Edward MCNALLY

McNALLY, Edward
Edward Elliot McNally died peacefully at his home, on August 19, 2014 at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Graburn McNally, his four children, William, Sybil, Kathleen and Shelagh, nine grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Edward was born on July 18, 1925 to Margaret Elliot (Thomson) and Dr. Alfred McNally in Lethbridge, Alberta. He graduated from the University of British Columbia Law School in 1951. After articling in Calgary, he attended Business School at the University of Western Ontario.
Recruited by Gulf Oil to work in their Land Department, Edward returned to Calgary in 1954. In 1958, he took over the management of the Scandinavian furniture import business, Lyntoque, that had been started by his wife Linda and Aurora Reford. Edward opened his own law firm in 1960. Representing a group of southern Alberta barley growers, he led one of the first legal challenges against the Canadian Wheat Board. Edward had an enduring interest in agriculture and land conservation. During the 1970s, he partnered with Simon Fraser of Scotland to bring exotic cattle into Canada.
In 1984, inspired by Fritz Maytag of Anchor Steam Brewery and supported by his friends Otto Leverkus, Cameron Millikin, Bob Hartley, Jim Fair, and Tim Sicks, Edward launched Big Rock Brewery. Over the next quarter century, Big Rock grew from a small business into one of the most successful craft breweries in North America. In creating Big Rock, Edward brought his love of art and his sense of taste to an industry that was dominated by volume production and bland flavour.
In 1995, he was named Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst and Young. Three years later, he received an Honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of Calgary. In 2004, Edward was named the Mount Royal Distinguished Citizen of the the Year. In 2005, he was awarded both the Order of Canada and an Honorary Degree from the University of Lethbridge. In 2009, Edward was inducted into the Calgary Business Hall of Fame. He also received the Alberta Centennial Medal and Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Edward took great pleasure in his farm and, since 2006, the development of a market garden. Edward relished life and found happiness in the simplest things. He liked nothing better than gleaning new potatoes, then sitting down with a cold beer and close companions. He was a man full of years and, his work done, he leaves his wife, children and grandchildren, extended family and many friends to hold his memory all their days.
There will be a Celebration of Edward's life at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at Christ Church, 3602 8th St. SW, Calgary.
Donations may be made in Edward's memory to Trout Unlimited, Suite 160, 6712 Fisher St. SE, Calgary, AB, T2H 2A7.