Edwin John Nylvek

NYLVEK, Edwin John born August 7, 1926, passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC on September 3, 2011 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Edwin was born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He attended Princess Alexandra Elementary School and graduated from Bedford Road Collegiate. He later graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a B. Sc. in Pharmacy. In 1956, he married Mary McKinnon. Together Mary and Edwin owned and operated Edwin’s Pharmacy in Saskatoon, before moving with their daughter to Victoria in 1966. In Victoria, they owned and operated Quadra Pharmacy from 1968 until their retirement in 1999.

Edwin was also an accomplished musician. He began studying the violin at the age of 9, and, at 14, he won the provincial title for his Violin Class at the Saskatchewan Musical Association Festival. He went on to play with the Saskatoon Symphony for many years and also played at weddings, at square-dances, and at other events. His group, the Ranch Gang had a regular live radio program on CFQC in Saskatoon; their programs were broadcast on CBC Radio in western Canada.

Edwin was an animal lover and spent many a contented hour in the company of Judy’s Golden Retrievers.

Edwin was predeceased by his father John (1964), his mother Helen (1992), and by his wife Mary (2004). He is survived by his daughter, Judy.

Thanks to all the staff at both the Cridge Centre and The Lodge at Broadmead for the exceptional care given to Edwin and to his family and friends.

A service for Edwin will be held at ST. MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH, 4733 West Saanich Road, Victoria, BC on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 2 pm, with a reception to follow in St. Michael’s Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Edwin’s memory may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of BC, Suite 600 – 890 West Pender St., Vancouver, BC V6C 1J9 or the Arthritis Society of BC, 2680 Richmond Rd., Victoria BC V8R 4S9. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.