AYLARD, Martin Leslie

1948 - 2020. It has been our greatest gift to have loved and been loved by Martin Leslie Aylard. He was a loving husband to Carole (Fisher), devoted father to Andrew and Evan (Jessi) and grandfather to Cameron. Marty was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Leslie Aylard; grandmother, Margaret; his inlaws, Fred and Marjorie Fisher; and sister-in-law, Donna Aylard. He leaves to mourn his passing his brother, Barry; niece, Stefanie; sister, Elizabeth "Libby" Nordman; nephews, Kyle and Drew; in-laws, David and Kathy Fisher; niece, Laura (Eric); greatnephew, Aiden; and countless friends. Born in Chingford, England in 1948, Marty and his family emigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Winnipeg where he quickly gathered around him a loyal group of friends whom he held close to his heart. Their escapades together were numerous, sometimes legendary, and they included the obligatory "buy a cheap van and tour Europe for six months". Marty began his working career as a printer with United Grain Growers. Always impeccably groomed, he would don a smock over his 3 piece suit and then later in the day remove the jacket, don overalls and work on a race car he co-owned with friends. His love of travel and flying eventually led to a private pilot’s license and a career in Halifax as an In-charge Flight Attendant with Air Canada. Once again he gathered around him a loyal group of friends whom he kept forever close to his heart. His knowledge of aviation was beyond comprehension, such was his love. Had the Halifax base not closed, Marty may never have retired. He was the consummate professional and was recognized with the Award of Excellence and at the All Stars Gala. In the words of fellow crew members "Marty was a true gentleman who treated all crew and passengers with respect and kindness. Of course, you always had to have that pot of tea at the ready throughout the flight!" A close friend whom Marty flew with extensively reminisced that "it was pretty well-known by many of the crews he flew with that cup of tea (with that bullet thermos) and a crib board were only a suitcase away!" How do you sum up the essence of a man in a few words? Marty was a man of principle who loved unconditionally. He was deeply loyal with an incredibly dry wit, unwavering and inclusive, yet always surprising. He was a true Renaissance man able to discourse on any topic. Fiercely competitive, he loved games that challenged the intellect and his regular crib, dart and snooker games and evenings of euchre. He held all his friends in the highest regard and the family has so many cherished memories of times with them all. Marty’s favorite flights were the early morning ones, allowing him to arrive at his destination with time to explore. He passed away at the time he would have normally left the house for an early morning departure. True to form, Marty "slipped the surly bonds of earth "and took the first flight out. Marty passed away on April 7th in Dartmouth General Hospital. The family wishes to acknowledge with deep respect and gratitude the care and compassion of the medical staff on 4West and the incredible outpouring of love and support from family and friends. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place at the Church of Saint Andrew, Cole Harbour when this world finds its equilibrium. Online condolences for the family can be left at: www.coleharbourfuneral.com If you wish to remember him with a memorial donation, Marty would be thrilled if you considered his nephew’s "Care Aide Fund for Drew Nordman" found here at: https://ca.gofundme.com/ f/5uwx4e0