David Robert Alexander Madison

March 29, 1944 to March 9, 2019

We are profoundly saddened to announce the passing of David Robert Alexander Madison of Lake Country, BC, in Kelowna General Hospital, Saturday, March 9th, 2019 of complications of asbestosis. David was a warm, caring and thoughtful man with a great sense of humour and keen intellect. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Elaine Pybus; daughter Robin (Tim Clough) of Prince George; son Ian (Xaxa Panman) of Oxford, England; granddaughter Kenzie and grandson Gabriel; stepchildren Sarah Pybus (Reilly Casement); Andrew Pybus (Madeleine); Kathryn Pybus (Ugo Fritsch); step-grandsons Roger, Anson, and Sean; nephew Peter Madison (Wendy) and family; “Beamish” cousins Heather, Jocy, and Beverly and their families; and furry friends Dewey and Nellie. David was pre-deceased by parents, Reid and Aline Madison; brother, Peter; sister-in-law, Marilyn; and his beloved uncle, Ludlow Beamish. David was born in Vancouver but spent his early years at Eagle Bay on Shuswap Lake, and later in Cloverdale, White Rock and the Yukon. He left school early to join the RCAF where he trained as an electronics technician. During his four years in the RCAF, he earned both his private and commercial pilot licences, beginning what would become his life-long passion: flying. After leaving the RCAF, he taught flying for a short time, then returned to school and ultimately completed Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from the University of Victoria. He taught one year in Chetwynd, BC before moving to Vernon, where he taught and later was teacher librarian at Seaton Secondary School until his retirement in 2002. David’s greatest enjoyment in teaching was the interactions he had with his students and he was a favourite of many. It wasn’t unusual during his travels about the province after retirement to hear a voice suddenly call out, “Hey Mr. Madison…!” David enjoyed many activities over the years, including fishing and canoeing, camping, golfing, skiing, riding his motorcycle, and travelling. After Elaine retired, they had great adventures seeing the world: New Zealand, Australia, China and other countries in Asia, Scandinavia, the Baltic and Russia, Iceland, Great Britain and other parts of Europe, the Mediterranean, the Amazon, and most recently Antarctica. He also believed in contributing to his community and volunteered for a few years at the Lake Country Food bank and more recently as a rail trail ambassador. His greatest love, after his children and grandchildren of whom he was so proud, was flying. This he combined with a keen interest in photography, and for several years flew around the province doing aerial photography. He was a contributing writer and photographer for both Aviator and Okanagan Life magazines. David was a long-time member of both the Kelowna flying club and COPA, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association. He especially enjoyed “COPA for Kids” days, when he would take groups of children flying, hoping to instil in them his passion for the skies. He spent several years flying for CASARA, Civil Air Search and Rescue. He also thoroughly enjoyed teaching ground school and flight orientation to Air Cadets in Vernon. Rarely a day passed that he didn’t find an excuse to “pat his airplane,” VBS - Victor Bravo Sierra. Anyone who knew David will miss his warmth and wonderful sense of humour, quick wit, and great one-liners. He will be forever remembered for making us laugh. The family is grateful to Dr. Tim Murphy, Dr. Graeme McCauley, Dr. Pritchard, Dr. Skotnicki, and many other staff at KGH for the care they gave David during his illness. A celebration of David’s life will be held at 2:00 pm April 6th at the Okanagan Centre Community Hall in Lake Country. In lieu of flowers, donations to MSF (Medecins Sans Frontieres - Doctors Without Borders), the SPCA, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299