The Alberta Aviation Museum is heartbroken to hear of the passing of one of our museum’s founding volunteers. Bill Cottrell passed away on March 17, 2022 at the age of 95 years.
Bill was a leader in the movement in the late 80s to convince Edmonton City Council to grant access to our historic aircraft hanger to the founding members of the Edmonton Aviation Heritage Society. In 2018, he recounted that initiative during a visit to the museum:
“We were driving over to the Edmonton Flying Club for lunch one day and we glanced over at the hangar, and it was an empty shell,”
“After seeing the pictures of what we did on (Fairchild) ATZ and what we wanted to do with the (City of Edmonton) Mosquito, we got a lease and here we are 30 years later. It’s unbelievable what is here now. I have to congratulate you on the magnificent job you have done.”
We offer our sincere condolences to Bill’s family and friends.
A vigil service will be held on Monday, March 28th 2022 at 7:00 PM at the St. Andrews Catholic Church (12720 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5M3X3). A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, March 29th 2022 at 11:00 AM. A burial will be held on Tuesday, March 29th 2022 at the St. Michael’s Cemetery (13819 82 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5E2X6).