We Remember
YEADON, Alan James
April 12, 1936 — March 14, 2024
In loving memory of Alan Yeadon, who peacefully passed away on March 14, 2024, at Kelowna General Hospital, Kelowna, BC, surrounded by his family. Alan was born on April 12, 1936, in Halifax, NS.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Eleanor Yeadon (née Mahoney); children Alan (Michelle) Yeadon, Peter (Michelle) Yeadon, and Jennifer (Michael) Della-Paolera; along with grandchildren Kyle, Kate, Jordan, Vienna, Emily, Rhys, Tess, and Savannah.
Alan began his career as an Air Traffic Controller in 1958 in Gander, NL, later moving to Montreal, QC in 1960 and spending most of his career at Dorval Airport until 1976. He then worked as a Supervisor in Halifax until 1981, followed by a role as an Investigator in Ottawa, ON until 1989. His final career chapter was as Superintendent of Tower Operations in Vancouver, BC until his retirement in 1995. Notably, he served as a controller with the UN in the Congo during the early 1960s.
Alan married the love of his life in Montreal in 1964 and cherished time spent with family, gardening, and travelling with Eleanor. In 2019, he developed vascular dementia and faced the challenge with courage.
He is preceded in death by his parents Allan “Jimmy” Yeadon and Madge Forwood, and sisters Shirley Lennox and Barbara Yeadon. Alan will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
A special thank you to Dr. Thomas Beilby, Dr. Turton and the nurses at Kelowna General Hospital for their kindness and support.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Jenn, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Dear Peter, Michelle Vienna and Savannah. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
In sympathy – Fred, Shannon and Alana
My deepest condolences to the Yeadon family. I was very saddened by the news of Al’s passing. I worked on the same crew with Al in Montreal ACC from 1969-1976. During that time I trained in Terminal and Al was my instructor. He was an excellent controller, particularly on Arrival, and he possessed a marvellous sense of humour, both “out there” and subtle – a bad (meaning good!) combination. A good man, he will be missed.
I had the pleasure to begin my career at the Montreal ACC in the Terminal unit. AL was one of the senior controllers who always had time to offer advice and instruction to rookie controllers. A real gentlemen, a very excellent air traffic controller with a very infectious sense of humor. My sincere condolences to the family.
I worked with Al in YHZ tower from ‘76 until he moved on in ‘81 and we all felt that he was a true professional, a wonderful coworker and a great guy. To Eleanor and and family our deepest sympathies.
Sincere condolences to the Yeadon family. I worked with Al in Ottawa Headquarters. I spent two weeks with him on a trip across Canada when I started there. He was a great travel companion and mentor to someone just starting.
Alan had a wonderful and precocious sense of humor. My deepest sympathies to Eleanor, Alan, Peter, Jennifer and the entire family.
I’m sad to hear the news of Al’s passing. Al offered me my first management opportunity when he was Superintendent of Towers in BC and was an excellent mentor. Al was a gentleman with a killer sense of humour and lots of fun to work with. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to Eleanor, his family and friends.
I always looked forward seeing Alan ( aka Mr. Yeadon) from visits to your place on Deepwood Crescent for dinner to boat rides on St. Margaret’s Bay , His kindness, humour, laugh and making me feel great was what I remember most My thoughts are with my friends the Yeadon’s in the passing of a wonderful man.