummings; his siblings Bob Cummings (Anne), Karen Bingham, Claire Craigon (Ian); his nieces and nephews. He was also fortunate to have very dear friends in his life, friends that fulfilled his days on the golf course, in the office, in flight, at the legion and in the community. Earl will be remembered and loved for his high moral character, his fun loving sense of humour, his positive outlook on life and his dedication to family and friends.

He was truly appreciative of the care he received at Southlake General Hospital and it's in memory of his experience there that the family would like to extend our thanks and announce a tribute page that has been set up in his memory. www.southlakefoundation.ca/tributeevents/Event.aspx?event=10

BICKNELL, Alf - January 28, 2012 (1927 - 2012)
Old pilots never die they just take off to the next plane.
Alf Bicknell of Sundre, beloved husband of Norma Bicknell passed away at the Sundre Hospital on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the age of 84 years. Alf is survived by his wife Norma of 59 years as well as his children: Clark, Jane Bicknell (Paul Fraser), Ward (Mary Jane) and Norma-Rose Bicknell (Kim Goertzen). He is further survived by his grandsons: Michael (Tamara), Wayne (Rebecca), Tyler, Saul and Chris as well as his great-granddaughter Abigail-Rose. His memory will be cherished by his Brother Raymond (Etta) as well as a large extended family and many dear friends.

Alf was born and raised in Dryden, Ontario. A chance meeting with a crashed pilot inspired him to become one himself. He flew over 25,000 hours using 87 different kinds of aircraft. After 65 years in the aviation business he retired to his hangar in Sundre where he proceeded to rebuild a Tiger Moth DH82C. Alf was an outspoken character with a great sense of humor and a passion for all things aviation.

Alf adored his family and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Alf’s life will be held at Mountain View Funeral Chapel, 112 – 1 Street NW, Sundre on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. If friends so desire memorial donations may be directed towards “Palliative Care” at the Sundre Hospital, Bag 3, Sundre AB, T0M 1X0.

Condolences can be forwarded to the family at www.mountainviewfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Chapel, 112 – 1 Street NW, Sundre. Phone 403 638 1853.

Memorial Service

RUSSELL, Herbert Henry Clark - January 16, 2012
September 20, 1918 - January 16, 2012
Herb passed away after a courageous fight with Alzheimer's disease. He is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Irene (nee Heggie) and five children, Hebb (Eleanor Moan, Shanna and Hebb Andrew), Kent (Lorna Nicolson, Kelly and Jory), Lee (Jan Soane, Christa, Jaye and Laura), Jan (Michael Hart, Jessica and Joel), and Dave (Kim Rudge).

Herb flew in the RCAF from 1940 until 1944, then joined TCA/Air Canada where he enjoyed a fine and rewarding career until his retirement in 1978. With the onset of dementia, Irene provided loving support and care until his admission to a care facility.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Yaletown House, specifically to the Care Aides, LPN's and RN's who provided Herb not only with much care and attention, but love and affection. We are thankful as a family for God's faithfulness and grace with our parents through their years together and leave you with Irene's prayer for Herb whenever he went away flying. "May the Lord watch between me and thee while we're absent, one from the other."

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Clean Sock and Foot Care Programs, First United Church, 320 E. Hastings, Vancouver, V6A 1P4. A memorial service will be held at Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church, 2733 W. 41st Avenue, Vancouver, on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 at 2 pm.

CUNNINGHAM, Jean - January 10, 2012

September 15, 1920 – January 10, 2012

Jean Cunningham of Calgary, passed away peacefully at home at the Lodge at Valley Ridge on January 10, 2012 at the age of 91 years.

Jean was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, was raised in Vermilion, Alberta and spent most of her adult life in Edmonton. She worked for many years until her retirement as a secretary with Air Canada. She took full advantage of the perks of working for an airline and travelled the world. She particularly loved the beaches of Hawaii and the Caribbean. Jean’s strong will and spirit taught us all just how much you can do in life and how much you can overcome with a positive attitude. We will miss that dry sense of humour that kept us laughing until the end.

She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her niece Jennifer Gilmour-Nishimura (Doug Nishimura) and great nephews Logan and Declan Nishimura.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, May and Edmund Cunningham, her brother Victor Cunningham, her sister Bessie Besse, and her little sister and best friend Mary Gilmour as well as many other relatives and friends.

We would like to thank Dr. Morse and staff at Caleo for great care, as well as Jean’s previous doctor, Dr. Atnikov. Thanks to everyone at the Lodge at Valley Ridge. Special and loving thanks to Lorie Aizzier who has been Jean’s caregiver for years. Our gratitude for her dedication to Jean’s care cannot be expressed in words. You are forever a part of our family.

A private burial will be held at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens on January 13. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial tributes in Jean’s name may be made to Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation, 471 Stonegate Way N.W., Airdrie, AB T4B 2Y2 or at www.pawsitivematch.org

Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.

In living memory of Jean Cunningham, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.