~ IN MEMORY ~
Diana Joan McGaw, wife of WA/DL Capt. Bill McGaw
November 9, 1932 ~ August 20, 2023
Notice of passing…..Diana is the wife of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain William Andrew McGaw Jr. Bill joined Western Airlines 1-27-1969 and retired with Delta Air Lines based SLC.
Diana Joan McGaw, 90 of Anacortes, passed from this earth on Sunday, August 20, 2023. She was born in Vancouver, BC on November 9, 1932, the daughter of Gerald and Mildred Wilson.
Diana spent most of her youth in Vancouver graduating from high school there. Her favorite activities were skiing on Grouse Mountain and she followed her father’s footsteps, becoming a member and sailing out of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.
Diana met and married Peter Cumpston. Together they were blessed with three daughters. The Cumpstons moved from Canada to Oahu, Hawaii. When the marriage ended in a divorce, Diana and her daughters moved back to Canada. Diana careered as an Administrative Assistant with the University of British Columbia in their School of Architecture for a span of 11 years, retiring in 1982 when she met the love of her life, Bill McGaw, a widower. They married on August 23, 1982 seamlessly blending their families.
The McGaws initially spent time in California before moving to Utah, where Bill flew as a pilot for Western Airlines out of Salt Lake City. Bill and Diana enjoyed great friendships, fun travels and lots of cross-country skiing during their time in Utah. Following Bill’s retirement, the McGaws chose Anacortes to build their dream home and garden and made it their final home base. Diana was actively involved in the Altar Guild at the Episcopal Church, the Red Door Thrift Store and the OARS rowing Club.
Diana was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, Tony Wilson and daughters: Elizabeth who passed in her infancy and Barbara. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Bill; daughter Sue (David); stepdaughters: Peggy, Melinda (Richard), Pam; and her siblings: Trish and Bob.
A Celebration of Diana’s Life is being planned for the Fall, details of which will be announced at her memorial website www.evanschapel.com/obituary/diana-mcgaw , where you are also invited to share memories of Diana with her family.
To the best of my knowledge, condolences may be sent to the family at
603 Longview Ave.
Anacortes WA 98221-3684