It is with broken hearts and immense sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Eddy after a very brief battle with cancer, which he faced with strength, calm acceptance and a sense of humour.
He is survived by his partner Janice - the love of his life and best friend for 35 years - and by his daughters Alexandra and Michele - his pride and joy.
Eddy was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario. In his late teens he heard the call of Western Canada and moved to Whistler, BC where he lived, worked and played for many years when not travelling to Hawaii or through the United States.
Eddy met Janice during his travels to Ontario. Word is, the first time they met he made her laugh and the rest was history. They moved to Vancouver, BC- Janice to become a lawyer and Eddy to start his concrete restoration business. Together they shared a fun-filled, action packed, never a dull moment life; raising two beautiful, strong, independent daughters.
Eddy lived, played and worked hard and loved even harder. He was an in the moment, street smart guy who never took life too seriously. He loved to talk to everyone, and always had a kind word, smile and an offer of help. Eddy will be remembered for his infectious laugh, fun loving personality and the ability to find the humour and the positive in everything.
Eddy loved to barbeque, share a meal with friends and family and have a glass of wine with Janice on their rooftop deck, admiring the view of the ocean and mountains while listening to Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” or Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”.
Eddy’s family meant the world to him. He was a devoted and doting father and his daughters adored him. They looked up to him with admiration and loved to laugh and talk with him, drawing on his wisdom. He taught them strength, courage, and kindness which they will hold close to their hearts forever.
Eddy’s circle of friends was diverse and continued to grow every year reaching throughout BC, the rest of Canada and into the United States. Eddy held these friendships dearly, and he regularly reached out to his friends to catch up and have a few laughs. Even during his illness Eddy was concerned about others’ lives and their wellbeing.
Eddy is predeceased by father Andrew and mother Nanajan. He is survived by:
Brother Sargon and his wife Alannah and their children Kirsten, Kyle and Kaitlin and their children Lila, Ben, and Olivia
Sister Jan and her children John-Claude, Andrea, and David and his wife Missie and their son, Milo
Sister Violet and her husband Rudy and their children Andy and Jessica, and their children Inara, Alyssa, and Vanessa
Sister Edna and her partner Francesco Smargiasso
Sister Esther - whose prayers covered us all during these challenging days
Thanks to all of Eddy’s siblings for their love, support, shared memories and pictures and wonderful funny conversations. Eddy’s final thoughts for each of you were full of love. A special thanks to Jan for being there when the family needed you and providing all those great family photos.
A special thanks to the Islington United Church and their gift of a prayer shawl that provided blessing, comfort and healing prayers for Eddy and his family during this short difficult journey. Thanks to Janice’s father Richard, mother Yvonne, brother Stephen and his wife Sue, and their children Jennifer and Jonathan, for continuous words of love and support.
Thanks to all of Janice’s, Alexandra’s and Michele’s friends and colleagues for their kind words, support and expressions of love.
A special thanks to Lisa and Ian for being there every day.
Special thanks to Eddy’s longtime friend Charlie Doyle for a Facebook thread dedicated to Eddy; and to all of Eddy’s friends for their loving and kind thoughts, well wishes, and words of support and encouragement. Eddy enjoyed the many texts, voice mail messages, videos and pictures sent to him - they brought back many great memories and provided much laughter. His wish for his friends was to enjoy life, and not forget to laugh.
A special thanks and gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the BC Cancer Agency and St. Paul’s Hospital Palliative Care for showing Eddy and his family kindness, caring and compassion during a very difficult time.
Special thanks to Kearney Funeral Services for their assistance, guidance and care during this difficult time.
Near the end Eddy told Janice that he wanted to go to the beach with her, have a drink and watch the sunset. Rest in peace ‘my sweetest friend’. See you when the sun sets.
Hugs and kisses Eddy from Janice, Alexandra & Michele. Love you more!
Thank you to everyone for their outpouring of love, condolences and sympathy during this sad time. A celebration of Eddy's life will be held later once COVID-19 gatherings are relaxed.