October 2, 1930 - May 25, 2025
Edward Warawa passed away peacefully on May 25th, 2025, in his 95th year.
Ed was born October 2nd, 1930, in Smoky Lake, Alberta to Peter Warawa and Pearl Pawliuk. He grew up on the family farm surrounded by 13 brothers and sisters. Life was not easy, and the family struggled to survive.
Those early struggles were instrumental in his work ethic and driven personality. He worked hard to earn everything he had and learned early not to take no for an answer. "Work harder and you can achieve it!" Right up until the last day of his life his personality shone through.
Ed joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1952 and after training was deployed to Korea for active duty. It was there he learned to "roll like a paratrooper", a phrase he often used to describe his actions.
Following his time in Korea, Ed was posted to Jericho in Vancouver where he met the love of his life, Lois Sunderman.
They married in 1954 and had two sons, Bob and Lyle. His life was centered around family, and he worked hard all his years to provide for them. In the early days he also did catering jobs, worked at the PNE and Texaco to bring in extra money.
He was then posted to Soest, Germany for 5 years and the family travelled extensively through Europe while living there. Many of the treasures that filled their home were acquired on those travels.
His final post was CFB Chilliwack in 1969 where the family settled.
Ed retired from the military in 1977 and continued working at CFB as a civilian. He officially retired in 1990 and took up golf full time!
He was a member of the Chilliwack Golf and Country Club from 1969 to 2004. He loved to share his golf tips, his grandchildren and his nephew Bradley have fond memories of his teachings.
Ed and Lois also enjoyed many years of RVing, as well as trips to Costa Rica, Mexico, and winters in Hawaii. An invitation to South Korea to represent the Canadian Military Veterans was a highlight trip for them.
Ed was fortunate to have his family close, and he had a strong bond with each of his grandchildren and adored his great-grandchildren.
Ed was predeceased by his parents Peter and Pearl Warawa and his 13 brothers and sisters. "Last man standing" was how the family described him.
He was also predeceased by his beloved wife Lois in December 2024 after 70 years of marriage.
Ed is survived by his sons Bob (Brenda), and Lyle (Debbie); his grandchildren Chad (Caitlyn) Warawa, Tyler (Danica) Warawa, Kelsi (Mike) Ruff and Nikki (Mike) Niebergal; and great-grandchildren Beau and Kai Niebergal, Colbie and Capri Warawa and Linden Ruff.
Ed will be remembered by his family for his fierce determination and the driven work ethic he instilled in each one of them.
The family takes comfort in knowing that after a full and rich life he is together again with his soulmate Lois.
There will be a private family gathering of celebration to honour Ed's life.