Edwin V. DODGE

1943 - 2022

EDWIN V. DODGE (1943-2022) A small-town Ontario boy who ended up running one of Canada's largest and most iconic companies. Ed passed away on February 8, 2022, after a brief illness with his wife Rita at his bedside. He lived a happy and engaged full life. Ed attended Trinity College School and loved to recount attending church "every day and twice on Sundays". It was here that Ed developed his less than adventurous palate for "meat and potatoes - no fancy spices". Ed completed his Civil Engineering degree at McGill, followed by an MBA at Western University. He loved to regale his friends with stories of his summer jobs in surveying and road construction where he developed strong opinions, particularly when it came to safety. Ed joined the CPR in the 1970's as one of a small group of "Young Turks" who brought a new energy and approach to the Marketing and Sales Department. He then moved to the Transportation Department where he applied bold new techniques to the design of train services. It was his passion for railway operations and his dedication to those who worked in its various departments that gave him the unique experience in both Marketing and Operations which lead him to senior corporate leadership roles. These included President of the Soo Line Railway, CPR's Minneapolis headquartered American subsidiary; Executive Vice President of Heavy Haul Systems, the Company's Vancouver headquartered Western Business Unit; and finally, CPR's Chief Operating Officer. Among his many significant accomplishments and contributions was the design and leadership of the multiyear program to completely renew the CPR's road locomotive fleet. This initiative enabled improvement of on-time train performance and provided the transportation capacity needed to allow North American businesses to grow their share of global markets. This investment program was transformational in every sense. Ed used his twice daily trips to Starbucks to discuss issues and opportunities, to formulate plans and to mentor those in need of a little, or a lot, of mentoring. Ed was not defined by his highly successful work life. He was completely selfless and devoted to Rita, Adrienne, and Chris. Rita has a large extended family and whether it was Newfoundland, Vancouver or Whistler, family gatherings were regular events. It was always open house at the "Dodge Lodge". Ed loved spending time at Whistler, skiing and golfing with his buddies and engaging with young minds, often giving unsolicited advice about life, current events and politics. There wasn't a person Ed met that he didn't attempt to engage in conversation. "Where are you from"? "You should keep your feet inside that golf cart". He loved talking to strangers, listening and learning from them, never talking about himself. Ed took many golf trips to the UK and Palm Desert. He enjoyed finding golf courses that were "diamonds in the rough" - Desert Dunes in Palm Springs, and his beloved Saunton in North Devon, England. Ed made many trips to Saunton in the last 10 years of his life and many of his friends have had the good fortune to accompany him. Upon his arrival, Saunton would fly the Canadian flag. There he was affectionately known as "The Saunton Canadian Captain". Ed Dodge - A small-town boy who ended up running one of Canada's largest and most iconic companies and enriching the lives of many along the way. Ed always stayed true to his roots. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by so many. Left to mourn are his wife Rita of 49 years, his two children Adrienne and Chris, his sister Katherine Gibbons and brother-in-law Findlay, his nephews Peter and Philip and their families and a large group of Dobbins, too numerous to mention. A special thank you to Bob Stanlake, his friend and foot soldier. A Celebration of Life will be held at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, 4300 SW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC, February 20th, 2pm - 4pm. Masks are mandatory and proof of vaccine will be required.