Edward Bernard Priestner

1936 - 2022

Passed away peacefully at Hamilton General Hospital on Friday, August 12, 2022, in his 86th year. Ted was born in Hamilton, Ontario on June 4, 1936, to William and Helen Priestner. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marianne Agnes Priestner (nee Baker). Dad is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Lorrie Naar (Scott), Patti Trasuk (Greg), and Nancy Gervais (Tom). Beloved Poppy of Connor, David, Cameron, Gillian, Grace, and Greta. His loving granddogs Marley and Josie will miss sitting at Poppy's feet at the dinner table. He is survived by his sister, Helen Coates. Predeceased by brothers Joseph, William, Vincent, and his sister Mary (Krawiec). Ted grew up in Hamilton and attended St. Ann's Catholic Elementary School, and Cathedral Boys Secondary School. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a B.A. in Economics. He began his career as Treasury Supervisor for Prudential Insurance Company in Toronto. In 1961, Ted joined Westinghouse Canada as Treasury Assistant and was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in 1985, as well as Vice President of Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pittsburgh. Ted retired from Westinghouse in 1991 and became Chairman of the Board of Westinghouse Canada Inc. Throughout his professional career and in retirement, Ted served in many roles supporting the business, education, and healthcare communities. Ted sat on the Boards of Allendale Insurance, and The Hamilton Group. He was a past Chairman of the Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association of Canada and of the Hamilton District Chamber of Commerce. Ted also served on the Board of Governors of Junior Achievement of Hamilton-Wentworth. He was the Chair of the Board of Governors of McMaster University, where he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law. Prior to full funding in Catholic education, Ted was a member of the campaign committee to raise funds to build the first Catholic High School in Halton, Assumption Catholic Secondary School. He was the Chairman of the Halton-Wentworth Alzheimer's Foundation and the Steering Committee of The United Way Halton and Hamilton, and served on the Board of St. Joseph's Hospital, Hamilton. Ted's motto was "work hard, play hard and have fun" and he always lived by it. He loved his family, loved to laugh and to make people laugh. Ted spent many hours woodworking and building things, including two boats and a boathouse. He loved to sail and spent many summers sailing in the Hamilton Harbour with his family. Ted enjoyed golfing and was a long-time member of the Hamilton Golf and Country Club. In addition to a good Scotch and a pipe, Ted loved a good party and together with Marianne, created many memories hosting open house on Christmas Eve with family and friends. Special thanks to the caring staff at Hamilton General Hospital; their compassion and support were greatly appreciated by the family. As well, thank you to all of the healthcare workers that provided exemplary care to Ted, with a special thanks to Angie. Visitation will be held at P.X. DERMODY FUNERAL HOME, 796 Upper Gage Ave. (between Mohawk and Fennell) on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, from 2- 4 p.m. and 7- 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will celebrate Ted's life at St. Ann Parish, 11 Wilson Street West, Ancaster on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Private Interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Hamilton Burlington SPCA, The Heart and Stroke Foundation, or St. Joseph's Healthcare Foundation would be greatly appreciated by the family.

"Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."