When I was a gear-handle Vaughn was one of a very few captains from whom I made an effort to learn as much as I could, also an ex mountie he wasn't easily hoodwinked. We shared many long and priceless hours 30 some thousand feet over Canada's north with an astro-compass.

.... doing an annual on my uncle Nick Feher’s plane ....Hebb c. Hebb A,Peggy f ..: sorry if I forgot a few ...my uncle was about to pass.... Vaughn was there ... working hard for uncle Nick.... dad flew with him .... not sure when .... my dad never mentions names .... but seems to coincide with a fuel run in a dc3 or something about lighting a cigarette .... sorry dad... But no one is coming to take away your ATPL! there are many stories .... I take the fifth for family .... to his family ... I am forever in memories of Vaughn.... I am forever in love for his family and friends who knew him much more than i! I Didn’t have to know him long to appreciate him.... like dad said to uncle Nick ...”cleared for unlimited climb” ...say hi to them .... hope I don’t see them or you soon! Love you all... and I send my best

. Oliver Feher

Some 30 years ago shortly after Vaughn retired from the airlines I transferred from Winnipeg to Montreal and flew our floatplane there but had no place to keep it. A pilot referred me to Vaughn Olmstead who let me park in his own spot on the Ottawa River while he was fixing his. That gave me the time needed to look for a more permanent place for it.

My wife and I became friends with Dorothy and Vaughn and a few years later we moved several hours away but kept in touch.

It was once said that a man should live his life so that the preacher will not have to lie at his funeral. Vaughn truly was such a man and we will miss him dearly.

Our most sincere sympathy to Elizabeth and your families,

May God sustains you in this difficult time.

Richard & Sara Cousineau

Dear Elizabeth, Philip & all the extended Olmstead family:

Words cannot adequately express our deep sorrow for the passing of our dear friend Vaughn. He will leave such a hole in our hearts and lives that can never be filled. But he also leaves us with a tremendous richness of memories and joy at having known him. Our hearts go out to you. We will be contacting you later to share more fully with you what Vaughn has meant to us over the years.

Well done, Captain Olmstead: your final flight plan is closed, and your earthly log book is complete.

With love always,

Lou & Bev Goodwin

I have had the privilege to be Vaughn's tax accountant for over 30 years. He always had a few good stories to entertain me with, most of the time about his flying experiences. The world, and I, was enriched by his life.

I had the pleasure of meeting Vaughn about 5 years ago,and was fortunate enough to have my first flight ever with him.It is a memory that I will always hold dear in my heart.When I first met him,I remember thinking,...Wow!...,they just don't make men like him anymore.He had such a beautiful spirit,and always had a smile on his face.He was a kind and generous human being who was always so accepting of others.He was a man of such great intelligence,that when he spoke,One had no choice but to become captivated with what he was saying and listen intently.Vaughn was the type of man that did not demand someone's attention when speaking,but just naturally got it.I was fortunate enough in late August of this year to have a conversation with him that I will never,ever forget.As Vaughn was watching his grandson properly dock,and secure his boat,I said to Vaughn,we are so lucky to have such a beautiful sunny day!...He agreed and went on to say how lucky he was to enjoy so many beautiful days like that in his life,and as he looked on,He went on to tell me that he was greatful to have lived such an extraordinary life,and how,(and I quote) "He had so much fun!"...I don't know why he told me these things on that day,but one thing is for certain,I will never forget the expression of content and fullfillment on his face as the beautiful summer sun was shining down on us while he was speaking....I will always feel priveleged to have had that conversation with Vaughn and share in his reflection of his life...They say "the eyes are the window to a person's soul"...and anyone who has ever had the honour of looking into Mr.Vaughn olmstead's beautiful blue eyes will tell you that this man's soul was filled with nothing but honour,nobility,compassion,and love!(not to mention his wonderfully light sense of humour!) I can't express enough how blessed I was to have met Vaughn,and to have become part of his family.My heart hurts to know that the only place I can go to see his beautiful smile and hear his contageous laugh is in the memories I was blessed with of him...Heaven gained a beautiful angel,where Vaughn will eternally have his wings...

My deepest condolences to the family. I will miss Vaughn both as a friend and father. (Ex wife of Phillip)He was always ready to chat and had good advice. I saw him and Dorothy live out their faith many times on my visits there with Isaac. We had many good times flying north to swim, looking at the moose yard and flying to Orillia for a fly-in. I remember Dad would get up early to sneak out to his shop to get work done before Isaac would get up. My first snowmobile experiences were with Dad also. I miss those days. One vivid memory is of our little crash on a lake up north. We started out for a winter picnic and ended up sliding into a tree. Dad had to hike a good long way before he met some skidooers to help us out. I remover my conversation with him about how difficult it was to lose Dorothy. I also remember my conversation with him about his new love, Elizabeth. He was so very excited and happy. I was so happy he found someone to share the last years of his life wth. I am grateful for his life, for knowing him and being able to share our faith. To a life well lived Dad. Now you can rest.

Condoléances à toute la famille

Micheline Brunette Villeneuve

My deepest sympathy to Elizabeth, Phillip and the Olmstead family.

Uncle Vaughn was much loved and will be missed.

Among my three intrepid and talented uncles, Vaughn has always had the best toys. As a five-year-old standing inside his home office/workshop in Point Claire, his passion for flight and love for irresistible, hands-on projects – and the requisite tools, devices, parts, motors, and maps – was on vivid display, signalling the presence of a beautiful mind and a mechanical genius at work. Since then, the scent of drying epoxy, paint, and jet fuel has always reminded me of him.

There was a time when I was a bit of a nervous flyer but “real flying,” as Vaughn described it to me in 2005, helped resolve that. During the early 2000s, I frequently flew from Vancouver to Victoria for work in single and twin-engine Otters. Flying 300 meters above the ocean, sucking in engine fumes, and holding tight for those water landings in the inner harbour and back again were wonderful adventures. Vaughn’s reaction to my tales of those flights was, as you would appreciate, nothing short of exuberant.

Although I didn’t see Vaughn often – I was typically on one coast or the other, rarely in between – I’ve always been impressed by the community of friends and family that’s grown and been nurtured through him. What a wonderful legacy. My heart felt condolences to all of his friends, family, and Olmsteads everywhere.

We’re all blessed to have wonderful stories and memories of Vaughn. I’ve sifted through many over the past few days, and observe two precious and enduring life lessons attributable to him: You can never have enough toys, and, adventure will always find you – spread your wings.

Our sympathy to Elizabeth, Philip and all of Vaughn's family. What a lovely service today. We enjoyed our visits with Vaughn when he came to BC. I will always remember the Hymn Sing we had at our home and how very much he enjoyed the singing and meeting so many of our friends. Proud to have had such a kind, caring and loving brother in law - such beautiful memories. All of our family join in passing on their condolences to Vaughn's loved ones.

Sending love and condolences to all those who knew and cherished Vaughn, especially his family.

Vaughn and Dorothy were part of my Victoria Beach, NS circle. They fell into the "friends who are so close they feel like family" category. They took me under their wings when I needed it most and supported me with love, time, tea, chocolate chip cookies and plane rides in Hawkesbury when I was doing my studies in Ottawa. I think we adopted each other. Their interest and support in my schooling helped to guide me. Over the years, we would continue to meet up whenever we could but usually at the "Green House" in Victoria Beach, a dinner in Digby or at my place in New Brunswick. We shared difficult times, especially after the passing of Dorothy. We also rejoiced in officially adding Elizabeth, already in the "friends who are so close they feel like family" category, to his family. A true blessing.

Every simple moment was made that much better with Vaughn around. A crackling fire warming up the Green House was suddenly an adventure. A simple picnic lunch was a feast. My kids were mesmerized by his kindness and his easy nature. They referred to him as "Grampy Vaughn." My son carries Vaughn as his middle name. I can't exactly express how deeply the Olmsteads mean to me except to say that I carry them with me and I strive to be the type of people they were.

Remember the times in Victoria Beach when I would meet Vaughan on the road or on David Ryan's Deck to discuss everything from flying to fishing to the meaning of life. Always come away feeling that Vaughan was a kind, thoughtful, and good man. Wonderful eulogy Elizabeth and may you have lots of God's blessings in the weeks and months ahead.

Graham Wright

Westmount, Quebec

Lovely service. I'm there with you in spirit. Beautiful eulogy, Elizabeth. In the few years I knew Vaughan, he made a strong impression as a warm, loving man. Commiserations from me and my family to Elizabeth and all Vaughan''s family.

He will be so missed!!

Not only have I had the pleasure of growing up with this amazing Uncle of mine, my children also loved and adored him. What a truly fantastic role model for us personally.

When I think of Uncle Vaughn there are too many memories to select just one. His generous laugh, his gentleness, his generosity and yes, his planes :) All who knew him are blessed witnessing, experiencing and cherishing him.

A life well lived!

With all our love (and tears)

Lynn, Travis and Stephanie

xoxo

Our sincere condolences to Elizabeth and family on Vaughan's passing, although we haven't known him long he was a man that you liked right away and he was a good friend.

Love to you and prayers for you Elizabeth and Philip and family.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

Brian and Nancy Bennett

Our sincere condolences to Elizabeth, Phil, Isaac, and the family. Vaugh has been a friend for over forty years and will be missed by all of us. So many good times will live in our hearts and memories.

This Tree of Remembrance is planted with my deepest sympathy.

This Tree of remembrance will be planted with wonderful memories of time together in the woods of Nova Scotia, Ontario & Quebec.

Love Uncle David & Aunt Elizabeth

Our sincere condolences to Elizabeth, Phil, Isaac, and the family.

For the last forty years, Vaughn has always been around to assist us

in many ways. He traveled across Canada delivering aircraft for us

and soon became the ambassador of goodwill for our company.

He made friends with everyone that he met along the way.

Vaughn had a wealth of knowledge as a pilot and also as a licensed aircraft engineer. He would gladly share his knowledge in a humble way.

Needless to say, Vaughn will be missed by everyone that knew him.

Sincere sympathies to the whole family and friends.

It was a privilege to have had a man like him as a mentor. Inspiring, kind, respectful, honest, humble, always ready to help, concerned about the well-being of others. Thank you Vaughn for all the help and kindness you brought us. You'll never be forgotten. See you later...

Dear Elizabeth and all the Olmstead Family: Our sincere sympathy to each of you. We are sad with you today as we too will miss Vaughn , but together we rejoice knowing that one day we will be with him in Heaven. We did not know Vaughn through the aviation world as so many did but rather he was part of our church family. We met Vaughn and Dorothy when they moved to Hawkesbury and were blessed by knowing them and in the last years by Elizabeth. We will cherish the memories of the times we spent together at our dining room table over a meal where he often shared his adventures with us. Our family never tired of hearing these stories. Vaughn also gave them a listening ear. He took an interest in them and showed his kindness by giving an airplane ride, cutting some wood pieces for a school project or arranging for wedding photos to be taken at the Hawkesbury airport etc. It was a privilege to know him, to pray together with him and to learn from him what it meant to love others as Jesus loves . . Frank and Jean Brodie and family

Thank you all for such wonderful tributes to my father Vaughn Olmstead. I am truly blessed to have had such a wonderful father and life teacher. A few months ago we were having a heart to heart session and I apologized for being a teenager. Dad looked serious for a couple of seconds and then gave a good laugh and readily accepted my sincere apology that was decades late.

I thank my mother (who preceded my father) and father who brought me up in the church, believing on the Lord Jesus Christ by personal choice as my Saviour. My mother was a praying woman and no matter the perils my father, brother and/or I encountered. Those prayers to God Almighty kept us safe from harm and certain death (several times) and also safely through other trials and tribulations. It is by this faith and intimate knowledge of the Holy Scriptures that I know without a shadow of doubt that my family are in Heaven. I do not say this lightly it is a fact of supernatural reality. I will see them all someday soon and we will never be separated by death nor suffer lose ever again. My Father is not past tense he is very much alive and well.

This is a small window into what it was like growing up with a father who was so well liked and well known. A quick trip to the hardware store was never a quick trip. It was inevitable if not predestined (a very fine line of distinction with such a Father) that as we were walking I’d hear someone yell out “Hi Vaughn!” At which point I’d look for a place to sit and wait and wait and wait for my father’s conversation to be done.

And this scenario was not just a local phenomenon, no. it was a worldwide happening. No continent or ocean was too big for my ears not to hear “Hi Vaughn!!!” during these times of endurance I was privy to many stories. Dad taught me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, not to judge if not required, to never stray from truth and never to repeat what was said. Unless it was too funny to keep to one’s self then and with permission surely granted Dad would tell the tail.

Dad taught me to shoot, melt lead for making bullets and prime casings and other outdoor activities as I was growing up. He was a man of many talents and loved to teach me new things. Like how to carve a fishing boat out of a block of wood. Dad taught me the art of tying knots however, Dad would inevitably (predestination) retie every knot when it came to tying down his airplane(s). I take comfort in knowing I was not alone in that regard. I loved flying with Dad and didn’t get to go up as often as I would’ve liked but what a privilege to have such a remarkable Father.

As I pass through this life I am greatly missing my Father but, with eternal hope I know I will see him again. I love you, see you soon Dad!

A Tree of Remembrance was planted by Mark and Lisa Henderson and the staff of Hillcrest Funeral Home.

Our condolences to Elizabeth, Vaughn's family, and his many friends. He was a mentor, inspiration, and friend. We will miss his cheerful outlook and infectious smile. Our prayers are with you all.

Anne Marie & Stephen Farnworth

Our heartfelt Condolences to Aunt Elizabeth and the Olmstead family. Though we only had the chance to meet Vaughn once (when he visited Alberta) we thoroughly enjoyed his warm, kind and interesting conversation. May the memories of such a wonderful man help you all through this difficult time.

Pecha & Kim Petrovic

My sincerest condolences to Phillip, the rest of the family and all who he loved.

Vaughn gave me my float rating and guided me in my home built aircraft journeys, always totally interested in whatever he was involved in.

Both Vaughn and Dorothy were so kind to my family and I am thankful and often think about those times.

When Vaughn talked to you, you had his undivided attention, he totally immersed himself into the conversation. He was always willing to share his expertise and experiences with anyone that needed advice, help or guidance.

Vaughn was able to fit a few lifetimes into one, as we can read in his biography and we were all fortunate to have known him.

May he Rest In Peace.

Harold Pfleiderer

My sincere condolences to Elizabeth and Vaughn’s family and friends.

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I heard of Vaughn’s passing.

Vaughn was very well known and loved in our circles. A remarkable man and most loyal friend. He was extremely generous of his time, knowledge and talent.

Not only a great pilot, but a great mechanic, a woodsman, lover of nature with a great sense of humour.

We all fell for his great smile, pleasant disposition and kind words.

He has helped me and countless others anytime we had a hurt or broken airplane or a broken heart. I am sure that all that knew him have a story or had an adventure with this wonderful man and that we will keep him not only in our memories but in our hearts.

Vaughn was a great role model, he walked the walk and talked the talk.

Being around him made me want to be a better person.

We will keep him and Elizabeth in our prayers and console in the fact that we had him in our lives and that he made our lives better.

Wendy and I will miss him dearly.

Rest in Peace my dear friend, you traded in your airplane wings for those of an Angel that will keep watching over us.

JD & Wendy Houde

My heartfelt condolences to the family. Uncle Vaughn was an amazing man and I loved visiting he and Aunt Dorothy. Many summers were spent in Victoria Beach, NS with Philip and Eric and other cousins. When I was 15 I visited them in Pointe Claire for almost a month, enough for them to deserve a medal! I remember him pointing out various things about the Piper Cub he was restoring in his “spare” time. Alas, I was a poor student. We went boating nearby. Driving along the highway we’d have to pull over from time to time so I could guess the airplane flying above, although I was rarely right. He always knew. He had the bluest eyes I’d ever seen and they seemed to sparkle. He was loving, caring and gentle. Years later, I’d visit them in Hawkesbury en route to NS and love to spend an evening with he and Aunt Dorothy. He took me to a Lake in Quebec where I went snorkeling for the first time - and he and Eric stayed close and held my hand because they knew I was scared. Although I was an extremely nervous passenger I never felt that way with Uncle Vaughn. Of course I tried to use the joystick and to see how sensitive to touch it really was. He was always so calm. He was interested in so much and always interesting. I’m sorry I hadn’t seen him in the last 15 years. I hope somewhere you are “dancing in the sky on laughter-silvered wings.”

Mr Vaughn Olmstead, or as I usually called him Mr Vaughn, I canot remember beeing in a kinder gentler presence, I was very blessed to have him spend a few minuttes with me, just the 2 of us in my Champ, a humbling and gratifiying experience. Thank you for that time Mr Vaughn, thank you for all the hangar flying knowledge and experience gained there vicariously through you, instantly made every one present a better more aware pilot.

Thank you Mr Vaugh, for the cherished memories, and the gentle guiding hand.

I am more for havig known you.

May your flight west be sun kissed blues skies and gentle tail winds

From the first time I met him he was a force of nature. He was so helpful, resourceful, cheerful, and full of energy that I thought he'd just won the lottery. That turned out to be how Vaughn was every time I saw him.

You were an example for others to follow, and you will be greatly missed.

My Grandfather..so much of his time he spent with me,he was my first driving instructor with many hours on his knee riding his lawn tractor and skidoo,my first flight instructor,many hours of flying,my first fire arm teacher who taught me fire arm safety,and this list goes on. Always kind,always taking me along to various hangars and places to help work on some ones airplane. I see where a lot of my interests come from,flying,hunting and fishing and reading,snowmobiling and boating as well. He also taught me a lot about safety overall. He set a great example to all of us as men. He was always humble and kind. I always loved his stories of flying,especially from his time in the North,which were his favourite times,listening to his story about a young man turned legend by the name of Johnny May. Slowly learning things and uncovering secrets that he never told,because he was so humble of a man. The odd admissions to some shenanigans would some times come out,which always had me in stiches. I want to thank also,the 100$ hotdog group...you guys know who you are and were his best of friends. Thank you for watching out for Grandad in these later years.Elizabeth,you have been incredible.Your dedication has been unparalleled and has not been easy. Thank you. He recently was also my first and only boating instructor,just this past summer. I’ll never forget,the most valuable thing he ever gave me...time. I will miss our weekly/bi weekly chats about airplanes and flying and his stories. His endless wealth of knowledge. I hope many of you can write and share some stories on this site.

Thank tou all for the messages. We are blessed. I want to thank my Lord God,for giving me the Grandfather that I had. I’m ever so grateful,because he gave me so many opportunities that most never get. Grandad,we will see you again one day. You are at peace,with only blue skies and tail winds now. I love you. Thank you for everything,and beyond what I can express here. In your words... “See you later”.

My sincere condolences to the Olmstead family.

A true aviation legend has flown his last flight and will be missed by so many. CAVU and gentle tailwinds Vaughn. RIP

My sincere condolences to Elizabeth and Vaughn's family. Vaughn was a real gentleman, always willing to help everyone and loved to fly, It was fun joining him and some friends flying in to a lake on the Quebec side for a winter lunch. Rest in piece my good friend.

Dear Elizabeth and Vaughn’s family,

Sincere sympathy to you all on your loss. I regret not getting a chance to meet Vaughn on PEI but I have been told he was a wonderful gentleman. May God bless you all at this time and wrap His loving arms around you all in the days ahead.

Elizabeth Jelley

My sincere condolences to the whole family.

Margaret David

Sympathy to the family.

Judith Horvath

Condolences to the family

Glennis Walsh

So very sorry to hear that. The Olmsteads were good friends of our family and I have fond memories of visiting them as a kid. My sincere condolences to his family. I always enjoyed seeing Vaughn's posts on this page.

Andre Daemen

Very sad news for a Nordair icon. My condolences to his family.

Erika Beasley

So sad. Very fond memories from the late 60's. Condolences from Erika (Sam) Skujins

Michel Coulombe

Condolences to the family

Louise Sabbah

My condolences to his family.

Lloyd Court

My condolences to his family...I never met Mr. Olmstead but my dad knew him vert well...he was the pilot of the beaver that flew for the geodetic survey of Canada for a few summers many years ago when my dad worked there.

Gloria Leboeuf

Lloyd Court We saw him last year Lloyd, he asked about your Dad, he didn't know he had passed away, but knew Jim Court had passed.

Lorne Christensen

My condolences to Vaughn's family he was a real gentleman and a terrific pilot

Sue Chmilnitzky Valdez

My deepest sympathy to the family. RIP to a great man!

Louise Desforges Mikula

Sooo so sad

I just loved Vaughn

Such a gentlemenÖ

Jehan Ghannam

My sincerest condolences to his family & friends

Liliane Partikian

Very sad, our sincere condolences to the family. Jean & Liliane Partikian

Anne Rawson

I can see his bright eyes and gentle face. Soar like an a eagle, Vaughan.

Norman Aube

I flew in his jump seat on a flight many years ago

Walter Di Genova

My deepest condolences RIP Vaughn

Jan Jennings

Such a lovely man. My condolences

John Bugara

Vaughn was a gentleman, it was a pleasure to work with him.

Joanne Frances Pionati

My Condolences to his family and friends

Jean Allard

Sincere condolences to the family

Maurizio Tacchi

My condolences to his family

Karine Partikian

My condolences, please pass on our sympathies to family.

Roger Martel

Condolences to the family

Gloria Leboeuf

He was a gentleman, our condolences to his family! Pierre and Gloria.

Sue Kessner Agostino

Our deepest sympathies to the family!

Rest In Peace to a real Gentleman.....

Lucie Toupin

Another one of our icon pilot. RIP Captain Olmstead

Sherri Rose

My most profound sympathy to the family!

Vaughn was indeed a lovely man... a true gentleman..

Marilyn Nichols

Such a pleasant gentleman. So sad.

My condolences to his family. RIP Von

Sandy C Eden

Godspeed Captain Olmstead, blue skies and calm winds ahead.

My heart goes out to your family.

Norman Grist

Heart felt condolences from Jimmy Grist and family up in Kuujjuaq.

Jacques Lalonde

Mes condolences ‡ la famille et ami(e)s

Tim O'Flaherty

Condolences to the family

Danielle Perrault

One of our best pilot you will be remembered as not only a good pilot but as one good gentleman!

RIP we will remember you always...to your family all my sympathies

Suzanne Deis

My condolences to the family, RIP Captain Olmstead,

Always a gentleman with his beautiful blue eyes

Pat Shaw

My heart sank. Such a lovely gentleman. My first solo flight as S/O on the DC-8 was with Vaughn. God Speed.

Debbie Ward

Condolences from Debbie Ward and Willem Schaap. Good memories of a gentleman

Terry Potocki

So very very sad to hear this news.

He was a Nordair pioneer.

Marlene Schetagne

Condolences to his family. R.I.P.

Brenda Rae

RIP, Captain Vaughn Olmstead...my condolences to his family...you will be missed.

Randy Miller

Lorraine Reynolds

Very sad news.

Josee Seguin

Rest In Peace Captain Vaughn . Always a gentleman

Cherie Andrews

So sad to hear this Brian- you two were such kindred spirits and it leaves a large hole in your life too. Weíre so sorry we didn't get that chance to connect with he & Elizabeth in PEI. Condolences from Art & I to all. He was a very special man.

Bruce Lothian

Thanks Brian. Sincere condolences to his family. So enjoyed flying with him.

James Court

Deepest condolences to the Olmstead family and friends.

Margaret Stewart Strath

Sincere condolences to the Olmstead family.

Joanne Di Fiore

Heartfelt condolences to the family. May he RIP .

Nancy Kelly

Oh how very sad. May he RIP.

Debbie Frick

He was a lovely man always. Condolences to the family.

Regan Kennedy

Condolences to his family, from the Hale family.

Marc Arsenault

Carole Laforte

I remember the twinkle in those smiling blue eyes! Condolences to his family and may he RIP.

Don Armstrong

So sad. A gentleman!

Deepest condolences to the Olmstead family.

Yves Hubert

A gentleman and a mentor. RIP and sincere condolences to family and friends.

Danny Bereza

I was lucky to fly as Vaughnís co-pilot on the B737 and the DC8. He was a great pilot and a wonderful man. I am sorry for the Olmstead family's loss.

Rocky Rocha

This is so sad. I always teased him that he was a exact image of my father both in looks and personality. Such great times with Vaughn on the Hadj.

Yves Bourassa

My deepest condolences to the family. RIP

Lorraine Lawton

Such a gentleman. R.I.P Captain Vaughan.