EDMUND (ED) CROWDER

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EDMUND (ED) CROWDER We regret to announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Edmund Crowder. Ed left us peacefully, surrounded by his family at the Victoria Hospital on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 after suffering a Stroke on April 28. Remaining to forever cherish Ed's memory are the love of his life Dawn, whom he was totally devoted to for 66 years; sons, Joe (Jennifer) and Harry; four grandchildren and their partners, Nicole (Devon), Kathleen (Joel), Laura (Darrin) and Jesse (Tammy); nephew Brian McGann (Cathy) of Calgary and great-niece Colleen. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Elizabeth Crowder; brother, Jack; sisters, Ada Hardy, and Emily McGann. Edmund was born in Drumheller, Alberta on July 20, 1918 to Harry and Elizabeth Crowder. He was an avid and talented athlete throughout his youth and adult life. He was a catcher and later coached numerous baseball teams; played left wing on the University of Alberta Dinos hockey team from 1937-1940 and later on the Allan Cup Champion Trail Smoke Eaters from 1944-1949. Ed loved music and as a young man enjoyed playing saxophone at dances around Drumheller and East Coolie, Alberta. Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1942 as a Chemical Engineer Ed started his career at COMINCO Smelters in Trail, BC. He loved his work designing, building and running Fertilizer plants. His career in the Fertilizer Industry over the next four decades took him to California (Best Fertilizer), Alberta (Northwest Nitro Chemicals), and Manitoba (Border Fertilizer) then Simplot Chemicals and Fertilizer (now Koch) in Brandon where Ed was Chief Executive Officer and General Manager from 1967 until his retirement in 1983. Being a Chemical Engineer himself his biggest thrill was presenting the Engineers Iron Ring to his grandson Jesse when he graduated as a Civil Engineer in 2004. Ed loved flying and got his private pilot's license at age 50. He enjoyed turning the plane upside down with you in it. He also enjoyed the freedom of driving a car until he was 88. Ed was active in and chairman of the Canadian Manufacturers Association and many other industry groups. He volunteered for the St. John Ambulance and Kiwanis. He was also on the founding board of the Manitoba Innovation and Technology Centre. Those lucky enough to know Ed got to enjoy his wisdom, wit, genuine interest in you, and your achievements. If you experienced his sincere personality you can understand why we are so very, very sad. Ed is flying peacefully and heaven has a great catcher . A Celebration of Ed's Life will be held the weekend before his 92nd birthday, which would have been on July 20th. To attend please contact us by email at: edsparty2010@hotmail.com. The family would like to thank the Staff at the Victoria Hospital; Dr. Cavers; Dr. Thorlakson, and especially nurse Nicole for all the care and comfort during this trying time. Donations in Ed's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. Thank you Ed for all you gave us. We love and miss you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2010