Kathryn McLaughlin - Okanagan

Kathryn McLaughlin’s early roots were on the Prairies, growing up on a farm near the small town of Plumas, Manitoba.

In 1974, she joined Air Canada in Winnipeg as a Computer Programmer, and spent the early years in Computer & Systems Services, (later known as Information Technology) in various positions including Programmer/Analyst, Analyst/Designer, System Leader, Training Specialist, Business Analyst, and Organization and Business Process Redesign. In 1998 she joined the Finance branch as Financial Development & Training Manager, and completed her career at AC as Manager, Credit & Collections. Kathryn retired in 2004 from Winnipeg Finance after 30 years service.

Kathryn is proud of her affiliation Air Canada, and has truly enjoyed the greatest benefit the Company has offered – travel! Through the years, Kathryn and her husband, Larry Harder, (also a retired Air Canada employee), have travelled extensively, including the countries of Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Britain, Ireland, France, The Philippines, Hong Kong, Thailand, Costa Rica, Belize, Venezuela, Mexico and many of the Caribbean Islands (Antigua, Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nevis & St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Tobago, Turks & Caicos). As you can see, there are still many countries left to visit!

Immediately after retiring, Kathryn joined the Pionairs organization, and in 2008, she accepted the position of Director in the Okanagan District.

After her retirement, Kathryn and Larry moved to the Okanagan. They currently reside in Summerland with Basil (the cat!) and still spend much of the summer at their cottage at Twin Beaches on Lake Manitoba.