21 September 1938 - 1 May 2021
We sadly announce the passing of Gretchen W. Aird Dawson on Saturday 1 May 2021 peacefully at her home in Kelowna. Gretchen is survived by her husband of 12 years, James Dawson of Kelowna; her only son Michael Marsh of Cochrane, AB and her beloved grandsons Dayton and Daniel Marsh; brother Ritchie & Jacquie Aird of Vancouver and niece Michelle Aird of Port Coquitlam, BC.
Gretchen was pre-deceased by her parents Edwin R. Aird and B. Jean Wood Aird.
Gretchen was born in Pointe-a-Pierre, Trinidad BWI and lived there until she was 13, when her family relocated home to Canada and settled in
Toronto. They moved to Winnipeg in 1952 and she attended St. James Collegiate for grades 9 - 11. Another move to Vancouver allowed her to finish her senior matriculation at West Vancouver High. Upon graduation, she worked at the Vancouver Library and then Shell Oil Company. Wanderlust caused her to join Trans-Canada Airlines in 1960, graduating top of her class and based in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver during her 7 years with TCA (now Air Canada). Marriage and pregnancy made her departure from the airline necessary but she missed the comraderie of the air; with several stewardess friends, she created the retired flight attendant organization Canadian Maple Wings Association. She was their first president and stayed active in CMWA for all of its 41 years (currently numbering 667 in membership). Gretchen also started a local Kelowna chapter of CMWA after moving back to BC in 1995, called “Okanagan
Chardonnays”.
She underwent open heart surgery in 1987 to repair a 50-cent sized Atrial Septal Defect in her heart; her surgeon promised her 25 more good years
and she was proud to claim that she had him beat by another 9 years. She was also a breast cancer survivor of nearly 16 years. Nothing slowed her down - she was an YLW Ambassador for 10 years; a member of Beta Sigma Phi approaching 50 years; Friends of Fintry board member and active with Central Okanagan Heritage Society. In 2017 she was honoured by becoming an Ex Officio member of Air Canada Pionairs for her service to the organization and CMWA. DAWSON, GRETCHEN WOOD AIRD. She was a strong advocate for senior’s rights in BC and Canada. Gretchen was an active member of the congregation family of St. Francis Anglican Church of Lake Country. Thanks to Dr. Kevin Pistawka & Staff (Cardiology) and Dr. Pieter Botha of
Prime Medical. The excellent and compassionate care from IH Wound Clinic on Doyle and follow up home care is so greatly appreciated; special
thanks as well to Kim from Valley Medical.
There will be no funeral or memorial services at her request. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Cancer Society are appreciated.
Gretchen is in the care of First Memorial Funeral Services Kelowna.
Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
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