EDWARD WESLEY LINK

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EDWARD WESLEY LINK October 6, 1935 - August 18, 2007 Peacefully, on August 18, 2007, Ed passed away with his family by his side. Ed was the youngest child of a humble north end family. Formal schooling was not a place for this rambunctious youth so he joined the C.N.R. at the age of 16. While on the road with the railway he met and married our mother, Darlene, in 1957. In 1961, Ed joined the Fire Department. Our father loved everything about being a firefighter. He thrived on the teamwork and camaraderie and respected the risk and responsibility that the profession requires. In 1994, after 32 and one half years, he retired with the rank of Captain. During his time with the Fire Department, Ed organized the children's races at the Annual Firefighters Picnic. After retirement, Ed continued in this role, including this past July. He served the Department after retirement by volunteering at the annual Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the Salvation Army, and proudly serving as a member of the Honour Guard for the Fire Department. In 1962 and 1964 Ed and Darlene became proud parents. Ed always supported us in our sporting pursuits and was quick to lend a hand in making these activities happen. Ed held a variety of positions at the North Kildonan Community Club and River East Minor Hockey Association. He completed his sports leadership as president of the Winnipeg Minor Hockey for two years and is an honorary lifetime member. Ed's favourite spot on earth was his cabin at Laurentia Beach. He spent the last half of his life renovating his cabin and then everyone else's cabin at the beach. He was involved with the Beach Association in a variety of roles but most importantly he was the unofficial welcome wagon and happy hour host for the community. Over the last 15 years Ed was the leader of Papa's Gang . His five grandchildren meant the world to him. He was relentless in his pursuit of watching all their activities and organizing many others, like the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Lake. Recently, Ed and Darlene celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in July with family and friends. Ed is survived by his wife Darlene, his son Greg and wife Kim and their children, Rachel, Mitchell and Michael, and his son Grant and wife Corinna and their children, Braden and Jeremy. He is also survived by his sister Bernice Feeney, brother Walter (Pat), sister Audrey Dempster, brother-in-law Arden (Sandra) Simpson, sister-in-law Wilma (Tom) Bergstrom and many adoring nephews and nieces and their children. We would like to thank Dr. Houston, Nadine and Barb at CancerCare Manitoba, and the staff at Concordia Hospital for their compassion. A celebration of Ed's life will be held on Thursday, August 23 at 1:00 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 710 Roanoke Street. For Ed, the Canadian Blood Service was very beneficial to his health over the past two years. We would like to encourage those who are able, to become a blood donor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Fire Fighters Burn Fund, 303 - 83 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4J9, or to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2007