It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Claude Edwards, beloved husband, father, brother and friend. Surrounded by his family, he passed peacefully after a long illness. Predeceased by father Walter, mother Mary, sister Helen (Jim Sr.) and brother Bill (Jane), he is survived by his beloved wife Sharen, brother Larry (Donna), daughters Claudia (Paul) and Laura (Vaughn) and grandchildren Rachel (Geoff), Naomi, Amelia and Devon. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Claude was sent to the Aleutian Islands as a radar operator for the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II. On the way to his posting, he spent time in Vancouver, which began a love affair with the natural beauty of British Columbia. A long-time resident of Richmond, B.C., Claude began a 50-year career as an agent for Mutual Life of Canada by riding a bicycle to the farm families of Richmond. He always said, "I'm not selling insurance, I'm helping the widows and children of Richmond." Claude's hard work and dedication were recognized when he became a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Roundtable. Married for 59 years, Claude and Sharen loved to travel, whether around North America in their motor home, or by plane to all corners of the world. Claude had a passion for the outdoors and was happiest when he was skiing, golfing, hunting, or boating, which involved many hours of fishing and waterskiing. He also loved to build remote controlled model airplanes, which he would fly and crash at various locations around the lower mainland. He was also an excellent ballroom dancer. Claude played a mean game of crib and as each grandchild came along he made sure they knew all the tricks of the game. During his retirement he became an active member of the Gizeh Shrine and enjoyed helping with the salmon barbecue in Ladner. In addition, Claude and Sharen were very active members of the Richmond Golden Rods and Reels Club. Claude loved "the great outdoors," and his favourite times were sitting around a campfire telling jokes and drinking a perfect manhattan with his family and friends. His family would like to say a special thank-you to the staff, nurses and caretakers at the Louis Brier Home and Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation which Claude and Sharen supported for many years.
No funeral by request; his family and friends will share a celebration of life gathering in his memory on Saturday, March 21st, 2010 from 1:00-4:00pm at the Vancouver Rowing Club, 450 Stanley Park Dr.