Edward Blatchford

Edward (Ed) Blatchford passed away peacefully in hospital on Sunday, April 22, 2012, surrounded by the love of his family. Edward was born in Eardsland, Hereford, England on January 6, 1927. He immigrated to Canada as a young man at the age of 20, and never looked back. He quickly adapted to life in Canada, working in Humbolt, Saskatchewan at his uncle's farm and later settling in Port Arthur where he met Blanche Cunningham who would become his life mate. The most important thing to dad was his family. Ed and Blanche married on March 27, 1954, and together, they raised 3 wonderful children - Ted, Lynda, and Tom. Ed was a dedicated and proud Grandpa to Courtney, Alexa, Tiffany, Adam, and Aminah, and he never missing a hockey game, soccer game, or gymkhana. They brought him tremendous joy and his blue eyes twinkled when he spoke of them. Ed took up a mechanic apprenticeship, eventually becoming a heavy duty mechanic working at Blackwood Hodge, Midwest Diesel and eventually, the City of Thunder Bay Transit Department. He was an active member of the Amalgamated Transit Union. Ed retired in 1991, but he never retired his knack for problem-solving and fixing things. He had a conviction to always do things right and that 'almost' was never good enough. A favourite saying he learned from his father was "measure twice and cut once". Ed had a very strong work ethic and instilled that in all 3 of his children. Outside of work, Ed spent countless hours volunteering at the Oliver Road Recreation Centre. Known to all as "Mr. B", he filled many shoes, including hockey coach, referee, and surrogate parent to many kids in the neighbourhood. Every winter, Ed would flood a skating rink in the back yard, and there were many games of 'shinny' played on the Blatchford rink. Ed built a skate sharpener in the basement, and at times, the neighbourhood kids lined up waiting for Mr. 'B' to sharpen their skates. For Ed, nothing in life was ever done without it being a learning/teaching opportunity, and our family vacations were no exception. Whether it was teaching us how to interpret a map or understand how a light bulb worked, anytime was learning time. The outdoors was a favourite past time for Ed. He loved camping, picnicking, and fishing, and he was always looking for the next gravel road to discover some uncharted territory. Left to remember him forever are his wife Blanche; children Ted and Melissa (Dolaiczuk), Lynda and Taher (Fares), and Tom and Tammy (Horde); grandchildren Courtney, Alexa, Tiffany, Adam, and Aminah; siblings David Blatchford and wife Pamela; sister in law Mary Blatchford, and many nieces and nephews. Ed is predeceased by his father and mother -- Edward and Winnifred Blatchford, sisters Thelma and Elena and brother William. Cremation has taken place and a gathering to celebrate Ed's life will be held at the Oliver Road Recreation Centre on Friday, April 27, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Thunder Bay District Human Society, Pro Kids, or a charity of your choice. Ed loved poetry and was able to recite some of his favorite poems up until late, including this verse from The Rubayyat of Omar Khayyam, which speaks to Ed's philosophy to live life with no regrets: Come, fill the Cup, and in the Fire of Spring The Winter Garment of Repentance fling: The Bird of Time has but a little way To fly - and Lo! The Bird is on the Wing. On-line condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com "