1938-2019
Ed, a strong and vital man with a sharp mind, passed away on December 22nd. A fitting good bye to this world on the shortest day of the year.
Born in The Pas, Manitoba, he moved as a young child with his parents Alec & Pauline and brother Norm to Esquimalt.
In his younger years, he excelled in lacrosse and basketball. He was part of the Victoria College Vikings who won the Canadian Basketball Championship in 1958. Ed was also a key lacrosse player for the Shamrocks in the 50’s and later on became their coach.
Ed, a much loved and respected teacher, taught school for many years at Oak Bay and Esquimalt High Schools.
In his retirement, he traveled extensively and created a large garden with his wife. The garden and his rock work were a source of pride and enjoyed by all.
He leaves to mourn his wife, Carmen Varcoe; son, Matthew [& Lisa]; Matthew’s mother, Carolyn [Roy]; in -laws Vic [ Pat]; many good close friends but notably Joan & Bryce for all their support. He also leaves his 3 very spoiled dogs and cat.
At Ed’s request there will be no service but he would ask you all to raise a glass (his was Merlot) at your next happy hour.
Ed and Carmen would like to express their deepest gratitude for all the health care workers notably Drs. Orrom & Warren who did their very best to help Ed these past years.
A very special note of thanks to Doctor Gilbert Chew for his many years of exemplary care.
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John and Marilyn Bate
Dear Carmen and All the Family.
We are very sad of Ed’s passing.
Just a first class man. We always enjoyed his company over the years.
We are very thankful our paths crossed in life.
He won’t be forgotten, may he Rest In Peace
Our Sincere sympathy To You All.
John and Marilyn Bate
Bonnie Smith
Dear Carmen, I was so sorry to read of Ed’s passing, but know how happy the two of you were together, and how those memories, held close to your heart, will help to sustain you. Bonnie Smith
Sarah Boardman
I had Mr. Kowalyk as a teacher many times during my time at Esquimalt. I can honestly say that his lessons have stuck with me and I think of him often. Given how many students he taught, I like to think that his common-sense lessons and sneaky sense of humour will live on as a legacy to this lovely man. He will be missed and my thoughts are with his family.
Bill Broadley
A great loss. Ed leaves the way he lived by avoiding the spotlight. Fair, principled and argumentive he leaves his mark on the thousands of students who had the luck of having him as a teacher. He’ll be missed throughout the community by his many friends.