JAMES EDGAR (ED) REA

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JAMES EDGAR (ED) REA It is with profound sadness that Ed Reas family announces his sudden passing on Sunday, October 26, 2003 at the Victoria Hospital at the age of 72 years. He is survived by his beloved wife Eleanor Stardom; son Larry (Kathy) daughters, Kathy (Dave) Ramesar and Janice Rea; stepsons, John (Holly Morrison) and Murray Stardom; grandchildren, Megan and Daniel Rea and Stephanie and Erika Ramesar; brother Paul and first wife Agnes Rea. Ed was born in Kingston, ON on May 11, 1931, the elder son of James and Frances Rea. After receiving his early education in Kingston, he served as a navigator in the RCAF. He then moved to Manitoba where he received his B.A. and M.A. from the University of Manitoba followed by a Ph.D. from Queens University in 1971. He began his forty year teaching career in the Department of History at St. Pauls College and later joined the faculty at University College where he enjoyed many vigorous debates in the Senior Common Room. Ed will be fondly remembered by students and colleagues for his wit, candour and ever-present cigar. He was an accomplished author specializing in western Canadian political history. He wrote several books, most notably one on the Winnipeg General Strike as well as a prize-winning biography of Manitoba Senator T. A. Crerar. Ed was a dynamic lecturer who developed very popular courses on the history of Manitoba and Winnipeg. He was an active member of many professional associations, serving as the Chairman of the Historic Sites Board of Manitoba from 1971-1979 and President of the Canadian Historical Association from 1990-1991. Ed was an avid golfer, staunch supporter of the Celtic football club and charter member of The Montcalm Society. He was one of the original organizers of the Pavilion of Scotland at Folklorama, becoming involved through his daughters highland dancing. He loved to travel and he enjoyed many wonderful vacations with his family over the years. The family wishes to thank Dr. Lori Hilderman, the staff at the Emergency Department at the Victoria Hospital and the 5th floor dialysis unit staff at St. Boniface Hospital for their care and compassion during Eds illnesses. A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 31 at 2:00 p.m. at Garry Memorial, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ed Rea Memorial Fund, c/o Private Funding, University of Manitoba, R3T 2N2. Garry Memorial Funeral Home Cemetery and Cremation Centre 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 31, 2003