EDGAR A. CHAZE

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EDGAR A. CHAZE May 24, 1921 - November 12, 2010 With deep sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend, Edgar Chaze, on Friday, November 12, 2010 at St. Boniface Hospital. Edgar was born on May 24, 1921 in La Salle, Manitoba. He survived the poverty and despair of the Great Depression, working on farms and in the agricultural sector. An avid sportsman, as a young man, Edgar enjoyed spending many hours playing hockey and baseball. In 1939 he volunteered for military service with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles (Little Black Devils) and in January of 1940, Edgar transferred to the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders. He served for five years overseas with the Camerons, attaining the rank of platoon sergeant. On the 19th of August, 1942, Edgar participated in the Dieppe Raid and was wounded in action near Pourville, France. He also served in France, Belgium, and Holland with the Camerons following D-Day. Edgar always spoke with fondness and reverence for the many men with whom he served. One of the highlights of his life was attending the 40th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid with his wife, Margaret, and a contingency of Canadian veterans in France, 1982, as well as the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders' 100th Anniversary in Winnipeg on October 23, 2010. After the war Edgar worked briefly in the construction industry and then for the City of Winnipeg Transit from 1949 to 1983. He was very active in community activities. He was a long time member of the Canadian Order of Foresters and Club 373. Edgar assumed many leadership roles including Chief Ranger, President of Club 373, and was founding president and manager of the Canadian Order of Foresters Credit Union. He loved curling and golf and took pleasure in playing these sports well into his 80s. He studied and taught guitar for many years and we will all fondly remember him playing his beloved Gibson and Hawaiian guitars and harmonica. Edgar exhibited a great love of life and was always at the center of family gatherings. He battled valiantly against heart and kidney problems in his later years. He was a favourite among the patients and staff at the St. Boniface and Seven Oaks Hospitals Dialysis units, for he always faced the trials of treatment with humility, humour, and acceptance. He was a kind, gentle, and loving soul who saw the good in everyone and everything. Dad greatly enjoyed his last five and a half years in his apartment at Kildonan House. The caring staff and wonderful friendships he made there brought great joy to his life. He was predeceased by his father Albert, his mother Elizabeth, his sister, Anita, his step-father Gustav Wickberg, and his infant granddaughter, Erin Chaze. Edgar was predeceased by his beloved Scottish war bride, Margaret (Maggie) (nee Findlay), not long after their special 50th wedding anniversary celebration. Edgar is survived by his sister Armande (Mandy) Egan, his loving daughter Linda Kohut (Edwin), his loving son David (Lise), his beloved grandchildren, Tannis Kohut (Ryan), Jeffrey Kohut (Annette), Alanna Stein (Paul), Brian Chaze (Ainslie), Graham Chaze (Ashley), his adored great-grandchildren Benjamin Penner, twins Olivia and Katelyn Stein, his sister-in-law Mary Hyslop and other dear Scottish relatives and friends, and his special friend, Vicki Bayrak. He was also anxiously awaiting the arrival of two more great-grandchildren, one in December (Brian and Ainslie) and one in January, 2011 (Tannis and Ryan). The family is grateful to some very special people for the wonderful care and support they gave our Dad - Fr. Michel Boutilier, SJ, dear friends Jo and Michael Duffy, staff of the Dialysis Units at St. Boniface and Seven Oaks Hospitals, the excellent staff of Wards 6E and 6A at St. Boniface Hospital, his many dedicated homecare workers, the wonderful, caring, staff and residents of Kildonan House, and many others (you know who you are). Mass of the Resurrection, with Fr. Michel Boutilier, SJ officiating, will be celebrated on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at Holy Redeemer Parish, 264 Donwood Drive, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. As per Dad's wishes, immediate cremation has taken place and a private family interment will take place at a later date. Forever Loved, Forever Remembered Chapel Lawn 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2010