Edward Ed Grabowski

Ed was born November 16th, 1917 in the RM of St. Clements, Manitoba, to the late Nicholas and Katherine Grabowski. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his wife Ann of 66 years, son Ron and wife Diane of Fort Frances, and daughter Shelly Douglas and husband Allan of Winnipeg. He also leaves behind four special grandsons, as well as four great-grandchildren - Chad Grabowski and wife Melissa and their children Lucas and Addison of McKinney Texas, Dean Grabowski and wife Stacey and their children Ariel and Isaac of Winnipeg, Branden Douglas and his wife Suzanne of Winnipeg and Dustin Douglas of Winnipeg. Ed is also survived by his three brothers Frank and wife Nancy of Calgary Alberta, Stanley and wife Lena of Fort Frances, Joe and wife Jean of Winnipeg and one sister Gladys and husband Steve Bronevitch of Winnipeg.

Ed grew up on the farm in Manitoba, married in 1944 and later moved to Fort Frances where he worked various jobs and eventually retired from the Ministry of Natural Resources. A big part of Ed’s life was spending time on Lake Despair, building the family cabin and fishing with family and friends. He also enjoyed carpentry, gardening, hunting, dancing, curling and playing cards. Ed was a hard-working man and built many homes in Fort Frances and greatly enjoyed helping his friends with their carpentry needs.

At the time of his death, Ed resided at Rainycrest for the past 4 months. Prior to that he resided at Columbus Place where he had many special friends and enjoyed the gatherings in the Common Room. He loved company and was so happy when friends stopped by to visit. He also enjoyed his twice daily walks to Sister Kennedy Center to visit many friends. His daily coffee visits were of utmost importance to him and he continued this routine for many years until his health would no longer allow him this pleasure.

Ed was totally devoted to his wife and they spent many wonderful years together enjoying time at the lake, building their homes together, travelling to visit family and most of all just being with each other. He was extremely proud of his children – Ron and Diane and Shelly and Allan were all very special to him and he was always there for them in his quiet and unassuming way. Chad, Dean, Branden & Dustin (who Papa lovingly referred to as his “4 boys”) were the light of his life – he could not talk about any of them without a little tear of joy in his eyes. He always said how “good” the boys were and thought they were the best grandsons he could have had. He talked endlessly about their achievements in life and how proud he was of the wonderful young men they had become.

Funeral services will be held at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, March 26th at 10:00 am. Viewing will be held the hour prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Ed’s grandsons Chad, Dean, Branden & Dustin, as well as Stan Blasky, Ernie McKelvie and Dennis Krause of Lillooet, BC who unfortunately could not attend.

If family and friends so desire, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances ON P9A 3M8

On line condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhome/fort frances.com

May dad rest in peace knowing how much he was loved.