Edward Ernest Shier

Edward Ernest (Ted) Shier passed away peacefully at his home in North Vancouver on November 11, 2021, five weeks short of his 86th birthday. His wife, Marjorie (Marge, nee Gibney), passed away on May 25, 2020. Ted is survived by his three sons and their spouses Richard (Kalinka), Rodney (Penny) and Raymond (Diane), eight grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

Ted was born to Ernest and Bella (nee Melville) Shier in Regina, Saskatchewan and was raised along with his brother, Leonard, on the family farm near the town of Semans. At the age of 18, Ted made his way back to Regina and began working for the Hudson’s Bay Company. While in Regina, he met Marge while she was in her first year of studying nursing at the University of Saskatchewan. On June 5, 1958 they were married and shortly afterward, moved to Edmonton where Ted was transferred with work. In 1969 Ted, Marge and their 3 boys moved to North Vancouver where they lived for the next 52 years.

While the boys were young, Ted spent many hours as a hockey, soccer, and lacrosse parent. When his boys became teenagers, Ted’s passion for restoring cars was fulfilled. Growing up on a farm instilled his ability to problem solve and fix almost anything. Ted was at his happiest when he had a project to do and was always eager to help anyone who needed a helping hand. After 35 years with the Hudson’s Bay Company, Ted retired and then spent his next 5 years as a real estate agent. He also enjoyed working as a handyman at a group home.

Ted and Marge travelled across Canada in their motor home and took to the snowbird lifestyle by spending their winters in Yuma, Arizona. They also loved to take cruise ships with family and friends. The California coast, Alaska and the Panama Canal were among their favourite excursions. As spring arrived, they returned to Canada and started their gardening. Ted and Marge both loved gardening and enjoyed the fruits of their labour. After spending the day in the garden, the Scrabble board would come out every evening after dinner and it was game on!!! Despite being very competitive, they remained happily married for 62 years.

Ted was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 and was eligible for surgery, giving him 3 more years to spend with his wife plus an extra 18 months with family. He will be missed by his family, friends, and Missy the cat. There will be a small family ceremony to place his ashes alongside the love of his life.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BC Cancer Foundation.