With heavy hearts we share that Ed passed away on January 19, 2024, after a short stay at RJH. He was surrounded by his family as his favourite Elvis music played softly in the background.
Ed was born and raised in Victoria. He was predeceased by four older siblings: Marie, Joe, Bern and Lucille. Left to remember him are his wife of 63 years, Marie; children Jay, Scott (Airlie), Michele (Michael), and Tracy (Darren); grandchildren Matthew (Amee), Miranda (Declan), and Gabrielle; great-grandsons Milo and Sully; sisters-in-law Anne Kirker and Jean Glover; several nieces and nephews and many close friends and neighbours.
Ed attended St. Louis College from grade three to graduation in 1954. A talented athlete, he played a variety of sports. He was a member of the St. Louis Green Gaels team that won the VI Basketball Championship in 1953, defeating much larger schools! Ed’s favourite sport was lacrosse. He was captain of the Junior Shamrock team that travelled to Brampton to compete for the Minto Cup in 1957 – Brampton won. Ed then joined the Senior Shamrocks. Unfortunately, his lacrosse career was soon ended by a serious eye injury. He played soccer in the BC Government League and enjoyed golfing at Mt. Doug and Cedar Hill golf courses.
Ed’s connection to the Shamrocks organization resulted in an apprenticeship at the Queen’s Printer. He retired after 37 years of service (1957-1994).
Ed used his love of sports to contribute to the community. He managed Bantam and Midget hockey teams at the Raquet Club. He was very involved with Gordon Head Little League, from coaching to making sure the pitcher’s mound and infield were always pristine. He also volunteered with the Gordon Head Soccer Association.
Ed was very outgoing. He had the gift of the gab and was always ready to share a story. Quick to consider you a friend, there was an open invitation to join him for a beer and watch a game. Ed loved music. He was known to throw an impromptu party in the basement, so friends and neighbours could boogie the night away. He and Marie attended many dances to support the local sport organizations. Ed really loved his lawn. He spent many hours grooming the grass – don’t walk on it! But most of all, Ed loved his family. He celebrated their accomplishments – big or small – with pride.
Luv ya a bunch!
The family thanks the VIHA nurses for taking care of Ed in recent months. Also, thank you to the kind doctors and nurses of 5 Northeast RJH.
A tribute to Ed will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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PJ Sallaway
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Marilyn Bate Dear Marie and all the Family.
We send our Sincere Sympathy to you all.
Not a easy chapter of life but thankfully our precious memories
live on forever.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely Marilyn Bate
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Cathy McDowell Losing Ed really hurts my heart. He always made me feel welcome and a part of the family whenever I visited with he and Marie. He was funny, honest and told wonderful stories about his adventures and the interesting people he’d met over the course of his life. Ed was a lovely person. He adored Marie, was fiercely loyal to his family. He did have one vice; however. He loved visiting Canadian Tire and taking advantage of their sales — like a juicer that took up counter space unnecessarily, if memory serves me correctly. Our loss is God’s gain. Thank you Ed, for being my friend.
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John Kirk Ed, was my best friend and longest friend after meeting the first time when I was 3 and Ed was 5. Long distance friendship when I moved to California in 1957. Through the years we kept in touch with occasional visits and phone calls. He was one of my hero’s and always will be in my thoughts. Miss you so much Ed.
John
We moved in next door to Ed and Marie when I was only 3. I don’t remember exactly when he transitioned from Mr. Longpré to Uncle Ed, but somewhere near 5 decades later, he still is and will always remain Uncle Ed to me and now my kids. And that’s who Ed was…he was Uncle Ed not only to me, but countless others. He made everyone feel like family and our lives were better for it. We will miss his friendship, his loyalty and all those stories which kept going and going.
Thank you for being part of our lives!