We Remember

SYMONDS, Kenneth Douglas “Ken”

August 7, 1957 — June 16, 2025

Born in Vancouver, BC, Ken Symonds passed away June 16, 2025, while on a sailing trip near Tonga Island. He was 67.

Never one to sit still for long, Ken’s love of travel never faded. Whether he was sailing open waters, camping in the backcountry, or simply flying for the sake of it, he was always up for an adventure. He was athletic, good-humoured, and unfailingly patient. He played tennis and field hockey, and supported the Buffalo Bills no matter how the season was going. Ken was also known to sit down at the piano with a few good rock n’ roll tunes when the mood struck.

Ken began his flying career in the Royal Canadian Air Force. A highlight of that time was piloting the Hercules, a four-engine turboprop designed to carry heavy cargo into remote places. It was a good match. Ken was reliable, calm under pressure, and skilled. He was a natural leader yet great for a laugh. After his time in the military, he brought that same spirit to the cockpit of Flair Airlines, where he flew commercially for 20 years doing what he loved: seeing the world from above.

Above all, Ken was generous with both time and kindness. He was our go-to person – reliable without showiness, thoughtful without fuss; he noticed things; he gave people his full attention; and, he made them feel like they mattered. He was a hell of a guy, we are gonna miss him.

He is survived by his brothers, Malcolm and Bruce, and his nephews, Chris and James.

A service will be held at a later date.

Memorial Donations in memory of Ken may be sent to Royal Roads University.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

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Royal Roads University Link: www.royalroads.ca/giving

 


 


Condolences

  • Hannah Ferguson says:

    Ken was such a beautiful spirit. I will remember fondly all the time he spent talking with me while I was doing my flight training, and the amazing advice he gave me when I was joining the RCAF. He was kind, wise, and generous with his time, and I know he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, and I send my condolences to his family.

  • Colin Laker says:

    I still find this hard to believe. A day with Ken at Flair was a day to look forward too. My condolences. He will be greatly missed

  • Carolyn Letkeman says:

    My condolences to Bruce and Malcolm on your brother’s passing . Although the years have passed quite significantly I have very fond memories of family get-togethers in Tsawwassen. Sincerely Carolyn Letkeman (nee Reid)

  • William J Kwas says:

    Very shocked to hear about Ken’s passing.. I enjoyed working with Ken at Western Express.. He was a great guy and always willing to help. My condolences to both Malcolm and Bruce.

  • Allan Lainchbury says:

    I first met Ken in 2009, on the phone when Ken interviewed me for a pilot job at Flair Air; I asked if I Should come to Kelowna for the interview as well as I was driving at the moment; with a chuckle he said, pull over and lets’ do it now. I loved Ken’s easy going nature and is common sense approach to problem solving. I was saddened to hear of his passing but knowing he was doing what he loved gives me comfort. He was a people magnet; everyone loved being around him. It was a pleasure to know Ken, please accept my most sincere condolences for the loss of your brother and uncle.

  • Alistair Whitehead says:

    I first met Ken in 2011. He was flying a charter for us and as the training manager I was onboard to audit and observe. Ken was a pure gentleman, professional, yet considerate and kind.
    4 years ago our paths crossed again and he immediately in my eye,s he catapulted himself from the position of ‘colleague’ to ‘very good friend’. A great storyteller with a wink in his eye. I would sit next to him listening with a smile on my face like a Cheshire cat. He once did an impression of his Glaswegian mother drinking a glass of whiskey which, if I hadn’t known otherwise could easily have been believing I was back in Scotland.

    I was so shocked to hear about his last day but am proud to be his friend and glad that he got to begin his big sailing trip which he had discussed for some time.

    Fair winds my friend, safe travels from here onwards.

    Alistair.

  • Phil Hoskins says:

    I am so saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. I have so many happy memories of our time growing up together. I will always remember him at the piano, playing Elton John songs, impressed that he had just heard a song on the radio and was playing it without the sheet music. Though many years have passed since I last saw Ken, his warmth, talent, and friendship will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed.

  • Henry says:

    The first time I ever met Ken Symonds was the first time I flew flair airlines back in July of 2022 he was the captain of my first flight on flair airlines and he showed me the cockpit all though I only met him once I do know that will miss him just since he was super nice and a down to earth person

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