Dirk Bannister

Dirk Bannister passed away peacefully, with his family surrounding him, on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the age of 78 years old. He was predeceased by his parents, Katherine Johanna and James “Jim” Bannister; sister, Sherry Burton Bannister; and brother, David Bannister; and will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his wife and life-long partner, Cheryl Bannister; his daughters, Nicole Bannister and Tyla Mackay; his grandchildren, Andrew Bannister and Holly Bannister; his sister, Heather Lee Murray and family friend, Hedy Andries; brother-in-law, Robert Mackay and family; nieces and nephews; Rick and Denise Peter, Gary and Corri Peter, Lana Murray and family and Katherine Westgeest. He will also be greatly missed by ‘The QE Old Boys’, his dear-to-his-heart childhood friends, from his Queen Elizabeth High School days in Surrey, BC; by the many dear friends he had through his life-long commitment to Kiwanis International and all the communities they serve globally; as well as the countless peoples’ lives he impacted in the place he called home for much of his life in Airdrie, Alberta. He will also be deeply missed by his furry feline companion, Misty.

Dirk was born in New Westminster, BC and spent his formative years in Surrey, BC before moving to Prince Rupert, BC where his career in aviation took off. Here he met the love of his life and became a father for the first time. A promotion with CP Air brought his family to Calgary, AB where he completed his family of 4 and adjusted to life on the prairies. After only a few years of city life in Calgary, he and Cheryl decided to try small-town living and put down roots in Airdrie. After many years with Canadian Airlines, he ventured to Indiana to work for the head office of Kiwanis International. Always seeking new opportunities to learn and help communities upon his return to Canada, he took on the Executive Director role with the Golden Age Club in Calgary. This was followed by a move to Camrose, AB to take on the role of Chief Administrative Officer for the Hamlet of New Norway, then the Village of Donalda, before eventually making his way back home to Airdrie.

Dirk spent his life committed to serving others through community organizations, volunteering, sitting on boards and of course his many roles and extensive involvement with Kiwanis International. As is evident by the plethora of messages, newspaper articles, awards and tributes he has received, he has left a great mark on his community and the countless people who his legacy has affected and will continue to do so. His greatest passions were his family and helping others. He truly wanted to make the world a better place - even in his last days he said there is still so much to do, to which we reminded him of the path he has paved for others through his tireless volunteer efforts.

We would like to thank the many wonderful humans who have enriched Dirk’s life over the years and for those whose support and compassion, particularly over this past year, for both Dirk and his family, have been unwavering and greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank Dr. Rehill and his staff who went far above and beyond the call of duty in their care for him. Thank you to Marlee and the palliative care nurses for their kindness. And, thank you to Harsh Patel at Airdrie Medical Remedy Rx for his genuine dedication to all who step foot in his pharmacy. Both Harsh and Dr. Rehill have been absolute gifts to Dirk and his family.

As was in his signature line of his emails, from Dirk to you all: Carpe diem (Seize the Day!)

Dirk has requested that any memorial donations can be made to Volunteer Airdrie Society (canadahelps.org) and/or Airdrie Community Links, 211 – 125 Main St. NW, Airdrie, AB T4B 0P7.

There will be a service to celebrate Dirk, at Grace Baptist Airdrie Church, 1009 East Lake Blvd NE, Airdrie, AB on April 6, 2024 at 1:30 PM.