Memoriam
Colleagues Who Passed In 2024
Our friend and former colleague John Klassen passed away on October 21st, 2024. There was no obituary and his service was held recently. He was cremated and his ashes were placed into his favourite cookie jar, per his request. In the picture of the service program, you can see the cookie jar in the background.
John and his wife Linda Boden-Klassen were regular fixtures at Air Canada especially in Terminal 2. We extend our condolences to Linda and to the whole family.
Visitation and memorial service will be held November 9, 2024 between 4pm-6pm at the Scott Funeral Home, 420 Dundas Street East, Mississauga.
Brigitte passed away on Friday March 29th from pancreatic cancer. She was 75 years old. For those who might remember Brigitte, she retired before the new T1 was opened. She was mostly working at T2 Air Ontario at Gates 82-84. As per her wishes, there will be no visitation and no ceremony.
Pam Tapp passed away on Friday January 12 in Victoria, B.C. Funeral details are not available at this time.
It is with a heavy heart that we advise the passing of a dear and respected former colleague, Sue Sarabia, on January 11th 2024. Sue was a long time fixture on the ticket counter in Terminal 2 working as ticket agent extraordinaire, rates specialist, cashier, acting supervisor, and other duties. She was extremely knowledgeable and I'm will be greatly missed by all who knew her. No further details are known.
Crena June Dorthea Swingler (known as Swingie) passed away Thursday January 11 in her 95th year (not that she would ever admit her age). Crena retired in 1991 and enjoyed many good years that included lots of travel to see family in the U.K. A funeral will be held at St. Olave's Anglican Church, 360 Windermere Avenue, Toronto on January 27, 2024. Livestream available on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwBAYgLt9IE
Kelly was a dear and gentle soul whom we all loved and cherished the time we spent with her in the Reservation Department at 130 Bloor St West and later at the Airport. Sadly we are not party to any other information regarding her death. May she rest in peace.
Colleagues Who Passed In 2023
At Marie’s request a private cremation has taken place. A memorial mass was held at All Saints Roman Catholic Church (1415 Royal York Road, Toronto) on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 9:30 am. In memory of Marie, the Bray family would appreciate donations to the Dorothy Ley Hospice or a charity of your choice.
Colleagues Who Passed In 2022
Our former colleague and friend, József Nyeste, passed away on December 5, 2022. József had worked in reservations and groups and was retired. No other
details are known at this time.
Friend and former colleage Barbara Adelman passed on October 23, 2002. A graveside service was held on October 24 at Pardes Shalom Cemetary in Vaughan, Ontario. Further details are unknown at this time.
Graham began his career with Air Canada in 1973 as a Programmer in the Computer and System Services (C&SS) Branch at 151 Front St, Toronto. He had an integral role in the evolution of ReserVec II and he is fondly remembered by his colleagues as a dedicated worker with a ready smile and many stories to tell. He was a kind and patient mentor, always willing to lend a helping hand as needed. He took early retirement in the 1990s. May he rest in peace.
Friend and former colleague, Betty Foster, passed on October 3rd 2022. She had been living in a retirement home in Scotland near her nephew and his wife, but had been in hospital for the last 3 months as her health declined. Further details are unknown at this time.
It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the sudden passing of Catherine Ann (Delahunt) Barker on September 3, 2022 at Trillium Health Partners Hospital, Mississauga at the age of 83. Catherine was born in Moncton, NB on August 23, 1939 to the late Jack and Anne (Mills) Delahunt. Catherine was predeceased by her beloved husband Gary William Barker (September 2, 2022); her brother Robert Delahunt and her brother-in-law Leonard McArdle. Catherine is survived by her sister Betty (Delahunt) McArdle; sister-in-law Verna Delahunt; nephews Daniel Delahunt (Joselyn), Stephen McArdle and Brian McArdle; nieces Kim (Delahunt) Cohoon and Ann (McArdle) McDougall (John).
Catherine’s career with Air Canada started in Moncton in October, 1960, retiring in Toronto in 1992. Air Canada afforded Catherine the opportunity to travel, and travel she did! Catherine logged hundreds of thousands of miles travelling to many parts of the world where she enjoyed experiencing different cultures, local food and shopping for treasures. Air Canada not only provided Catherine with a career she loved and travel benefits she took full advantage of, Air Canada was also where she met her wonderful husband, Gary. Catherine and Gary were married in 1984. Although their travels slowed down years into their retirement, Catherine would relive her travels through stories she would tell; often saying that her favourite vacation was her annual trips to the Caribbean. In the many stories Catherine told, she spoke of the beauty and uniqueness of the places they visited; these stories always led to the funny story about the not so perfect house they rented with Bob & Verna in Bradenton, Florida or the time they stayed at a friend’s home in Burnaby, BC where their bed collapsed while they were sleeping. Catherine’s stories proved that most of the things we laugh about later in life, are not the moments that went as planned but the ones that were not so perfect.
Catherine lived life to the fullest. She was an accomplished seamstress, often sporting her beautiful stylish creations. Catherine had many friends and she belonged to many clubs (Air Canada Pioneers, ProBus, Wine Club, Dinner Club, Club 55 and others). Like her mother, Catherine loved to entertain, often setting a table fit for royalty. Through their retirement years Catherine and Gary volunteered at Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga, “Meals on Wheels” and at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish. Catherine received many awards for her volunteer work, one as recently as July 2022 from the City of Mississauga as well as her 20-year volunteer service pin from Trillium.
https://turnerporter.permavita.com/site/CatherineCathyAnnDelahuntBarker1.html
Gary William Barker passed away peacefully at Trillium Health Partners Hospital, Mississauga on Friday, September 2, 2022 at the age of 85.
Gary was born in St. Thomas, ON, on May 12, 1937 to the Late William and Kathleen (Pritchard) Barker. Gary is survived by his wife Cathy (Delahunt) Barker (deceased September 3, 2022) his sister Doreen (Barker) Brown and many nieces and nephews.
Gary enjoyed working in his garden, reading and model trains. Gary always kept up with the latest news and current events around the world and often could be found reading. Gary was always willing to show his many nieces and nephews his “train room”. Gary’s remarkable “Train Room” displayed his intricately planned train tracks, meticulously painted buildings, strategically planned town, a farm, an airport and detailed landscaping. In essence Gary built his own empire – an impressive one at that.
Gary gave a lot of his time to volunteer work; he was a Big Brother and mentored 2 young lads in their early years. Gary received his 20-year volunteer service pin for his volunteer service at Trillium Health Partners. Gary transported patients within the hospital or at their discharge. Gary particularly enjoyed the camaraderie of the other volunteers at Trillium. Other volunteer activity included Meal on Wheels and assisting at Funerals at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish.
Beagles played a big part in Gary’s life, Sandy and Suzie were his pride and joy. Cathy also shared in the love of these wonderful docile family pets.
Gary was a long-time employee with Air Canada. One year after Gary’s 31 year career started in Chicago, he moved to Toronto. It was a given that as an employee of Air Canada one would get the travel bug – and Gary did. It was not unusual for Gary to make last minute plans during his work shift to see a play in London UK and be on the next flight to the UK. Gary travelled extensively during and after he married Cathy, a fellow Air Canada colleague.
Gary and Cathy married in 1984 at St. Joan of Arc Church in Toronto. They enjoyed 38 years of marriage, during this time they made wonderful memories travelling, volunteering, socializing with friends, and spending time with family.
Gary looked forward to his Sunday FaceTime calls with Doreen, a tradition that started when Covid came on the scene. Often the FaceTime chats had to be shared with a Blue Jays game. Gary was a devoted fan of the Blue Jays – he would have been elated about the Blue Jays shutout on September 2 against the Pirates.
https://turnerporter.permavita.com/site/GaryBarker2.html
Colleagues Who Passed In 2021
John Victor Cavill
1940 – 2021
Mary "Christie" Little
1942 – 2021
Luz Stella Pedraza
2021
Colleagues Who Passed In 2020
Al Dittgen passed away on rather suddenly on Friday September 18, 2020, in Ankara, Turkey.
Al had over 35 years with Air Canada. He and his wife moved to Turkey a little over two years ago to be closer to their only son.
Condolences to his family.
Colleagues Who Passed In 2019
Debbie passed away peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the age of 54. Beloved wife of Thomas. Cherished daughter of Roy and Geraldine Baker. Loving mother of Rachel (Adam) and Alexandra. Loving step mother of Melissa (Don) and Michael (Andrea).
Dear grandmother of Julie, Brittany, Summer and Isla. Deborah will be fondly missed by her sisters Sarah and Allison (Brian), longtime friend
Rita and many extended family members and friends. A special thank you to all the staff at Joseph Brant Hospital 6 South and ICU for your care
in Deborah’s last days. In keeping with Deborah’s wishes, cremation has taken place.
Colleagues Who Passed In 2018
Colleagues Who Passed In 2017
Colleagues Who Passed In 2016
Colleagues Who Passed In 2015
Colleagues Who Passed In 2014 or Earlier
