Wesley "Wes" Calvin Drader

Wesley (Wes) Calvin Drader’s inaugural flight took place Aug 4, 1928, in Rimbey AB. His final flight was Aug 11, 2024, in Lethbridge AB at 96 years of age with his current crew in attendance. Wes’s original flight crew that departed before him included his parents Ernest and Ellen Drader as well as his six brothers (Fred, Eugene, Norman, Frank, Ted and Art) and three sisters (Deveda, Florence and Helen).

 Wes will be greatly missed by his attending crew:  son David (Joan), granddaughter Tracey, great granddaughters Jordyn and Cameron; daughter Gail (Bob), granddaughter Carmen (Kevin), great granddaughter Taylor; granddaughter Wendy (Sean), great grandson Shandin; daughter Susan (Barry) grandson Shane (Angela), great granddaughter Raina; granddaughter Shannon, great grandsons William and Wesley as well as granddaughter Shelly (Will) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Boss hated waste, including food. It was no wonder, with him being the youngest of 10 children. There was likely little to waste as he grew up. Excess airplane food from flights he accompanied as a mechanic found its way to the family freezer. At family meals “Pass it down to your Dad” was the refrain if his kids couldn’t finish what was on their plates. “Dad will eat that” they heard if there was something the kids couldn’t tolerate. Except cooked carrots. Eat your own *&#@ carrots!

Wes was proud of his fantastic achievement of attaining his position as aircraft maintenance engineer. His career took off as he worked hard for Tony’s Aviation then Great Northern Airway. He landed his final post at Kelowna Flightcraft after which he soared into retirement.

Though he and his wife split a few years after their last grandchild was born Wes kept his kids and grandkids close. Even when he relocated to BC while they were still in Alberta. He adored speaking to them by phone, hanging out with them, adventuring with them and flogging them when playing Spite and Malice. All family members enjoyed his love, his enthusiasm and his affection.

Returning to Alberta after retirement, Wes exemplified the ideals of family and friendship as he guided his best friend through his turbulent flight with cancer. Throughout Wes navigated the downward spiral with laughter, devoted caretaking and love.

Which is how he approached his relationships with his offspring and their offspring: with laughter, love and gentleness. No matter if a family member needed help fixing their life or fixing their deck, Wes would be there providing his quiet, solid presence and his vast stores of ingenuity and wisdom. And, of course, poking gentle fun or flinging out verbal zingers to lighten any situation.

When it became apparent Wes needed some additional support of his own, he departed Carmangay for the landing strip of Lethbridge. He spent a few years at Gardenview Lodge enjoying the camaraderie of this cohort. Then it was a short flight to Good Samaritans’ West Highlands once more active maintenance was required. Over the years that he was there Wes was maintained by the love and care of family, staff and fellow travelers. Every leg of his journey was lovingly and capably piloted by daughter Gail with son-in-law Bob copiloting. No matter how turbulent things became for him, Wes responded that he was “Fantastic” when asked what his status was. Thus, he was awarded the rank of “Mr. Fantastic.”

Upon learning of Wes’ final flight his entire family was extremely sad but also relieved that peace, not pain, would now be Wes’ travel companion. May you always feel the love of your family members and know the joy that your merriment, sparkling eyes and loving ways brought to each one.

Fly high, Dad/Gramps/Grandpa/Papa/Great Grandpa, as you wing your way challenge free. Use your twinkling eyes to guide you to the highest horizons and amazing adventures. You will always be cherished and remembered!

Post flight debriefing:

Son Dave: I love you Dad and admire you for your gentle ways and fantastic humour!

Daughter Gail: Dear Dad, Thank you for trusting me and loving me to guide you these past 16 years or so. You have been a FANTASTIC dad to me. I love you so much!

Daughter Sue: Dad, I am so grateful to have had you for my dad! I love you and will miss you terribly.

The family will have a private Celebration of Life at a later date.

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