Ed passed away peacefully on December 15, 2012 at the Burns Lake Hospital after a short illness. His loving wife Mary predeceased him, some 4 years ago.
His children Nuala, Elisia, Gerry, Edmond, Rosemary, Patrick and Patricia; his 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren and numerous friends in both Ireland and Canada will miss Ed.
He was born in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland on June 3, 1927 to Peter and Aleshia Clancy to a family of 9 children. He was the eldest male sibling of 3 brothers and 5 sisters. He is survived by 4 of his sisters.
Ed was always very active and athletically inclined. By the age 16 he joined the cadets and by age 18 his military interests resulted in him enlisting in the Irish Army. Ed spent 22 years in the military during which time he saw active duty as part of UN Peacekeeping Forces in the Congo and Cypress. He had a distinguished service record.
In 1965, Ed and Mary made the “big decision” and moved to Canada. Ed was in the advance group to Kindersly, Saskatchewan but the family settled some 6 months later in Burns Lake, due in large part to Father Silke’s Irish influences.
Ed was always a hard worker and his first job found him at Omenica lumber. From there he spent a number of years at the Village of Burns Lake and, eventually, he spent the majority of his career with Pacific Northern Gas where he retired in 1992.
He was very active in the Catholic Church, the Legion and in the community in general throughout his 47 years in Burns Lake. Many will remember the engaging “Irish ceilidhs” at the Clancy house over the years. Ed loved to dance with Mary, play the spoons and the harmonica and, of course, play table tennis and darts with all his “buds”. He took to golf after retirement and truly enjoyed the game until last year. Every few years he would return home to Ireland for family and the odd pint of Guinness. But, he truly loved his adopted home of Canada and, of course, the Bluejays and hockey.
In 2001 Mary entered the Pines with Dementia and during her 7 years there, Ed was a daily regular, caring for her and others. He volunteered his time generously and truly provided a helping hand wherever needed.
Ed also was also a steadfast and loyal member of the Burns Lake Legion. He was proud of his military service and the role that servicemen and women play in world events.
Typically Irish, Ed loved a good story or yarn and, of course, was adept at recounting his fair share of experiences. We know that he will likely be enjoying a “cool one” up there and sharing his love of sport and family.
Slainte Dad!!