Obituary of EDWARD THIESSEN

Edward Thiessen June 25, 1934 – February 26, 2015 Surrounded by family, Ed passed away in the early hours of February 26th at St. Boniface Hospital. Ed will be lovingly remembered by his wife Luella, sons Darwin (Andrea) and Jeff (Brenda), his grandchildren Hannah and Caleb, sister Edna Stangl, and by extended family and close friends. Ed was predeceased by his brother Herman, and his parents Abe and Tina Thiessen. Ed was born and raised in Lowe Farm, Manitoba, and loved to tell stories about his grandmother’s “big brick house” which seemed to shrink as the years went by. In 1954 he moved to Winnipeg to pursue his career as a mechanic. Ed met Luella in 1960, and knew he had found the love of his life. They married in 1963, and were thrilled to add Darwin and Jeff to their family. Ed was a hands-on dad, and was always there to help with homework, work the gate at hockey games, and share his strong feelings about what was appropriate in purchasing a first car. For the record, he was against Jeff’s Mustang. Ed started his career as a mechanic at Century Motors and moved on to work for many years for Mack Trucks. His last career stop was at Air Canada, where he worked as a millwright until his retirement in 1996. Ed enjoyed close relationships with his family, and loved his trips to Hawaii with Luella and the boys. In his retirement years he and Luella spent a number of winters in Arizona, and formed lasting friendships with the “snowbird” group. For many years Ed and Luella spent their summers relaxing at St. Malo, and travelling with the trailer to take in music festivals all around Manitoba. Friendships were one of Ed’s great joys. Whether the morning group at Burger King, the singing group at church, or the curling group, every day was sure to include at least one outing for coffee and a visit. Ed was a man of strong faith, and found purpose and comfort in his relationship with God and the Sommerfeld Mennonite Church. Ed will be remembered as a kind man, with an abiding love for family, friends and ice cream. Not necessarily in that order. The family extends its gratitude to the staff in the St. Boniface Emergency Department, and on 5E. Their capable and compassionate care eased a difficult time. The family gives thanks to Rev. John Elias for leading the service, and Mrs. Evelyn Elias for playing piano. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ed’s memory to Agape Table.