1960
2022
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Earl Vincent Edwards announces his passing on October 26, 2022 at St. Joseph's Hospital at the age of 62. How do you tell a story of a man like Earl Edwards? Words will never capture the larger-than-life person he was nor the numerous ways he touched the lives of so many people. Earl was born on June 10, 1960 in Port Arthur, ON to Arthur and Mary Edwards. He graduated from Hillcrest High School and worked for Peterson Electric for 31 years before going to work as an electrician for Musselwhite Mine. Earl met Lisa Zilkowsky through her brother Tim and, after much persistence on Earl's part, he was able to convince Lisa to go on a date with him. From that moment on, they knew they were meant to spend the rest of their lives together and they married on June 11, 1993. Their two sons, Jesse and Christopher, completed their family. Earl loved his family with no boundaries and was always there for Lisa and their sons. They experienced some tough times through the years, including the recent loss of several family members, but always came through stronger. They were best friends, partners and worked as a team, raising their beautiful sons and building their dream home. A true love story. Anyone who knew Earl knew he had a love for speed. No matter what he was doing, speed was involved. He lived his life determined not to waste any time. He had a strong work ethic and when he had a project (and either he or one of his friends always had one on the go), he threw himself fully into it and there was no such thing as stopping until the job was done. He expected this of himself and everyone around him. Sometimes others, including Lisa, would just give up trying to keep up out of exhaustion. If he said something was going to happen, you could be 100% certain it would and in the exact way he planned. He was capable of fixing or building anything and was often foreman and coach to his family and friends, requested or not. It was a common joke that his first love in life was his Formula 1 speedboat. Stories of the Red and White have circulated widely. He also loved watching car races, waterskiing and racing ski-doos with the boys. An ice track on the Lake in the Winter, speedboats and the Kubota out in the summer could always be expected so neighbours hoping for peace at the Lake rarely got their way. Even after numerous scrapes, bumps, and broken bones, he would stubbornly get back in the driver's seat and try to go even faster than before. Earl was a big music fan. He loved just about everything, but Jimmy Buffet, Joe Bonamassa, and the blues were some of his favourites. He always had the most high-tech, state-of-the-art stereo equipment to play his tunes nice and loud. His love of speed and music often gave reasons to travel. Whether it was driving cross country to pick up parts, see or participate in races of various types, or attend a concert, he, Lisa and the boys often ventured out, creating friends and memories across the continent. Over the course of his all-too-short 62 years on this earth, Earl made countless friends, to whom he would often offer a helping hand without any reservation. Although he didn't say a lot, he was incredibly intelligent and when something needed to be said he didn't mince his words and got his point across. He was also compassionate and made a point to just be there if someone was having a hard time. He will be missed in the hearts of so many. While Lisa is unclear as to what the days ahead are going to bring, her heart is heavy and broken. At this difficult time, she would like invite family, friends, work family and anyone who he touched to share stories and memories of Earl with her, Jesse, Christopher and each other. A celebration of life will be held in Earl's honour on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Sargent Family Reception Centre from 1-4 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel.
17 Entries
Tom & Shelley Sebastian.
November 10, 2022
Lisa and family....we are very sorry not to have been in touch sooner. Our hearts sank when we learned of this news. Peace and love to you and your boys, family,
ect...
If there is ANYTHING we can do to help...please get in touch.
Kim
November 9, 2022
My heartfelt condolences to Lisa, Jesse and Christopher and also to everyone who loves and will miss Earl. He seems to have touched so many people and I'm so sorry for everyone's loss of a wonderful friend.
RICK FROWEN AND MARLENE
November 3, 2022
Hi Lisa..may memories bring you some measure of comfort. Thinking of your family, take care.
Sincerely Rick Frowen and Marlene
Shelley mcquat
November 2, 2022
So sorry th hear about earl my condolences to you and the boys thinking of you during this time
Kayla
November 2, 2022
Dear Lisa and sons
My most sincere deepest condolences to you all. I met Lisa and Earl on the lake, they welcomed me into their home for a visit with kindness and a lot of laughter. He was a quiet man which Lisa made up for with her contagious laugh and outgoing personality.
May you get through the tough days ahead by cherishing your memories of him.
Chris & Audrey Smith
November 2, 2022
Deepest condolences to the entire family, love from Chris & Audrey Smith, South Florida xxx
chris walker
November 1, 2022
Lisa, so sorry to hear this news. Earl was one of the good ones and always made us East Coasters feel welcome, you are in our thoughts. When I think of Thunder Bay, I will always think of you guys and your hospitality. Chris and Lisa Walker
Nadine Bodnar
November 1, 2022
Lisa and family, we were so sorry to hear about Earl. Know that many people are thinking about you during this very difficult time. Sincerely, Nadine & Kory Bodnar
Margaret Schweitzer
November 1, 2022
Earl sat behind me in English class at Hillcrest. I checked my 1976 yearbook, and there he is. Earl was popular; everybody liked him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Nancy & Clay Callaghan
October 30, 2022
Our sincere condolences to Lisa and the entire Edwards family on the loss of Earl.Gone too soon!
Cathy and Tom Hunt
October 29, 2022
We are so very sorry for your loss and our deepest sympathies to Lisa and the entire Edwards family. He was an exceptional person and will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Shanon Arnold
October 29, 2022
My sincere sympathies to Lisa, Christopher and Jesse. Earl was always a friendly face on Hawkeye. May he Rest in Peace.
Bob & Sandy Chabluk
October 28, 2022
Sandy & I want to send our deepest Condolences to you all. Earl was such a great guy and always had a story with a giggle. Thinking of you all at this time. Peace and Love.
Cindy & Bob Bodak
October 28, 2022
There are no words to describe how we feel hearing this news of one of our dearest friends. Bob and Earl were close friends for over 40 years. So many good times, laughter and just good ole fashion fun we all had. Whether playing horse shoes, going for speed runs in both their fast boats or just hanging out having amazing dinners Lisa would whip up, or enjoying drinks and saunas at their place on Hawkeye Lakes. No one will be able to take these memories made that both Bob and I will cherish forever. You will be deeply miss early by so many, but never ever forgotten Earl. Sincere condolences to our beautiful Lisa, (his Love of his life) and his two boys, Christopher and Jessie, who Earl was so so proud of. RIP our special friend. Love you and until we meet on the other side. Xoxox Cindy, Bob, Bryce
Rod Guzzi
October 28, 2022
My deepest condolences to Earl's family, friends and co-workers. Him and Mary were my favorite neighbors. You are missed so much, Earl.
Line Dumont
October 28, 2022
Earl worked at Musselwhite with my husband, met him once in Cochrane when his family came down for for snowmobile races. His presence was bigger than life and his sense of humour will not be forgotten. Our condolences to his family and to all who loved him. May you rest peacefully.
Charlie and Line
Monica and John Buckley
October 28, 2022
Words cannot express how heartbroken we are for your loss. Deepest sympathies to Lisa and your family. We have great memories of waterskiing and fast boat rides with Earl. Thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Funeral services provided by:
Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel21 North Court Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 4T4