Air Canada Pionairs Founders

The Pionairs started in 1977 with the following founding members:

Thanks to NetLetter Editor, Terry Baker, for submitting this Photo

More than 250 retirees, spouses and widows/widowers attended the founding meeting at Miami Beach Sheraton Hotel recently to formally adopt a set of bylaws organizing an association of company employees in retirement.

The group enjoyed themselves to the fullest, in the business sessions, at the ocean, around the pool, at the beaches, at the receptions and banquet, but more particularly in renewing old friendships and making new acquaintances.

The meeting also elected its first executive naming Martin Betts as President. The others are Bill Spratt, first Vice President, Denny Brendon, second Vice President, Dave Clarke, Secretary, and Scott Bradell, Treasurer. All live in the Vancouver area.

One of the articles in the bylaws stipulates that the Executives live in the same city in order to simplify meetings and organization business.

The possibility of establishing district representatives was discussed as well although none yet have been named. The nominating committee comprised of Gil McLaren, Vancouver; Bill Rose, Winnipeg; Elwood Patton, Toronto and Norm Donnelly, Montreal.

In a report to the meeting, Mr Betts outlined why the organization was founded and said that in the year since work began on its formation, there were 842 members, 1700 including wives and widows who all have a vote at any annual meeting.

Mr Betts also read the purpose of the Pionairs which is as follows. “The purpose of the organization is to maintain and continue the close friendships and associations of its members; to foster a spirit of mutual interest and welfare; to contribute our goodwill to Air Canada; to assist the Company with the promotion and selling of its services and interests in whatever viable manner may be appropriate. “

Regular membership is open to retired employees regardless of years of service and will include wives/husbands, widows/widowers of employees or retired employees. Membership fees are $5 annually and meetings will be held every year.

A number of discussions took place on pensions, employee benefits, interline travel and tours, passes, communications, etc. Charlie Eyre, Vice President Personal and Harold Miloff, Director, Employee Communications, attended the meeting and responded to questions.

Guest speaker at the banquet was Air Canada President Claude I Taylor who paid tribute to all retirees for “laying down the foundation on which to build a successful airline”.

At the conclusion of the banquet, Mr. Betts, on behalf of the Pionairs, conferred honorary memberships on Mr. Taylor and Chairman of the Board Pierre Taschereau, who was unable to attend.

A special vote of thanks was given to the interim committee composed of Betts, Clarke, Cliff Seldon, Walt Lawlor, Lindy Rood and Emily (Coxon) Munro.