It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Edward Joseph Dyatt on the evening of December 6, 2023. Ed was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. He is predeceased by his sister Barbara and survived by his wife of 57 years Claire, son Samuel (Maija), daughter Gillian (Jayson), sisters Anne (Brian) and Helen (friend Andrew) and beloved granddaughters Ella and Chloë. A native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and a graduate of Queens University, Ed was born on May 28, 1940, and came to Canada with Claire and infant Samuel in 1968. He settled first in Merritt and later in Victoria, where Gillian was born.
Drawn by a spirit of adventure, Ed thrived with his young family in his new country, working first as a teacher, then as an electrical engineer for BC Hydro where he was held in great esteem by his colleagues for his charming affability, talent and integrity. A supremely gentle, thoughtful and erudite man, Ed demonstrated a profound love for his family and community, and a commitment to kindness. He spent many years working at his church and serving as a driver for hospital patients through the Saanich Volunteers. His talents were many and diverse: he was a logophile, a brilliant and perceptive writer and storyteller, reciter of poems, adventure cyclist, “Wordle” enthusiast, accomplished watercolour painter, and brilliant photographer (and unfailingly modest in all these endeavours!) While his passing leaves an unfillable hole for all who loved him, his memory shines on.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
11 Responses
Dearest Claire, Sam, Gillian and families, I am so saddened to learn of Ed’s passing, and offer my deepest condolences with an apology in my lateness acknowledging your loss. Ed was so kind, witty, deeply caring, curious and humble. I know he would blush if he read all these remembrances and then try to explain why they were untrue because “I was just doing what any decent human being was doing, wasn’t I?” with great twinkles in his eyes and that warm grin he enjoyed punctuating his points with. I’m also sorry the years and life’s challenges added distance to our visits with you and Ed- I have such wonderful memories with you two, a special one being our get-together for dinner in Hawaii. I also loved reading Ed’s early collection of short stories. He will be so missed by so many, and the world feels emptier knowing he is ‘on the other side.’ I hope we will have a chance to reminisce more about Ed with you, Claire, one day. Much love, Pauline and Lee