May 24, 1936 – December 12, 2018
at the age of 82 years
After a long and difficult illness, Ken left us peacefully on December 12, 2018 in Salmon Arm, B.C. He leaves to mourn his brother Harry (Oresia) of Montreal, sister Kathleen Prince (Hayward) of Winnipeg, son Christopher (Lindsey) of Edmonton, daughter Laurie of Edmonton, grandsons Kyle and Owen, and granddaughter Justine. He is also survived by his sister-in-law France Brown and her husband Doug and sister in law Alice Hastings plus numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Iris, his first wife Joan and his second wife Marie-Paule.
Ken was born in Winnipeg to Fred and Agnes (Chambers) Escott. From his earliest years, he always knew what he wanted to do for a living – he wanted to fly.
He realized his dream. His first jobs were bush flying, where he had some hair-raising adventures. In time, as one of Canada’s earliest water bomber pilots, he progressed to water bombing, flying Canso’s. His career then took him to Midwest Airlines, Transair, and Canadian Airlines, from which he retired as Captain of Boeing 737s. He was proud of being a “by the book” pilot.
Ken was a kind, modest man. He didn’t often talk about his adventures, but when we could get him going he’d often laugh till the tears ran down his face. We urged him to write his memoirs, to no avail.
Ken loved being surrounded by family, so much so that, when he’d visit out-of-town relatives, rather than stay in a hotel, he preferred to cram his 6’4″ frame onto someone’s too-short sofa. His love of family was further evidenced by the generosity he showed in playing tour guide to multiple family members, young and old, in his favourite place, Hawaii. It was his happy place.
France and Doug, you are both so special. Whatever would we have done without you? Those innumerable trips, first to Kelowna, then to Salmon Arm in rain, shine, or snow; all those doctor visits; taking care of business affairs, plus a million so-called “little things” that made such a difference to Ken, and to us – you’ll never know how much they meant.
No service, by request. In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Canada would be appreciated.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Escott Capt Kenneth Gordon May 24 1936 – December 12 2018..
Source: fischers funeral services
Death notice for the town of: Salmon-Arm, Province: Colombie britanique