It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of David Gethin Edward on April 5, 2026, at the age of 87, following  a stroke while receiving cancer treatment. David was born on November 14, 1938, in Montreal. He was predeceased by his parents Allan Gethin Edward (d. April 1980) and Marie Hélene Estelle Richard-Edward (d. March 1990), and by his brother, Richard Kenrick Edward (d. May 1999).
He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of nearly 65 years – and best friend of nearly 68 years – Lynn Edward (née MacPhee), whose partnership and companionship were the foundation of his life. David leaves behind a proud and close-knit family: Son: Gregory Kenrick Edward (Julianne Catherine), and their sons Kyle Kenrick (Hanna) and Casey Alexander (Marlee); Son: Richard Daniel Edward (Bonnie Louise Miller), and their son Griffin Samuel Alexander; Daughter: Lisa Marie Edward (Sean DiPede), and their children Willeom Andrew (Lucas & Wyvern) and Lauren Gabrielle.  
Dave’s early life was shaped by movement and adventure, growing up in cities across Canada as his father flew for Trans Canada Airlines. That same passion for aviation took hold early.  At just 17, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, flying aircraft such as the Chipmunk, Harvard, C-45 and T-33. At the age of 19, David began his lifelong career with Trans Canada Airlines—later Air Canada—where he would dedicate nearly 41 years of service. Over the course of his distinguished career, he flew a wide range of aircraft including the F-27, Viscount, DC-8, DC-9, L-1011 (Chief Pilot), B-707, B-720, B-727 (Chief Instructor), B-767, and B-747-400. In 1960 Dave was furloughed from TCA and moved to Ireland to fly for Irish International Airlines, now Aer Lingus. He was engaged to Lynn at the time and after Lynn had received her RN from the Royal Victoria Hospital, he returned to Montreal to get married so they could start their lives together near Dublin.They returned to Montreal and Air Canada in 1965. In 1968, Dave accepted an assignment and was seconded to Air Jamaica for their initial start up. He and Lynn packed up the entire family and moved to Kingston for a 2 year adventure. Dave’s greatest passion in aviation was instruction. He was a gifted, skilled and respected teacher who took immense pride in training and mentoring pilots.  A respected leader among his peers, David served as a Union Councillor and negotiator for the Canadian Air Line Pilots Association and helped organize the first version of the Pilot Assistance Program. In 1995, he co-founded the Air Canada Pilots Association, (ACPA), and was its first President. He left a lasting legacy in pilot advocacy and welfare. He retired on December 1, 1998, with over 30,000 hours of flying time—a remarkable testament to his skill, discipline, and love of flight.  
He was proud of his aviation achievements, in particular his legacy of being the first 4 generation family of pilots in the world to fly for a major airline, Air Canada.
Captain Gath Edward
Captain Dave Edward
Captain Greg Edward
First Officer Casey Edward
Beyond aviation, David had a deep love of music, with an eclectic taste spanning folk, rock, reggae, and classical. He played the harmonica and was known to serenade his passengers over the aircraft PA system—an unforgettable touch of personality at 35,000 feet. Unfortunately, he couldn’t carry a tune with a bucket…though he did try. In retirement, David and Lynn embraced life fully. From their beloved home near Picton, he could be found primarily on his Kubota satisfying his grass cutting fetish, shuttling his grandkids in the tractor bucket perilously high at full extension, or flying his Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey amphibious ultralight. He was a fixture in the skies over Prince Edward County.
He shared his passion for flight with his grandchildren whom he adored. “Grampy Dave” to them. He taught each of them to fly. His grandson Casey went on to become a professional aviator, following in his father’s, his grandfather’s and his great grandfather’s footsteps, while his eldest grandson Kyle Kenrick contributed to aviation infrastructure building and renovating airports.
David also gave generously of his time through volunteer work with Air Cadets, Meals on Wheels, and Corrections Canada. Dave was an environmentalist for causes like protecting animal habitat and a recycling practitioner long before it was in vogue. He was an end of life advocate and support to many friends and colleagues who were in their final days. He was a strong proponent of MAID, (Medical Assistance in Dying), in particular the right to MAID Advanced Approval, which turned out to not be necessary for him.
Together, Dave and Lynn spent over two decades of winters exploring and living along the beaches of the Sea of Cortez in Baja, Mexico, embracing a life of freedom and adventure. He counted on Lynn for translation as his Spanish speaking abilities were atrocious. His command of French wasn’t much better, but he never let that deter him from trying.
David, Lurch to some due to his deep bass voice, will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality—He had an omnipresent smile and was funny, gregarious, mischievous, warm, and endlessly engaging. He had a gift for connecting with people, sharing stories, and making those around him feel welcome. He was a shameless flirt and an unabashed nudist, much to the embarrassment of his children. But what a great tan.
He leaves behind a legacy of family devotion, leadership, mentorship and a lifelong passion for flight.  He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
In keeping with Dave’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Private Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held in the Summer of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation (www.pecmhf.ca), Medicin Sans Frontiers (https://action.msf.ca), or A. B. Smith Homestead House Hospice (https://providencecare.ca/) would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Rushnell Funeral Homes – Picton Chapel, 33 Main Street (613-476-2450). Online condolences: www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com