Edward Charles Emery

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward Charles Emery on the evening of Saturday, February 5th, 2022. He was a husband to Jackie and father to David and Debbie. Born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan on April 7th, 1930, Ed was the eldest of three siblings. From an early age, he had determination, grit, and a drive for achievement. For those who knew him, they would attest to his strength and ability to get things done. There was nothing he would not do for those he loved. From humble beginnings, he sought out and pursued work opportunities starting at a young age. This helped lay the foundation and develop the character and independence that would carry him through life.

Ed was tremendously proud of one of his first jobs as a young boy riding his bike around Yorkton making deliveries for the local hardware store. He was active and accomplished in Cubs and Scouts, and at the age of 18, left his small town and traveled to Ottawa for a job as a Field Commissioner at the Canadian Scout Headquarters. He began attending the University of Saskatchewan, and in 1953, obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree. While attending University, he worked part-time as a Supervisor at the School for the Deaf, and full-time as a Parental Care Supervisor. On his days off, he was a Cubmaster and Scoutmaster. Never one to stop, he continued his education at the University of Toronto, and from 1953-1955 he earned Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social work degrees. In 1955 he accepted a position as a Group Worker at Embury House in Regina, a treatment centre for youth. In 1956 he became a Medical Social Worker at the Regina General Hospital. In true Ed fashion, he became the head of the Department in 1958. In 1961 he was granted a leave of absence to attend a 2-year post-graduate course in Hospital Administration at the University of Toronto. In 1963 Ed returned to Saskatchewan and became the Assistant Executive Director and then the Executive Director of the Regina General Hospital. He was a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve in both Regina (HMCS Queen) and Toronto (HMVC York), and an active and cherished Advisor for 12 years to a Hi-Y group at the Regina YMCA. He was a Cub and Scout leader for approximately 20 years.

Ed held the position of Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan for many years. He was a Clinical Assistant Professor, Health Care and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, at the University of British Columbia for a period of time, and served on several professional committees of the B.C. Health Association.

In 1976 he married and made the move to North Vancouver to take the job as the Director of Administration Services at St. Paul’s Hospital, and later Vice President of Administration. He welcomed his first child in 1980, and at the age of 49 became a proud father. He was a highly reliable, loyal, and supportive dad.

He was the Assistant Administrator of Holy Family Hospital, until retiring from Health Care Administration in 1992. During his career as a Health Care Administrator, he earned his Fellowship in the American College of Health Care Executives.

Ed obtained his Realtor license shortly after, and served as a Director of the North Vancouver, and West Vancouver Divisions of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, and was President for one term of the West Vancouver Division.

He is predeceased by his parents and sister Shirley. He is survived by his wife, children, brother Stuart, brother in-law Ed Zelko, and nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the nurses and staff at Evergreen House for looking after Ed in his final years especially during the added challenges of the pandemic. A private memorial will be held by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ed’s name to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Emery family.