Obituary of Edward Sommerville

Edward Sommerville, affectionately known as Ed, of Waterloo, ON, passed away on March 28, 2024, at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, ON, after a short illness.

Ed was born in Glasgow, Scotland, to Thomas and Jessie Sommerville. In 1962, after graduating from the University of Glasgow with an honours degree in Geography, he moved to Oakland County, Michigan, where he embarked on a career as an Urban and Regional Planner.

In 1966, he moved to Ontario to work for Ontario’s Department of Municipal Affairs. Ed transitioned into an academic and teaching career shortly thereafter at the University of Waterloo in the Department of Geography.

In 1984, Ed changed course, earning a B.Ed. from Western University and accepting a teaching position at St. John’s-Kilmarnock School in Breslau, Ontario. Ed was a much-loved and influential educator and coach, teaching Humanities and Social Science at the high school level, as well as sharing his love for soccer – or as he would say, “football”.

After retiring from SJK in 2001, Ed continued his vocation as an educator by developing and teaching courses at VHS – the Virtual High School - based in Bayfield, ON.

Ed is survived by his wife Marilyn, of Bracebridge, ON; his sister Catherine Castle and extended family of Warwickshire in the United Kingdom, as well as by many cousins and friends in the UK, USA and Canada.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to St. John’s-Kilmarnock School or to St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Elora, two organizations close to Ed’s heart, may be arranged through Erb & Good Family Funeral Home at www.erbgood.com or by calling 519-745-8445.

Edward Sommerville will be dearly missed, remembered for his intellect, passion for teaching, and the profound impact that he had on the lives that he touched. May he rest in peace.

“Fois dhut”