When Ed was 14, his widowed mother moved the family to Ontario, where Ed and his siblings helped support the family. In 1946, Ed was offered a plumbing apprenticeship at Wiltshire Plumbing and Heating. His work ethic, strength, patience, and good humour made him one of the best known tradespeople in Lincoln, Ont. Ed began teaching his trade at Kernahan Park Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ont., in 1969. Ed served the fire department, Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Disaster Service, Turning Point Ministries, Vineland’s Sunday school, and anyone who was in need. Ed’s faith in Jesus grounded and guided him. Ed loved his family, community, and work. He enjoyed health until his last year, when lung damage from asbestos exposure as a young plumber took his life.
