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sympathy_flower150sThe obituary section is a public area open to everyone. We have provided this area so that our members (and anyone actually) can view or submit details of a current or former Air Canada or Canadian Airlines employee or retiree who has passed away.

When posting to this area we encourage you to provide as much detail as possible, name, date of passing, department, cities the deceased has worked in, etc. as well as the date the funeral is taking place if known, espeically if it hasn't already gone by. We have found that in many cases, by the time the details are posted elsewhere, the funeral has already taken place and airline friends would have missed the opportunity to pay your last respects.

If you'd like to post an Obituary notice for a friend or family member please feel free to do so by clicking here.

Air Canada also provides an area on the Aeronet for obituaries as well, so you may want to check there for former colleagues. The lists there are usually at least a month delayed in being posted. The Aeronet is only accessible by active and retired employees that have been provided with AC Aeronet access. Please follow this link and go to "My News/Employee Milestones/In Memoriam" once you access this area.

RATSLAFF, Richard L - March 22, 2011

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RATSLAFF, Richard L. - Passed away Mar 22, 2011. Born in Leader Sask. and raised in Winnepeg Man. He Moved to b.C. in 1967 where he raised his family in the Surrey/Langley area. Richard relocated to the Comox Valley upon his retiremen in 2000 after a long career in Aviation with Canadian Airlines. Following his wishes there will be no service. Donations can be made to the Comox Valley S.P.C.A. where he was a volunteer.
 

BALDWIN, John Russel- March 18, 2011

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BALDWIN, John Russel 1912-2011, beloved husband of Dorothy nee Pearson for 67 years. Survived by Dorothy, his sons John (wife Adrianne), Richard (wife Kristin), Blair (wife Anne) and his grandchildren Kate (husband Kiran), Juliet, Robyn, Jane, John Brian, Reilly, Pearson and Kiera.

John did his undergraduate studies at McMaster University (Graduates Hall of Fame) then his MA from the University of Toronto in 1934; Rhodes Scholar, Christ Church, Oxford (B Litt - 1937). He taught in McMaster's History Department (1937-1938), then became the National Secretary of the Canadian Institute of International Affairs in Toronto (1938-1941). During World War II he served first in the Department of External Affairs; then in the Privy Council Office for the War Committee of the Cabinet. From 1949 to 1968, John was the Chairman of the Air Transport Board and then Deputy Minister of Transport.

He was the President of Air Canada from 1968-1974. He served on the Boards of such organizations as the Ottawa Philharmonic, Kingston General Hospital and the Quebec Boy Scouts Association. John's awards included the Brancker Medal from the British Royal Aeronautical Society and the C.D. Howe Award for Leadership in Civil Aviation.

In retirement he served as the part-time consultant to the Office of the Auditor General and the Transport Department. Hobbies included canoeing, oenology, sports, and jazz piano. He would like to be remembered for contributions to the development of the postwar structure of civil aviation, aids to navigation and the establishment of the Canadian Coastguard.

His passions were his family, his country and public service. A celebration of John's life will be held at a later date. For those who wish, donations in his memory may be made to the U.H.K.F. (Kingston General Hospital Foundation). Arrangements entrusted to the James Reid Funeral Home, Kingston. www.jamesreidfuneralhome.com

 

TUNE, (nee Picotte) Suzanne - March 18, 2011

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TUNE, (nee Picotte) Suzanne - March 18, 2011 - it is with great sorrow that we wish to inform you that Suzanne Tune (born Picotte) passed away peacefully last past Friday night at the West Island Palliative Care Residence. She was supported by her immediate family on Friday. She passed away later that evening with her daughters, Caroline and Jennifer, at her bedside. As per Suzanne’s wishes she will be cremated this week. Viewing will be held Friday and Saturday March 25-26th. A ceremony will be held at the funeral home’s Chapel at 12:00 noon on Saturday. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the West Island Palliative Residence. Suzanne received the very best of care during her short stay at the centre.

C’est avec tristesse que je dois vous informer que Suzanne Tune (née Picotte) est décédée paisiblement dans la nuit de Vendredi à Samedi au « West Island Palliative Care Résidence « . Elle était entourée de sa famille immédiate dans la journée de vendredi. Jennifer et Caroline étaient à son chevet lors de sa mort. Respectant les souhaits de Suzanne elle sera incinérée cette semaine. Les visites auront lieu au salon funéraire J.J Cardinal ce vendredi et samedi 25-26 Mars. Une cérémonie aura lieu Samedi à 12:00 hr à la chapelle du salon. Un don au West Island Palliative Residence serait grandement apprécié. Suzanne a reçu les meilleurs soins possible lors de son très court séjour à ce centre.

 

SMULDERS, Henricus (Hank) - March 16, 2011

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SMULDERS, Henricus (Hank) March 16, 2011 - At the Hawkesbury General Hospital on Wednesday, March 16, 2011. Henricus “Hank” Smulders of Bainsville; age 63 years. Retired C-130 Hercules flight engineer. Beloved brother of Josephina McCormick (John) of Texas, and Kalaya Leighland of Bainsville. Dear son of the late Hubertus Smulders and the late Adriana Mutsaers. Relatives and friends may call at the Munro & Morris Funeral Homes Ltd., 46 Oak St. Lancaster (613-347-3629) on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm and on Wednesday from 9:30 am until 11 am. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of the Munro & Morris Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 11 am. Cremation will follow. As expressions of sympathy Memorial Donations to the Lymphoma Foundation Canada would be appreciated by the family. As a Memorial to Hank a tree will be planted in Memory Woods. A tree grows-memories live.

Hank worked at Air Canada YUL in Line Maintenance and other positions throughout his career. He was also involved with the First Air "Herc" in Ottawa after retirement.

Click here for further service, obituary details and photos.

 

JASTER, Arden Allen Capt. - March 11, 2011

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JASTER, Arden Allen - March 11, 2011 - In the quiet early hours of the morning on March 11, 2011 Arden died peacefully in his little house in Morris.  He courageously dealt with his illness, never complaining, just accepting what life had given him.  He was thankful for all the people who had helped him in his journey especially Dr. Cornelius Woelk, the nurses at the Boundary Trails Chemo and Palliative Care Unit, and Karen Schaak, the Palliative Care Co-ordinator, all of whom who tried so hard to make him comfortable and happy in his final days.  The family will be forever grateful.

Arden will be lovingly remembered by his beloved friend Dollie and her caring family, his two sisters Beverley (Fraser) and Dorothy (Andrew) his nephews Chris (Nicole), Michael (Emma) Trevor, his nieces Pamela (Steve), Robin (Bob), Kimberley (Karen) and his great nieces and nephews Claire, Robyn, Mallory, William, Spencer and Paris whom he loved deeply, numerous cousins , his first wife Marika, his many friends from his flying days and personal friends from his growing up in Morris.

Arden’s early passion for model airplanes and things aeronautical led him to a very successful career with the RCAF and then Air Canada. He safely piloted his passengers all over the world.  He loved his profession and everything associated with it.  As he cheerfully said to us in his final days “Always Keep the Cockpit Clean”.

In 2008 he returned to his roots in Manitoba for which we were very glad.  He purchased himself a beautifully restored Aeronca Champ he affectionately named “Veronica” which he and Captain Wayne Barrie flew back from Morrisburg Ontario in a fun-filled week of adventure. In 2009 he purchased his former family home in Morris and re-settled there.  This brought him much happiness and peace as he re-united with many of his former friends and family.  He found renewed joy with his special friend John and his wife Bev, his wonderful neighbours Shannon and Darryl and their girls, and the ROMEO breakfast club.  Having found a safe place to park Veronica he spent many hours soaring the skies around Morris often taking his trusting friends for rides.

Never too fond of the cold weather Arden spent part of two winters in New Zealand where he golfed with his friends Dave and Carol Lett. He and Dollie travelled to parts of Canada and just three weeks before his death the two of them completed an epic journey to the Antarctic which was on his “to do” list.  In spite of his illness he lived life to the fullest.

At  Arden’s request no formal funeral will be held.  Private family interment will occur at a later date.

“How Lucky we were to have Shared Someone who makes saying Good-bye so Hard”

A celebration of life will be held on April 16th at the Western Canada Aviation Museum in Winnipeg. It will begin at 12:00 and we would love to see you there. We hope to share some stories and pictures of his life and have a chance to visit together.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Winnipeg, the Aviation Museum is on the corner of Ferry Road and Ellice very near the airport.
Watch for the signs for the Aviation Museum. We can be contacted at 204-482-5547.
Sincerely,
Bev(Sister) and Fraser Stewart

 

DAIGLE Gene - March 8, 2011

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JOSEPH (GENE) EUGENE DAIGLE July 15, 1939 - March 8, 2011 We regret to announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grampy, Gene, on March 8, 2011 at his home, with Sandra at his side. Besides his loving wife Sandra; dad is survived by his sons Joey (Penny), Darren (Pauline), Murray (Deb), Tim (Christine) and nine grandchildren; brother Leo (Betty) and sister Freda. He was predeceased by his father Joseph and mother Margaret.

Gene grew up in New Brunswick, leaving home at age 17 to join the Canadian Air Force for 22 years. At the time Gene retired from the Air Force with the rank of Sergeant. Soon afterwards, Gene began a second career at Air Canada Maintenance as lead hand, this lasted for the next 23 years. Many of Gene's co-workers and family members will fondly remember his gift of the gab. Gene enjoyed golfing, bowling and reading - he was an avid history buff. Many hours were spent discussing world events with friends and family. His family meant the world to Gene; he was a great Dad and Grampy who spent many hours at the hockey rinks watching his sons play. He was very proud of his grandchildren. Dad was known for his loud voice and loving heart, our loss will be profound.

Memorial services will be at Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Donations in Gene's memory can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. The family would like to thank Greg, Glenn and Elaine, Doctors Zerioth, Sharma and Elbardisy. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

 

MUNRO, Jack, - March 8, 2011

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Jack Munro, passed away at home on March 8th. 2011. He worked for Canadian Pacific all his working life, starting as an office boy when he left school at 16 in 1936 in Birmingham, England. He was in the signals corps during the 2nd. World war and came back to Canadian Pacific when he was demobbed. He later worked in the Paris, France office, then London, Amsterdam and Rome finally finishing at the Toronto office as air cargo manager for Europe. Although he retired in 1982 many C.P. colleagues have kept in touch over the years and I believe he was well liked. He lead a full and active life and will be sadly missed by friends and family alike.He leaves his wife, my mother, Edna after 65 years of very happy marriage. He also leaves 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Jack's daughter- Jane
 

McMURTRY, John - March 3, 2011

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JOHN McMURTRY passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 3, 2011 in his 84th year. Loving husband of Viola. Beloved father of Allan, Donald (Margaret) and Stephen (Brenda). Caring grandfather to Kelly. John will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Devoted employee of the Air Canada family. A celebration of John's life will take place at a later date. Donations to the Diabetes Association or a charity of choice would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

PETERSON, Capt. Vern February 19, 2011

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PETERSON, Vern February 11, 1925 - February 19, 2011 - Vern passed away peacefully at Morgan Place on February 19. Vern is survived by his loving wife, Gladys, and sons Wayne and David.
 
Vern's passion was for flying airplanes from the time he saw his first biplane in Saskatchewan. This led to a long and successful career in the Air Force. Due to his flying skill he became an instructor teaching new recruits on Harvard airplanes and much later flew the Queen of England when in the 412 Squadron.
 
Perhaps what he enjoyed most were the years he spent with Wardair Canada where he reached the peak as a Airline Transport Pilot in flying Boeing 747 Jumbo Jets.
 
His family will fondly remember the fishing trips and family vacations where his love and affection was most evident. In addition to his wife and sons, Vern leaves behind four grandchildren, Ariele, Zoe, Kirsten and Dylan.
 
Memorial Services held at Victory Memorial Park, 14831 28th Avenue, Surrey, B.C. on Saturday, March 12th at 11:00 AM. The reception to follow from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society.  Many thanks to the caring, compassionate staff at Morgan Place and Peace Arch Hospital.

 

GALLANT, Eugene - February 19, 2011

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GALLANT, Eugene  - February  19, 2011-  Eugene passed away on Feb 19 2011 at the age of 87. He had worked for Air Canada for 25 years.He retired in 1987. He used to work in the finishing shop in Dorval  The Funeral was held on Feb 24 2011. His ashes will be buried at Cimetiere de l'Est in Montreal on May 28 at 10:30 hrs

 

SUFFRON, Art - February 14, 2011

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It is with great sadness that the family of Art Suffron announces his passing on February 14, 2011 at the age of 87. Art was one of the first founding members of the Pionairs and held the post of District Director on more than one occasion.

Art was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and served his country in the European campaign with the Canadian Army during World War II. He was a true hero.

Art began his aviation career April 16, 1946 in his home town of Winnipeg. Even in retirement, Art and his wife Swan spent their summers in Manitoba.

During his 37 years with TCA and Air Canada, he  held various positions in Winnipeg, Moncton, Calgary, New York, Montreal, Washington DC, Chicago, Dallas,  then retired  in 1983.

He was dearly loved by family and friends and will always be remembered as a true friend and family member of Trans-Canada Air Lines,  Air Canada and Pionairs

   

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