Edward Sarna

October 2, 1929 – October 22, 2025

It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well lived that the family of Edward Sarna announces his peaceful passing at Grace Hospital on October 22, 2025, at the age of 96.

Edward was born in Leslie, Saskatchewan, on October 2, 1929, one of nine children born to a hardworking prairie family. He later made his home in Middlechurch, Stony Mountain, and Winnipeg, where his faith, family, and service to others defined his life.

In 1956, Edward married Margaret (née McIvor), the love of his life, after being introduced by their brothers in Stony Mountain. Together they built a beautiful life centred on faith and community. They lived in Swan River, where their children Ian and Cheryl Ann were born, before moving to Winnipeg in 1960, where Edward completed his master’s degree in social work at St. Paul’s College, University of Manitoba. During that time, their daughter Heather was born. The family later moved to The Pas, where Edward worked as Regional Director for Health and Welfare in the Keewatin District, and where their youngest daughter Donna joined the family.

Edward devoted his professional life to helping others. His career spanned Social Work, human resources, leadership development, always guided by a desire to improve the lives of others. In 1976, he founded Midwest Training, dedicating himself to developing human potential and supporting the growth of individuals and organizations across Manitoba.

A man of strong Catholic faith, Edward was deeply involved with the Archdiocese of St. Boniface, the Grey Nuns, and the Knights of Columbus. He and Margaret shared a lifelong commitment to their church and to marriage enrichment programs such as Marriage Encounter. Together they were founding members of the League for Life and Edward contributed to several church task forces and community initiatives.

Edward’s life was marked by his kindness, optimism and unwavering sense of purpose. He loved to travel, meet people and share a good laugh – no one was ever a stranger to him. His joy for life, faith, and family was evident to everyone who knew him.

He is lovingly remembered by his children Ian (Lydia) Sarna, Heather Sarna (Dale Evanyshyn), and Donna Sarna (Alun Carter); grandchildren Scott Sarna, Yuri Janovcik (Janel Nadeau), Dale (Ashley) Sarna, Jordan (Haley) Janovcik, Kady and Andrew Evanyshyn, and Shea Carter; great-grandchildren Hervens and Marvens Janovcik, and Bennet, Beckham, and Jackson Sarna; siblings Elizabeth (Bernie) Dudeck, Louise (Bill) Pukalo, and Patrick (Val) Sarna;

Edward was preceded by his parents Michael and Anne, his daughter Cheryl Ann (George Janovcik), siblings Stella (Ed) Pidek, Mary (Hank) Bruck, Rose (Ed) Watson, Albert (Claire) Sarna, and Joe Sarna, and his in-laws Isabel (Ray) Shannon, Ian (Marjorie) McIvor, and Hamish (Gail) McIvor.

We would like to thank Villa Aulneau and Holy Family Home and staff and all of the individuals who brought their loving and compassionate care to him over the past years.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford St, Winnipeg, MB, on Monday November 3rd at 12:00 noon with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity or organization meaningful to him.