Edward Hans Regts

Ed was born in 1942, in Friesland, a Nazi occupied province of the Netherlands that experienced brutal effects of World War 2, including the deportation of its Jewish population and aerial raids. It was not liberated until April 18, 1945, by Canadian Forces. Ed’s family was part of the Dutch resistance movement, hiding and sheltering refugees and enemies of the Nazi regime. They survived the Dutch “hongerwinter” of 1945 and fled the hardship and devastation of the war to build a better life in Canada in 1953. They settled in Chatham, Ontario, where Ed became a top student and athlete. He earned a Master of Applied Science, from the University of Windsor, through the ROTP Canadian Armed Forces program. As a Captain in the Royal Canadian Air Force, he served in the Air Force No. 1 Engineering Unit in Winnipeg.

Through his work with the RCAF Engineering Unit, he traveled the entirety of Canada, including the arctic north, but fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. Upon retirement from the RCAF, Ed moved with his wife Teri and baby daughter Jodi to British Columbia, where he was engineer in charge of water and sewer for the City of Surrey. Later, as Design Engineer and subsequently Director of Public Works in Abbotsford/Matsqui for 30 years, he oversaw extensive road improvement and water utility projects, as well as expanded recreational facilities. His proudest professional accomplishments were the Norris Creek watershed, the JAMES sewage treatment facilities, and the completion of Fishtrap Creek Park. With its people-oriented structures, accessible trails, and enhanced wildlife habitat, Fishtrap Creek received national recognition and environmental awards and became the starting point for The Discovery Trail, which now extends to Chilliwack.

Ed passionately believed that an education was a fundamental human right and was an early advocate for more women in STEM. As a lifelong athlete, he valued fairness, discipline, respect and resilience. His notable volunteer contributions include his work with the Western Canada Summer Games, the Abbotsford Sports Hall of Fame, and the Abbotsford Twisters Gymnastics Club.

He was an avid golfer (Ledgeview net champion 2007), a lifelong learner (with a particular passion for physics), and a community focused, engaged citizen who truly wanted to help others. As much as he loved farming, sports, science, literature, and other diverse interests, he found his greatest joy as “Granddad” to Gemma, who lit up his world for the last 16 years of his life.

Mourned by:

Wife, Teresa “Teri” Regts

Daughter Jodi Regts (Steve Bocska) and granddaughter, Gemma Bocska

Daughter Jacquelin Regts (Jonathan Bowers Bush)

Brothers Gordon Regts, Henry Regts, Ben Regts, George Regts,

Along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends.

Predeceased by:

Parents Catrinus “Case” Regts, and Heintje “Helen” Regts (Doosje)

Brothers Hans Regts, Gerald Regts, John Regts,

Sisters Katherine Regts and Edith Lubbers.