Friday, April 8, 2022
Ed was one of the first people I met when I returned to school as an adult student. I didn’t even know how to turn a computer on, and I remember Ed patiently walking me through even the simplest of tasks. I eventually found my footing and began to thrive - in no small part to Ed’s guidance and perseverance.
One of my fondest memories was staying late after his Tuesday night graphic design class just talking computers and design. I give him large credit for extolling his passion for digital creation onto me.
Upon graduation I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to work for Ed, who besides being an instructor, was also the College’s web master. Under his tutelage, I continued to soak up knowledge and pick up all the tricks that he had learned over his career. Whenever I screwed up, he was always there to help get me back on the track. Whenever I got too big for my britches, he was there to bring me down to earth.
I eventually moved on to a new role in a different part of the College. However, we still met every single day for coffee and to talk computers, graphic design, art, and politics. Even then, I would still lean on him for advice and perspective on how to tackle projects.
I eventually left the College for a different role, but I would periodically stop by for a coffee and to get the latest gossip and touch base on our lives. He would share stories about Petra and her love of horses, his daughters’ schooling, and his aspirations to spend more time on his artwork. Of course, he would also fill me in on his upcoming motorcycle trips and reminisce about his trip to Sturgis!
As does happen in life, the visits became less frequent, and even more so after I moved to Calgary in 2013. However, I still made a point of connecting with Ed when I would visit town.
Looking back upon those visits now, it was perhaps a selfish act on my part. Talking with Ed always reminded me of a special time in my life, and he was an integral piece of that. My heart breaks that I won’t be able to have another coffee with him.
I will dearly miss his wry sense of humour and tell-it-like-it-is analysis. He was an amazing mentor, and I am lucky to have called him a friend.
My thoughts are with Ed’s family at this very sad time.
