Obituary of Wallace Edwards

<h1>Wallace Edwards</h1> 1922-2008 It is with great sadness that the family of Wallace Earl Edwards, age 86 years, announces his passing on Tuesday October 21, 2008. Wallace’s courage, positive attitude and determination to win his battle with lymphoma, has been and will always be an inspiration to his family. He was optimistic and hopeful to the end, supervising the planting of spring bulbs in his garden the day before he entered the hospital for his final stay. Wallace was born in Hamilton, Ontario on October 3, 1922, and graduated from Saltfleet High School in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Wallace was a Second World War Veteran (RCAF 1942 – 1945, Sixth Bomber Group, stationed in Topcliffe, Yorkshire, England). Wallace was a long time employee of the Kitchener Waterloo Record in the Circulation Department, having previously worked for the Toronto Telegram and Prudential Insurance Company. He was a long time member of St. Columba Anglican Church, having served as a Sunday School Teacher and Board Member. His interests in life included gardening, mineral collecting, jewelry making, wood carving, music and dancing. He also had a passion for traveling which started early in life. When he was stationed overseas, his 48 hour passes allowed him to see many parts of England, Scotland and Wales. With his wife Joyce and children he camped from coast to coast in Canada, visiting destinations known for mineral collecting. He visited Hawaii, China, Britain and the Caribbean with Joyce, and later traveled with his friend Evelyn to South America, Europe, Iceland, Russia, South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavia. Wallace was predeceased by his beloved wife, Joyce, a war bride from England, in 1991, after 46 years of marriage, and predeceased in January 2008 by his dear friend and traveling companion, Evelyn McLaughlin. He is survived by his children, John Dennis Edwards and his wife Joanne, Deborah Mae Latta and her husband Wayne, and Lois Anne Bowman and her husband Jim; grandchildren Holly and Wesley Edwards, Joshua and Nathan Latta; brother-in-law, Jack Payne and nieces, Shelly and Darlene. He was predeceased by his brother, Clifford in 2007; sister-in-law, Mildred in 2002 and sister-in-law, Margaret in 1998. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, for Outpatient services, knowing they need more equipment such as vitals machines. The family extends gratitude to Oncologist Dr. Bob Stevens and nurse Nikki for the compassionate care that Wallace received for the past 3 ½ years, and the encouragement they gave him to continue to hope. The family also thanks all the staff working on the 6th Floor Oncology unit at Grand River Hospital for their sensitive and dignified care. Friends are invited to share their memories of Wallace on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the Erb and Good Family Funeral Home 171 King St. S., Waterloo from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Cremation will follow. On Saturday, November 1, 2008 a memorial service will take place in the chapel of the funeral home at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dana Rodgers officiating. Private family interment in Parkview Cemetery. Following the service a reception will be held in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home. In living memory of Wallace a donation will be made to the Trees for Learning Program by the funeral home.