Employee Alumni Website

Apr 1, 2009 

Howe, Pete passed on Feb 25, 2009 at the age of 74.  He was well respected in the aviation industry and will be sadly missed.  Attached is a document on his life.  Its a great story so don't skip this one. 

Mar 20, 2009
ADAMS, William Kenneth "Ken" On March 16, 2009, Ken passed away peacefully at the age of 71 years. He will be missed by his wife Lilly; his children Kim (Darrell) and Kevin (Carla) and grandchildren Tess and Sydney; his stepchildren, Sonia, Lisa, and Holly (Catrina) and grandchildren, Colleen, Joy, Aaron, Anna, and Trinity and by many family and friends. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the Harmony Chapel at First Memorial Funeral Services, 10541 - 81 Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. Condolences may also be left at www.mem.com First Memorial Funeral Services - Harmony Chapel 780-433-7335
Ken worked in Avionics in both Edmonton and Calgary plus he was with Herc Ops

March 7, 2009
Labreche, Frank 
LABRECHE, Frank On February 26, 2009 Frank Labreche passed away at the 80 years. He is survived by his wife Jessie, son Dave, two granddaughters; Tania and Amber (Brad), and a great-granddaughter Jayla. Frank was predeceased by his daughter Linda. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Evergreen Funeral Chapel, 16204 Fort Road, Edmonton. 

Feb 19, 2009
John Plank - It is with deep regret I must inform you, that our long time friend and colleague, John Plank passed away in VGH on 18Feb09, after a short illness. He is survived by his long time companion Yolande Baker and son Robbie. John had asked that no services be held.  

Jan 24, 2009
TODD,  Timothy (Tim) James September 28, 1939 - January 12, 2009 Our loving father, husband and friend passed away peacefully at the Peter Lougheed Hospital ICU, on January 12, 2009. What we will all miss most of all is his laughter and mischievous sparkling brown eyes. He was always teasing and laughing with his friends and family. These times were always the most important part of his life. Tim is survived by his wife and best friend Marleen and his four children Taralee (Tom) Todd, Tanya (Tim) Price, Tedi-Jo (Rick) Gardner, Tim (Rita) Todd, along with his four grandchildren Kimberlee (Jason), Amanda, Jeff and Rob and great-grandson Dylan and many relatives and friends. Tim was born in Stettler, Alberta on September 28, 1939 and married his soulmate Marleen Harvey in 1964. He spent his younger years working on the oilrigs throughout Alberta. In 2004 he retired from a thirty year career as an airline sheet metal mechanic with Field Aviation, Pacific Western Airlines, Canadian Airlines and Air Canada in Vancouver and Calgary. Throughout his life Tim was very active in playing softball and hockey and always spent time hunting and fishing with excellent results. His family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the many nurses and doctors in ER and ICU at the Peter Lougheed Center and a special hug to Deb Bosley who made this very sad time bearable for us all. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choosing.

Jan 1, 2009 
Diana Almedia passed away  - she was a great flight attendant and the crews enjoyed  flying with her.  We have no obituary or service information.   If you have any details please pass them on to the webmaster

Dec 27, 2008

Brenda Williamson passed Dec 27, 2008, in Richmond, B.C. Brenda started with PWA in 1978,and made many friends over the years during her time in the pass bureau. Always known for being very helpful. Shirley (El Buzzo) and her daughter Brenda, Connie Fujino and Shirley Kent are just a few of the dear friends she made. Her friends will remember her saying "Were here for a good time; ,not a long time". 

Nov 26, 2008
Kurt Schneider was a sheet metal Mechanic, Sub Foreman and Supervisor of the Sheet metal shop in Edmonton and Calgary for PWA and Canadian Airlines.   
SCHNEIDER _ Kurt Franz August 11, 1928 - November 15, 2008 Kurt Franz Schneider, beloved husband of Gertrud of Calgary, passed away on November 15, 2008 at the age of 80 years. Kurt was born August 11, 1928 in Celle, Germany and immigrated to Canada in 1953. Kurt is survived by his loving wife of fifty-two years, Gertrud; children, Beate Rasmussen of St. Albert, Karen Schneider of Edmonton and Roy Schneider (April) of Edmonton; grandchildren, Corey Rasmussen of Rocky Mountain House, Jason Rasmussen (Laura) of Ardrossan and Ashley Schneider of Edmonton. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Logan Rasmussen.  Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 - 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 (Telephone 403-255-6108, www.kidney.ca ). or to a charity of the donor's choice. In living memory of Kurt Schneider, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH. Telephone: 403-276-2296

Nov 3, 2008

Capt. Ernest Whitehead - Ernie felt a deep and abiding connection to family and land, so it is fitting that he died on the family property at Eagle Bay. He joins the legacy of Whiteheads who went before him. Ernie was an enormous presence in the lives of many and his loss leaves an aching void in the hearts of all who knew him. We shall miss his love and his laughter that was so generously given.    Ernie fulfilled his childhood dream to become a pilot. His early years with P.W.A. included flying to the Arctic, and Africa; then domestic and North American routes with P.W.A, Canadian Airlines, and Air Canada. He was a careful and conscientious pilot and many thousands of people flew safely in his hands.   Left to grieve with precious memories are his wife Paddy and their son Stephen; sister Bunny and brothers Joe, Jack, Carl, Kahn and their families; sisters in-law Jean, Elizabeth, and their families, alongside the large extended family that meant so much to Ernie. 

Ernie was both ‘handsome AND handy’. He had the heart of a poet, and the soul of a woodsman. Affectionately nicknamed “the King of Korn”, his one liners will be missed forever. 

His family wishes to honour Ernie’s life by sharing stories, tears, and laughter with those whose lives he touched. Stephen would cherish receiving written memories that he can keep as a reminder of the man his father was in the hearts of so many.   A gathering to honour Ernie will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made 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 . 

Oct 27, 2008

SAMBELL George April 19, 1951 - October 15, 2008 George passed away peacefully after a year long battle with lung cancer. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Enid. He was survived by his cherished family, wife of 35 years Mary, children Eric and Christie, brother Joe (Sharon) and extended family. In the past year during the good times he travelled with his family to Australia and then to Newfoundland and Cape Breton. He was born in Kimberly and moved to Vancouver as a child. George worked for Pacific Western and Canadian Airlines. Midlife he switched careers to do home renovations and then finally fulfilled his life long dream of building a workshop to make furniture. He was a craftsman who loved to work with tools. George was a HAM radio operator since he was 16 years old and was passionate about the support he gave to his church. We would like to thank the staff at Delta Hospital and Dr. Martin Ray for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Delta Hospice Society's Building Fund or Inspire Health: Integrated Cancer Care. The celebration of life memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 22 at Tsawwassen United Church. 

Oct 19, 2008 
PEARSON Kenneth John Ken passed away October 11, 2008 at the age of 74 in Surrey BC, of cancer. His kindness, caring heart, and his special gift to make us all smile, will be dearly missed. Ken's entire working career was with Pacific Western Airlines in BC. He served Canada in the Korean War, and was also a Free Mason. Ken's wife Barbara, his daughters Karen (Barry), Sandy (Dave), and sisters Marilyn (Bob), and Carole (Larry) will always hold a smile in their heart for Ken. Gramps will be missed by grandchildren Sara, Izaak, and Max, as well as Susan and Shelley, who have always considered Ken as a second Father. A service to honour and celebrate Ken will be held at Colebrook United Church, 5441 125A Street, in Surrey on Friday, October 17, at 4:00 PM

Oct 1, 2008

EDWARD WILLIAM ZIKMAN August 16, 1933 September 28, 2008 With arms reaching up to Jesus, Dad went to heaven on September 28, 2008. His mother Inga, father Bill, and brother Mervin were waiting for his arrival. He was surrounded by his children Brenda (Randy) Regelous, Barbara (Ryan) Janz, Tracey (Robert) Isfeld, Doug (Wendy) Zikman. All of his grandchildren; Jonathan, Christopher (Caroline), Tyson, Shane, Kolby, Zachary and Nicholas were very grateful to spend time with Papa over the last couple of weeks. Dad will also be missed by our mother Joyce. Dad had a love for flying and received his pilot's license as a young man. He started his career with Transair at the age of 17 in Lac du Bonnet, and went on to study and train as an aircraft mechanic. Dad was promoted into management with Pacific Western, and then Canadian Airlines until his retirement after 38 years of service. Dad always loved the game of hockey. He was scouted and invited to try out for the Junior Monarchs in Winnipeg. Throughout his life he continued to play hockey, including playing for the PWA Jets and East Elmwood C.C. Oldtimers. He loved to watch his grandsons play hockey and rarely missed a game. Dad had a passion for building, and his cottage in Lac du Bonnet was an example of his many talents. There wasn't anything that Dad couldn't build or fix. He also enjoyed fishing and was known for his smoked goldeye. Dad loved a good round of golf, gardening, playing cards and dancing at the Legion on Thursdays with his special friend Evelyn. In recent years they travelled together to Alaska and Texas during the winter months. Memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 350 Gilmore Avenue, Winnipeg.

Sep 5, 2008
ROBERT FRANCKLYN SPROULE October 5, 1934 - September 2, 2008 With deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, dad and grandfather on September 2, 2008 at the Kiwanis Care Centre, North Vancouver. He will be dearly missed by his wife Rose of 53 years, daughter Sondra (Edson) and grandsons Eric and Matthew Ng. Bob was born on October 5, 1934 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and lived his first five years in Bermuda where his father was a Methodist Minister. His career spanned 20 years in the RCAF with postings at the Central Experimental and Proving Establishment (CEPE), Suffield, AB; 4 (Fighter) Wing, Baden Soellingen, Germany; St Hubert, Quebec; Uplands, Ottawa; and Namao, Edmonton, AB. He was recipient of the Canadian Centennial Medal (1967) in Uplands, Ottawa, On retirement he worked as an Aircraft Engineer in the Arctic for a brief period and later with Pacific Western Airlines and Canadian Airlines. Bob is survived by four brothers, George (Edmonton), Paul (West Vancouver), Eric (Perth, ON) and Hubert (Dieppe, NB). He has predeceased by his parents, Rev J. Marshall and Erica Sproule (Nova Scotia), and two brothers Bernard (Ottawa) and Don (Arnprior, ON). A service will be held at the Parkside Funeral Chapel, Swift Current, SK, pn October 4, 2008 at 1:30pm with interment at the Herbert Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made to the Kiwanis Care Centre, North Vancouver, or a charity of your choice in Bob's memory. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die" 

Sep 17, 2008
Gunnard Radford
It is with deep sadness, that we announce the passing of a dear friend Gunnard Radford who departed this world suddenly at age 63. Gunnard was a well respected Airport Services Manager in Powell River and Victoria.  He had a great sense of humour and could make anyone laugh.   Please send your stories of Gunnard to nativesun@shaw.ca ASAP.
Gunnard Radford 
RADFORD, Gunnard June 9, 1945 August 30, 2008 Gunnard passed away suddenly at home on August 30, 2008. He is survived by his sister, Charlotte (Tom), daughter, Marni (Grant), granddaughters, Kendra and Taylor, as well as many relatives and dear friends here and abroad. Gunnard's 26 years working for the airlines prepared him for what became the best time of his life: 5 years working with the United Nations in Sierra Leone. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 12:30pm at St. John Heritage Church, 537 Glencairn Lane, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Vision or a charity of your choice. 500323 

August 27, 2008
Lorraine Payne
It is with great sadness that I advise you of the passing of Lorraine Payne (Caron).  Lorraine had just celebrated her 65th birthday on August 13th, and even though she still suffered from long lasting health  issues she had been of late feeling quite well.  Lorraine started with Pacific Western back in the mid sixties as a reservation agent in Edmonton, moved to Vancouver, and worked as a Res agent for a short while then transferred to the Airport, where she stayed until her illness about 10 years ago.  Lorraine's two sons, Wade and Neil are in the process of making final arrangements, and we will advise of details when they are known.  From brothers,  Ferd (Rica)and Ernie (Ellen) Caron.

PAYNE Lorraine Ann August 13, 1942 It is with a great sense of loss that we announce the passing of Lorraine Payne at the age of 66, she passed away suddenly in her home on Tuesday, August 26th, 2008. Remaining to mourn and cherish Lorraine's memory are her sons Wade Gagnon (Annette) and Neil Clark, her grandson Christopher and her best friend Dan Hendricks, four brothers Ernie (Ellen), Archie (Sue), Ferd (Rica), Wesley (Linda). Lorraine, affectionately called "LC" by all of her airline friends and associates started her career with Pacific Western Airlines in Edmonton and then moved to Vancouver in 1973, where she stayed until she retired. Lorraine dedicated her life to taking care of her family and her pets. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She will be forever in our memories. 

August 14, 2008

Norma Bjorge
We are saddened to report that Norman Bjorge (wife of Ken) passed on Tuesday Aug 12 , 2008. Service details .....

BJORGE- Norma Kathleen (Stewart) March 14, 1931 - August 12, 2008 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Norma, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Norma passed away on the morning of August 12, 2008. Born in Drumheller, Alberta on March 14, 1931, Norma is survived by Ken, her loving husband of 55 years, daughter Janet (Brian), sons Bradley and Brent, grandsons Jason (Becky) and Joshua (Sarah) and great grand daughter Hayley. Predeceased by father Keith, mother Netta and sister Margaret. Norma is also survived by sisters Loreen (Guy) and Donna (Tom), sisters-in-law Evelyn and Olive. After growing up and marrying Ken in Edmonton, they moved to Tsawwassen in 1965 where they enjoyed many happy years together with family and friends. Norma worked for PWA and Canadian Airlines for 21 years. A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at Delta View Life Enrichment Centre, 9341 Burns Drive, Delta, BC V4K 3M3, 1:00 PM Saturday August 16, 2008. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to either Delta View Life Enrichment Centre or the Alzheimer's Society, would be greatly appreciated. Forever in Our Hearts 

August 6, 2008

Patrick Squibb
SQUIBB, Patrick Henry January 6, 1922 - August 1, 2008 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Patrick (Pat), 
long time Pilot with PWA, Canadian and Air Canada following a short illness. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 
26 years, Dorothy; his son Sid; daughter Katherine Marchessault; granddaughter Claire Marchessault; son-in-law Tim 
Marchessault; sisters Betty Kalpakis and Nancy Tysoe; numerous nephews and nieces as well as Dorothy's family: Keith, 
Jan, Todd, Kimberly, Matthew, Darrell, Sue and Paige Bradley; Bill, Lynne, Brett, Jen, Sydney, Jay, Megan and Mila Henderson; 
Diane, Peter and Jessica Rivers and Bob Henderson. Predeceased by his first wife Gladys; his brother Harold; his sisters 
Margaret, Edith, Audrey and Faith (Pip). Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 7th at 2:00 p.m. at Glenwood 
Memorial Gardens, 52356 Range Road 232, Sherwood Park. Pat and Dorothy's families would like to thank the kind and 
caring staff of Devonshire Care Centre for their special devotion given to Pat. In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly 
appreciated to the Recreational Therapy Department at Devonshire Care Centre for their continuing work in providing 
entertainment and special events that gave both Pat and Dorothy so much enjoyment. 

July 25, 2005
John Kozel was a long time Lead Cleaner for PWA & Canadian Airlines and a friend to all who knew him.   Funeral arrangements for are:
Prayer Service - Sunday July 27 @7PM at St. Mathews  Catholic Church 13131 - 86 Street Edmonton 
Funeral Service - Monday, July 28 @ 10AM St. Mathews Catholic Church 13131 - 86 Street  Edmonton 
(Dale Hyrve and I) are arranging to send flowers from the PWA friends. I will be collecting $5 from those of you who wish to contribute after the service on Monday.


July 20, 2008

Semple, Edward Hugh 
SEMPLE Edward Hugh Born August 27, 1929 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and died July 13, 2008 in Burnaby, BC in the presence of loving family members. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Pat and Jennet Semple, and by two sisters, Margaret Rae Cross and Maureen Holmes. He is survived by Roshale Ramsey, his devoted wife of 22 years, and by her son Aeron Jensan and wife Anaya. Ed is survived by his son Rae and wife Cammy of Mission, BC; two daughters, Margaret Semple of Winnipeg, and Kerry and husband Tom Hibbs of Surrey, BC. He was known as Ted and was dearly loved by his three surviving sisters, Trudie and Rex Terpening of Surrey, BC; Ruby and Vic Garden of Victoria Beach, Manitoba; and Shirley Semple of Nanaimo, BC. He is also survived by grandchildren and recently, one great-grandchild. Ed was a man who lived his life to the fullest. He was a Mason, a Shriner, a bowler, and a faithful member of South Burnaby United Church, where he spent many happy hours singing in the choir. He was an active member of Bonsor Centre where he also participated in choir singing. Upon retiring from the airline industry, Ed and Roshale travelled extensively and particularly enjoyed Hawaii. He became a green jacket volunteer at the airport, conducted tours for young people through the Air Canada hangar, and also worked for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for several summers. He was a good, kind and decent man whose favourite words were, "Can I help you?" "The art of life is to know how to Enjoy a little and to endure much" In gratitude and recognition of the tender loving care extended to Ed and his family by the staff of Aspen Grove during the 20 months he lived in New Vista Care Home, we request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to New Vista Society for Aspen Grove, 7550 Rosewood Street, Burnaby, BC, V5E 3Z3. There will be no service but a Celebration of Life tea will be held on Saturday, August 16 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the social room at 4221 Mayberry, Burnaby, BC. Personal Alternative Funeral Services 604-662-7700 

June 30, 2008
Jack Cooke

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of a true aviation Pioneer and an AC Pionair member, Jack Cooke, who was very well known in the aviation community and in fact could have been considered to be one of the "icons".  Jack Cooke passed away in Peace Arch Hospital on June 28, 2008. Jack was predeceased by his wife, Barbara, in 2002.
Jack will be dearly missed by his loving children - Penny (Tony) Dalton, Randy (Alix) Cooke, and their children Melinda (Neil), Dana (Wes), Jaimie (Chris), and Joanna (Graham); stepson Steve (Jennifer), their sons Adam and Matthew, and his favourite cousin, Patti Cooke.
Jack was born on September 18, 1922, in Edson, Alberta. He joined TCA (later Air Canada) in 1945 in Lethbridge, Alberta, and subsequently worked for TCA in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. In 1956, Russ Baker, founder of Pacific Western Airlines, asked Jack to join his new company in Vancouver. Throughout his career, he served in many senior management positions and retired in 1987. Jack was defined by his outgoing personality and his high regard for his colleagues throughout his 42 years in the aviation industry. 
Jack's passion was golf and he enjoyed many years as a member of Point Grey Golf and Country Club in Vancouver, and Willow Park Golf and Country Club in Calgary. He served as The Worshipful Master of Grandview Masonic Lodge in 1961 and was a proud member of the Shriners' Oriental Band, where he excelled at playing the tambourine.

In his later years Jack attended the AC Pionairs coffee meetings both in White Rock and in Richmond - he will be sadly missed.
June   
BOND, Tom
With humour and wit, dad had us laughing until his passing June 5, 2008. At 79, with a full life contributing to his family, friends and community, a long determined battle with cancer ended. Tom is survived by his devoted wife Dorothy of 50 years, loving daughters Rosemary (Tony) and Debra, grandsons Stuart and Douglas. Dad started with PWA in 1959 and worked in North Battleford, Saskatoon, Powell River, Dawson Creek and Vancouver where he worked in Claims until 1982. He enjoyed the reunions with the old PWA gang and participated in the 25 year club. 

June 5, 2008 - from the family of Don Johnson, Finance
Don Johnson 
I wish that I was writing with good news but sadly this will be the hardest update to write. My dad Donald Johnson passed away this morning at home just before 11am after a 7 year battle with colon cancer. Erik, Scotia and I were at his side to hold his hand. He did not suffer. The nurses say that he was aware of our presence and this was evident by the way he stopped (his trademark) snoring when Scotia squealed at him :) earlier in the morning. We are taking comfort in knowing that he put up a good fight and is now at peace.   My family wishes to thank everyone again for their kind words and prayers during this difficult time. My dad was blessed to have had so many dear people in his life and he spoke highly of all of you.        Jennifer and Family.

June 4, 2008
KOPYN, Theodorus On Monday, June 2, 2008 Ted Kopyn passed away at the age of 88 years. He will be  sadly missed by Conny; sons Rene (Juanita), Jeff (Sandra), daughters, Diane (Dennis), Linda (Andrew);  granddaughters, Amanda and Meagan. Predeceased by his son Ted Patrick. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Westlawn Chapel. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the chapel of Howard & McBride 
Westlawn, 16310 Stony Plain Road. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Ted may be made to Capital Care Kipnes Centre for Veterans, 4470 McCrae Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T5E 6M8. Howard & McBride Westlawn Chapel 484-5500 For those who didn’t know him Ted Kopyn was a long time PWA Crew Chief and Maintenance Supervisor at YXD

April 2, 2008
AINSLEY - ALAN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 2, 2008 at the age of 76. He is survived by his loving family: daughter Suzanne Grimble (Randy) of Lacombe, AB; sons David (Carol-Ann) of White Rock, BC, Dennis (Sandra) of Kelowna; eight grandchildren: Angela (Jason) Houston, Melissa and Alan Ainsley, Jamie and Jesse Scarf, Nicholas and Mallory Ainsley, Sarah Ainsley, Karen and Julie Burke and Annie (Matt); three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Sadly predeceased by his wife Joan and his son James in 2003. Alan’s family will remember him for the love, trust and support he and Joan provided them and for their straight backs, due to his constant shoulder squeezing! A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 7th at 1:00 pm at the Chapel of Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC with Father Wayne Pfliger officiating. Cremation. Should family and friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Mainland Military Family Resource Centre, c/o 39CBG-Hotel Quebec, 4050 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6R 1P6. A gift in living memory of Alan will be made to "Holding Hands for Hospice" by Springfield Funeral Home.

Feb 25, 2008
Gayle Philp (Little), flight attendant Edmonton base,  passed away this morning, after a long battle. The service is tentatively set  for Sat, March 1, 2008. 

Jan 29, 2008
Ray Anaka, Manager of Catering and Manager of In-flight at PWA and CDN passed away suddenly today.   This was sent to us by the family:
 It is with a very heavy heart and with the deepest sympathy to his loving  family that I have to inform you of the passing of our friend and  teammate Ray Anaka.  Ray passed away on Tuesday January 29th 2008.  Ray will be sorely missed by his grieving family and his legion of friends and workmates.  

Jan 11, 2008
After a long struggle to recover from an illness Capt Mike Cwihum (Ret) passed away shortly after midnight Friday morning, 11 Jan 08. His obituary will be posted in the Edmonton Journal on Sunday, 13 Jan, and Wednesday, 16 Jan. 

Dec 22, 2007
THOMAS JOSEPH SMITH On Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at the Deer Lodge Centre, with his family at his side, Tom's long struggle came to an end at the age of 83 years. Remaining to forever cherish Tom's memory are his loving wife Roxie, of 56 years of marriage and son Brian. He was predeceased by his beloved children Dan and Maureen; brother Glenn and sister Dorothy. Tom was born on March 22, 1924, and raised in Brandon, Manitoba. In 1943 he joined the R.C.A. and was part of the D-day invasion. Afterward he was employed with the C.P.R. until moving to Winnipeg in 1963. He then trained in avionics and worked at Transair and Pacific Western until retirement in 1985. Tom had a great love of motorcycles from 1944 in Belgium until his last ride at the age of 75 years. This love was passed on to his boys. He was a great neighbourhood helper too, but his first love was always home and family. He will be missed. In compliance with Tom's wishes no formal funeral service will be held. A private family service has taken place. He will be laid to rest later in Brandon beside Dan and Maureen. Our thanks and gratitude goes to all the staff on Tower 4 for their gentle care of Tom and support for us for the past two and a half years. In lieu of flowers donations in Tom's memory can be made to Deer Lodge Foundation, 2109 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3J 0L3, or the Grace General Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7. I was that which others did not want to be, I went where others feared to go, And did what others failed to do. I have seen the face of terror, Felt the stinging cold of fear, And enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. But most of all, I have lived times others would say were lest forgotten. At least someday, I will be able to say that I was proud of what I wasa soldier. 

Dec 16, 2007
Ken Oftsie, Flight Operations:  This is a belated posting.

Nov 30, 2007
Our pal, the historian and world class movie maker, Denny Ranson. He departed us this morning. There will be a memorial service on Weds 05 Dec  at 1:00 pm at the St Albert Funeral Home. View the obituary here

Nov 15, 2007
It is with sadness that we report the passing of retired Captain Robin Bridgman ex-PWA/CDN/AC. He died at home with his family, after battling a health issue for 4 years.  He was a passionate outdoor adventurer and lover of Canada 's north. He was our friend for many years and will be missed. No word yet on arrangements.

April 13, 2006
Duncan D. McLaren   July 16, 1917 – April 13, 2006                      PWA 1953-1961 One of the Founders

In April 1953 Duncan joined Central British Columbia Airways  to work with Russ Baker. He had previously had past experiences as an aircraft mechanic, bush pilot, test pilot, HBC pilot and came to Central British Columbia Airways ( soon to be renamed Pacific Western Airlines) from Queen Charlotte Airlines where he had been employed as Executive Assistant to the General Manager. During his time with PWA he held various senior management positions and was directly involved in development of the company during a time of growth in the airline industry in Canada. After Russ Baker's passing he was acting President and ended his time with PWA as Managing Director. After leaving PWA he subsequently moved to the US to work for an International Aircraft Maintenance and Leasing Company. Three years later found himself selling and leasing aircraft to PWA and working with new and old PWA staff.   In November 1992 he authored "Bush to Boardroom" which was his personal view of Five Decades of Aviation History in which PWA played a prominent role.

Sunmitted By - Marlie McLaren Kelsey ( daughter)

It has been 30 years since that fateful day on Feb 11, 1978.  The Calgary Herald put an article in the paper to commemorate the date. 

From the History Files
PWA - Fulton Field (YKA) Float Base history. 
Employee - John Montgomery Brown. 
Resident of Brocklehurst area of Kamloops. 
April 1960 - Salesman - Perry Real Estate. 
1961 - PWA - Ticket Agent. 
1962 - PWA - Agent. 
1963 - Retired. 
Prior occupations: B.C. Provincial Police & Motor Vehicle Branch. 
He had been a champion wrestler. 
Died: 17 Feb. 1978 at age 74.

In Memorium
 We will always remember these famous people who were our co-workers and friends.