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After a courageous battle with cancer, it is with the heaviest of hearts that our family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Edward (Ed) Pereux at Lake of the Woods District Hospital on March 17th, 2024, at the age of 80.
Those of us left with a considerable hole in our hearts include Ed’s constant companion and wife of 57 years, Diane; daughters Lisa Doerksen (Brad) and Leanne Hilhorst (Paul); grandchildren Allie (Justin), Owen (Emily), Ethan and Ella (Reid); new great-grandson Jamie; brother Dennis Pereux (Carol); sister-in-law Pat Selway; cherished family friends Vic and Judy Lund; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will deeply miss “Uncle Eddie.”
Ed is predeceased by his parents, Margaret, and Roger Pereux; In-laws, Solange and George Leivo; brothers-in-law Gerald (Jed) Heino, Paul Heino, Ronald Heino, Jeff Hancock, and Bob Selway; sisters-in-law Joan Heino, Lynda Heino, and Marie Hancock; and nephew Ronald Pereux.
Ed was born on June 18th, 1943, and grew up in Pine Falls, MB. He accompanied his parents for a visit with relatives in Kenora at the age of 18, fell in love with the area and never left! There was some chatter in the family over the years about Ed’s plans to relocate to Australia as a young man, but before this could occur, he met the love of his life, Diane, and the rest is history.
After a brief stint working for the Ministry of Natural Resources as a young man, Ed eventually settled into a career as a certified millwright at the Kenora Paper Mill in 1963, where he worked for 36 years until his retirement in September 1999. Ed served as a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus and Kenora Legion Branch 12.
If one thing were to be said about Eddie, it would be that he enjoyed all four seasons and spending as much time as possible outdoors. After a few years living in the Rideout neighbourhood, Ed and Diane built their beautiful family home on the shores of Black Sturgeon Lake in 1978 and enjoyed 45 years reaping the benefits of ‘lake’ living alongside good neighbours and beloved friends. It wasn’t uncommon to take a drive down Coker Road and see Eddie walking along the road, big walking stick in hand; chopping wood to stock up for cold winters ahead; or trekking up to his secret blueberry patch to pick some fresh berries—if you were lucky, you may even go home with a container of his special goods. Close to Ed’s heart were memories of days spent meticulously caring for his bountiful garden, from which many a family dinner was served; summer Saturdays enjoying Toronto Blue Jays games with good friends Doug Perrault and Bob Blake; riveting games of cribbage over a few cold ones at his basement bar; and boat rides across Sturgeon; visiting Brule Point on Lake of the Woods with family and friends, usually with a good feed of fish and some laughs along the way.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Ed was happiest spending time doing what he loved, with those he loved. He was fortunate to enjoy his favourite hobbies for many years and in many areas, including a ‘trip of a lifetime’ up to the Yukon with brother Dennis and friend Doug and numerous adventures with brother-in-law Jed flying up North. As years passed, we loved hearing about some of the not-so-PG moments from these trips that Ed had kept to himself—likely for the sake of Diane’s nerves at the time. Ed valued the gifts nature has to offer and was a respectful outdoorsman. Ed also carried a special touch when it came to animals. We have no doubt he was greeted with many wagging tails from those dear pets gone before him, who knew that Ed reserved a special place in his heart for them.
Ed and Diane enjoyed their retirement years with many memorable trips; including regular treks to Winnipeg and South Beach Casino, with Di’s sister Pat and George Metail, an adventure out to the East Coast during the middle of Hurricane Juan, and a few winters down in Mission, TX with friends. Papa and Grandma joined in several family trips to Mexico, Cuba, and the Medicine Hat – Calgary – Banff tour in 2006. However, they could not stay away for long. Papa did not like to miss any of the hockey games, recitals, and special events for his grandchildren, even in the middle of a chilly winter. You could always count on him to be a little way away from Grandma in the stands at the hockey arena, giving her some space to cheer her grandchildren on while he provided his usual quiet and steadfast support, as he could always be counted upon to do. Ed loved watching hockey games and was a loyal fan of the Winnipeg Jets and Toronto Maple Leafs—but we did not hold it against him.
Family has always come first in Ed’s life. He had a special relationship with each of his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. Dad looked forward to his annual Father’s Day golf outing with Brad, Paul, Owen, Ethan and Justin and he could reliably give them all a run for their money on the course (except for Paul). Although we are incredibly grateful to have had 80 years to look back on with the most love in our hearts, a lifetime of beautiful memories does not seem like it is enough Especially as we remember the gentle soul and utter calm that our dad and papa blessed us with right up until the end. He has always been there, and we don’t know what our big milestones, quiet afternoons, or weekly family dinners will look like without you. We all already miss our wonderful husband, dad, and papa more than we can put into words.
The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Del Paggio of Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre; Dr. David Kyle; and Charlene Melillo of the palliative care team at Lake of the Woods District Hospital. Other special thank yous include the LWDH chemotherapy department, particularly Stephanie, Tina and Dava.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Ed’s name to the palliative care or chemotherapy departments at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.
A memorial service will take place at Notre Dame Church in Kenora, on April 13th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Rudy Manaloto officiating with a reception to follow at Minis Hall, Super 8.
“He asked for so little but gave so very much.” – Anonymous
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Pereux family.