Mar 25, 2018
Ed passed away peacefully on March 25, 2018, at the age of 94, surrounded by his family.
Ed was predeceased by his wife, Gloria, in 2012, his son, Paul, in 2001, and grandson, Quin, in 2017.
He is survived by his daughters, Yvonne McAdam (Larry), Laverne Cormier, grandchildren, Kyle McAdam (Judi) and Nicole Cormier-Randall (James); two great grandchildren, Harper Rose McAdam and Griffith Paul Randall; and many nieces and nephews.
Ed was born in Bellevue, Alberta and moved to Canmore, Alberta at the age of 2. Dad lived a storied life growing up in Canmore with his 5 sisters and one older brother, Ernie Cormier, his life-long hero. Ed recounted numerous escapades of his youth in Canmore: back country skiing, ski jumping, skating on the Bow River and many more.
Ed enlisted with the RCAF (#429 Sqdn. #6, Bomber Group) and served in England during WWII. He moved to Penticton in 1946 where he met his wife, Gloria. Ed and Gloria were early pioneers on the West Bench, where Ed built the family home in 1957. Ed was a skilled carpenter who went on to build over 50 homes, following a long career with Kenyon & Co. Construction.
Married for 63 years, Ed and Gloria enjoyed an active retirement, playing in several dance bands for over 20 years, also volunteering hundreds of hours, entertaining at care homes throughout the valley with their music. Dad enjoyed noon-hour skating, fishing with his buddies, and continued woodworking well into his 80's. He had a great sense of humor and was a master story-teller, whose stories delighted friends of all ages.
A special thanks to Dr. John Surkan for his compassionate care over the years of Dad, Gloria and Paul, and to the PRH staff of CP3 for their support during Dad's final days. Also thank you to Dr. Tom Jasper (and Marilyn) for his gentle care of Dad for many years.
Dad was a determined man; he taught us the value of hard work and perseverance; the importance of integrity and the love of family. A life well-lived and a man well-loved.
A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SOS Medical Foundation at the Penticton Hospital, or please consider volunteering your time in the community.