Obituary of Darrell Wilton Tebbutt

November 16, 1934 – Hamilton, Ontario

November 15, 2024 – Airdrie, Alberta

It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts, we announce that Darrell Wilton Tebbutt passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 89 years of age with his family by his side.

Darrell ‘Tib’ Tebbutt was born in Hamilton, ON, on November 16, 1934. Darrell received his education from the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) with a degree in aircraft engineering. He joined the RCAF in 1953 and was stationed in Europe, Africa, and Canada. When he retired from the RCAF, he worked for Pacific Western Airlines, Canadian Airlines, SPAR, and WestJet. He worked in the airline industry for over 50 years.

Tib married Margaret “Maggie” Atherley in 1963 after meeting at a squadron dance on their base - it was love at first sight. He was married to his best friend for 60 wonderful years.

He was a member of Calgary White Hatters for 20 years and played Santa Claus for WestJet Airlines, many schools, and private companies for numerous years. He also won a “Piggly Wiggly” award for a commercial he was in for Pacific Western Airlines.

Tib loved many sports. His favorite hockey team was the Oilers, football was the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the San Francisco 49ers, and for baseball, the Blue Jays were his team. He especially loved coaching and travelling to Hawaii with the team, “The Coolers”, with the airlines.

With all of Tib’s worldly travels, he never had a specific or favorite vacation. It was usually wherever he and Maggie explored together, the many places within Canada and abroad.  Any holiday they took was always memorable as there was lots of laughter, good friends and family, good food, and many happy memories to bring home.

His favorite quotes were, “Better check with the Sargent Major - mum!” or “Holy Hanna” and “What’s up short stuff!”.

Tib will be remembered for his modesty, generosity, happy demeanor, love of his family, and his furry buddies.

Tib is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Margaret, his daughter Tracey Tebbutt, son-in-law Rob Stewart, grandson Cade Stewart, and his beloved auntie, Marion Bowers. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Virginia Tebbutt, and his siblings, Donnie Tebbutt, Carol Tebbutt, Leslie Bennett, and Diane Tanaka.

He will be lovingly missed by his numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A special thank you to Dr. Raghavji for all his kindness and compassion to Darrell and his family over the years; as well as Dr. Kein, our AHS angel Tracy, along with the numerous amazing angels that work at the Bethany Care Centre in Airdrie, AB.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Darrell’s family here.

In living memory of Darrell Tebbutt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.