Edward Harold Booth – Major, Canadian Armed Forces

Ed Booth left his family’s Alberta farm as a young man, seeking a life of adventure. It turns out the sky was the limit!

He began his military career with 19 Company Service Corps in Whitehorse YK, where he met the love of his life, Patricia Trimble, who was the CO’s daughter. Married in 1961, they continued life’s adventure together for almost 65 years.

Ed soon enrolled in pilot training, mastering various fixed-wing aircraft, then trained on helicopters, including Chinooks, Hueys and Kiowas. He became a top-notch pilot and instructor. His postings took him and his family to Fort Riley KS, Soest, Germany, and bases in Canada, including Petawawa ON and St-Hubert QC. He worked at different times in 403 and 450 Squadrons, and 10 TAG Headquarters.

Along the way, he worked on the FLQ crisis deployment, supplied helicopter support for the Montreal Olympics, and responded to the Cosmos 954 crash that spread radioactive material in the NWT. He wound up his military career in Ottawa, where in 1981 he coordinated helicopter transportation for the G-8 summit in Montebello.

Three years ago, Ed had an opportunity to fly a helicopter again, and was surprised everything came back naturally. The pilot he flew with said he “had good hands,” high praise in the helicopter world.

Off-duty and in retirement, Ed’s adventures were mostly at lower altitudes. He and Pat loved camping, trailering around Canada, Europe, and the U.S. Algonquin Park had a special place in their hearts. Together, they explored much of the world, going on road trips, safaris and cruises, climbing Kilimanjaro and bareboating in the Caribbean. They were longtime members of the Nepean Sailing Club and the RA Centre.

Whether at home or abroad, Ed was outgoing, friendly, and always willing to lend a hand to family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike. He took joy in being a father and grandfather.

His adventure ended peacefully at age 87 on February 24, 2026. Warm thanks to staff at the Civic Hospital for giving him the best care possible.

Ed leaves to mourn his wife, Patricia, daughters Katherine Wagner (Darin) and Margot Booth (Eloi Arens), grandchildren Ed and Harry Wagner, Brad and Allison Arens, and the Trimbles and Lemkes on Vancouver Island. He is also survived by siblings Frank Booth, Mary Ann Hyatt and Betty Malaka, and was predeceased by brother John.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Beechwood Funeral Home (280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa) on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from at 1-3 pm, followed by an interment.

For those who wish to make a memorial donation, contributions to a charity of your choice, or planting a tree (https://www.alivingtribute.ca) would be greatly appreciated.