(Feb. 17, 1926 – March 25, 2007)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a truly wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Edward Blattler passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at the Bradley Center in Chilliwack General Hospital. After many days of heavy rains, this day the sun shone brightly and when the sunbeams streamed into his room, dad knew it was time to go. He had recently celebrated his 81st birthday.
He was born February 17, 1926 in Strathmore, Alberta, the only boy amongst five sisters. His father moved the family around a lot so Ed grew up throughout BC, including the Cariboo (Bradley Creek), Pemberton area, Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove area and Roberts Creek.
An avid outdoorsman, Ed spent most of his working career in the logging industry as a faller. He worked throughout the Hope area, Vancouver Island and the Queen Charlotte Islands until injury forced him into early retirement in 1986. It was then that Ed discovered golf and went daily to Kinkora Golf Course with his regular foursome, achieving a “Hole in One” in 1996. He worked on perfecting his culinary abilities while Joan continued to work. He got to know his way around a crock pot and a bread machine.
Ed suffered his first stroke in 1997 and after extensive rehab at Holy Family Hospital in Vancouver, he did what they said he never would…. he walked out of there with just a cane. He was a very proud man and never let his limitations get the better of him. He continued to cut his own grass on his riding lawnmower and assisted mom however he could with the rest of the yard work. He loved to garden and had a large vegetable garden every year, often supplying family, friends and neighbours with some of the fruits of his labour. Ed was most proud of his family and had very strong family values. He liked nothing better than family dinner get-togethers just sitting and talking and laughing.
He had a very good sense of humour which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Family came first throughout his life and he always made time for us no matter what the occasion.
Ed is survived by his loving wife Joan, of 51 years; son Charlie of Abbotsford, daughter Karen (Peter) Swinnard, of Chilliwack, son Doug (Hiroko) of Chilliwack ; grandchildren, Stefanie and Jonathan Swinnard and Natsumi Blattler; his sister Mary Adams, of Hope and many nieces and nephews throughout North America and Australia. He was predeceased by his parents Edward and Katharine Blattler and sisters Gert, Elsie, Rose and Marg.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at 11:00 am from Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home 45965 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack BC. Reception to follow. If family and friends so desire, memorial donations to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation or to BC Children’s Hospital Foundation would be most appreciated.
Special thanks to Dr Tingey for all her help over the years and to the staff of Chilliwack General Hospital for the care given to dad over the past 7 weeks. Extra special thanks to the staff of the Bradley Center for giving dad the respect and dignity he deserved and the support we needed at this very difficult time. You are truly angels walking on earth.
“You fought the good fight dad, but the work is done now. It’s time to rest.
We’ll look after things for you. You’ll forever be in our hearts.”