Edward C. Drader
July 18, 1937 – May 23, 2023
Farmer, photographer, gardener, storyteller, lover of jazz and good books and great wine and, most of all, time well spent with his beloved family.
Peacefully at the Grace Hospital on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023, Edward Drader passed away at the age of 87 years. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 65 years, Alice, sons Carey (Leanne), Brian, Todd, and Michael (Susan), grandchildren Jennifer, Alison (Dale), Lauren and Christine, great grandchildren Breanna and Owen, brother Allan (Carole), sister Gladys (Gordon), sister-in-law Martha Brooks, and nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Laura, his sister Ethel (George), his in-laws Al and Teddy Paine, and his brothers-in-law Brian Brooks and George Hunter.
Ed grew up on a farm near Dunrea, Mb. He often talked of the freedom they had as kids to explore and have adventures. He had many childhood hobbies and was fascinated with radio and aircraft. He attended the University of Manitoba, receiving a Diploma in Agriculture in 1954, and farmed with his family at both Dunrea and Brookdale.
Ed and Alice met as teenagers at a country dance and were married six years later in 1957. They started their new life on the farm, moved to McGregor, and then to Winnipeg in 1972. They felt fortunate to have experienced three different lifestyles, each of them enriching their family’s life in different ways. For the next 29 years Ed was employed by Winnipeg Photo/Lifetouch where he became the Digital Services Manager. He found his job interesting and challenging and made lifelong friends.
In 1980, Ed was invited by the Snowbirds to become a team photographer. Photos of Ed with a huge grin being strapped into the cockpit bring back fond memories. He and Alice spent summer holidays traveling to airshows and treasured this association. They were proud to be inducted into the Society of Honorary Snowbirds in 1995.
Ed had many pastimes. His Christmas model train layout marked the beginning of the holiday season. He spent hours relaxing with his stamp collection. He and Alice enjoyed jazz concerts and the symphony, and the family loved the serenity of the cottage and trips to the mountains.
He never lost his curiosity in the world around him and was always open to new experiences. Ever inventive, he could fix anything. And he always kept his sense of humour through both good and difficult times. His family gave him great pleasure. He enjoyed hearing about their lives, their interests, and their achievements. Trips to Toronto to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren were filled with love and laughter.
Special thanks to the 4th floor staff at Grace Hospital for going over and above in their care.
“And now my heart is flying free …”