Ed was a brother -in-law and a true friend. He was a people person not to be forgotten. His innate qualities of intelligence, understanding, sensitivity, generosity and his quirky sense of humour are all memorable. I was privileged to have Ed as part of my life.
Ray Manning.

Dad. If I could talk to one more time, I'd tell you I love you, I'd tell you I'm sorry, I'd say thank-you for another chance, I'd tell you how grateful I was to get to know you again, I'd tell you how funny you are, I'd tell how sad I am that your gone,but most of all I'd tell you how much I'm going to miss you.I love you Big Poppa. Jason

I had the pleasure of getting to know Ed over the last seventeen years or so. Doing so gave me a little more insight into Jason's personality traits, realizing just how many things he learned from his dad in the years he lived with him and Audrey. 

I will greatly miss Ed's sarcastic sense of humour. Often during family dinners I would sit quiety watching the family interact, as it was usually quite comical and entertaining. I felt quite sad for Ed when he and Audrey made the move from the Keene house to their condo, and Ed had to pass his beloved bbq on to Jason and I. Boy, did he ever love that thing. 

Ed had a zest for life like no other, and he was taken from ours far too soon. It still doesn't feel like he's gone. I know our family dinners will be far too quiet, and far less entertaining without him there.

March 2, 2015

My favorite fun Uncle Ed.
For as long as I can remember, I've always looked forward to seeing Uncle Ed.  It meant we were going to laugh, have fun, eat delicious food, and perhaps have a drink or two.
As kids, we couldn't wait for his famous chicken wings or to play on his pinball machine.  As a teenager, Ed endeared himself to us by discretely topping up our soda cans with beer.  As we grew into adults, Ed became our friend and continued to show us how to enjoy life and value family.
Uncle Ed was a good man and a special person.  He will be greatly missed.
Cam Carver

My dear sweet Pops,
The most significant man in my life. A man whose heart was huge. He had the ability to mesmerize children, and to make everyone feel included.
Your effect on your family cannot be underestimated. You gave to us all unflinchingly, and with forgiveness. You helped us learn those hard life lessons by being there, picking up the pieces, nurturing and encouraging. Because of Ed my sisters and I now know what a father is and, more importantly, what a father does. Thank you for your hugs and kisses. Thank-you for your generosity, and those extra funds that children often find themselves in need of. 
So much personality and an enthusiasm for life that was contagious. He loved good food, especially if he bbq'd it, good music and most especially his own fine wine. Indeed, Ed's day often revolved around his next meal and what he would be knoshing on next. He would always invite the unexpected to share, although he would let everyone know exactly what their share was. He was an impeccable host, and had a remarkable zest for life.
Ed meant the world to me. He was so smart and loved the fact that his children saw him as the man who knew a little about everything. He was fond of sayings and often reminded me that "if I had to ask how much something was, I probably couldn't afford it". I thought he was so smart. Turns out JP Morgan is pretty smart too. My discovery made him chuckle to no end.
I am so happy that we never missed an opportunity to tell each other..'I love you". I am so happy that we got to this place together. I thank-you for your strength and wisdom. 
The clients at CAMH where my dog and I volunteer wanted me to wish you 'Good Luck in Heaven'. I concur. And if you can, please let me know your address, my taxes are ready for you.

My first memory of Ed is from the early 90's and he wasn't even there! It was about 3:30 AM after a night involving a few drinks when Michele and Sheryl realized they had not planned a way to get home.  That's ok, one of them announced we can just get Ed to come and pick us up.  It was the middle of the night and Ed was clear on the other side of town.  I assumed they were joking, but it became fairly clear that no, they were not joking, and they knew that if they called, Ed would come and pick them up.  This made a real impression on me, because I found it hard to believe anyone would do that (for two grown women after all).  My disbelief evaporated once I finally met Ed, and recognized that this is exactly the type of thing he would do.  He routinely went out of his way for other people. 

As with all people who meet Ed, we became good friends.  He helped coordinate many trips to Toronto to visit Michele and the kids when I was a student, and invariably treated me to dim sum on Sunday mornings when I didn't have a lot of money.  I was never quite sure if the dim sum was for me or for Ed himself, but we had a great time.  Somehow during these many trips he also  managed to fit the time in (often on the way back from dim sum) to introduce me to the wonders of retail shopping at big box stores, so much so that for a time I referred to him as retail Ed.  

Ed was a fantastic person and there were lots of memorable times.  I never once went to a restaurant with him where he didn't try and spark up a conversation with the staff.   He took us to concerts, sporting events, restaurants, and all of these were a reflection of his zest for life, his enjoyment of other people, and the joy he got from sharing the things he liked doing with all of us.  Such was his inclusive nature, that even when he was relegated to the basement to watch the blue jays on TV, he always invited me to join him! I recall a memorable evening in Montreal with him which I won't describe (to protect the innocent) but suffice to say it involved multiple trips to multiple different watering holes on a school night.  Whatever it was Ed was along for the ride.

In addition to his generosity, Ed was funny, irreverent, and clearly an independent thinker.  I always remember one trip up a mountain with Ed on the west coast that turned out to be just a little bit too steep and too long.  About 50 metres from the summit, Ed sat down and declared his own hike over.  When he was urged to ascend the last 50 metres to see the panoramic 360 view of the mountains, he bluntly and exhaustedly stated the view is just fine from right here, thank you.  In classic Ed fashion, he was fully recovered and in good spirits to laugh and joke about it over a glass of Sauvignon Blanc a few hours later.

One thing I learned about Ed over the years was that he was always ready for a good laugh.  Even on those occasions where maybe you would tell a mean spirited joke at the expense of others.  Ed would say oh come on, or that's not right but he would be laughing when he said it, and he would keep laughing.  In this way, he managed to make you feel a little less badly about yourself and that you had a true friend in your midst.  In retrospect, there was method to his madness.

A few short words cannot begin to adequately describe Ed's character or the hugely positive effect he had on the lives of so many people he encountered, whether they were family, friends, or perfect strangers. He was funny; he was generous; and just generally one of those people that make life worth living.  I have never met anyone else like him.  He was truly unique, most definitely one of a kind, and like so many others, I will miss him very much.

-Chris Greenwood, Vancouver, B.C.

It is still so inconceivable that he isn't here anymore. He was such a solid in my life, someone who just by virtue of being there' made the world safe. Together he and Mom created a home base where ever they were; country, town, city or even their hospitality suite at Disney World. Edmond Gee-but-its-great Smeets, was a man with a most unique sense of Eddie-quette.
 
Mom struggled through many hardships and challenges before meeting Ed. Somehow he seemed to make her world work again and by doing that he shaped us into a family. Mom finally had her soul mate and together they modeled love for us. I watched their relationship develop as they built their bond through the ups and downs of love, marriage and an instant family.
We moved in with Ed, in Trenton, in time for my first year of high school. It was a year of a lot of firsts for everyone in the family including Ed who suddenly had two teenage daughters (yikes!), an adoring and curious fan in Lesley, who was going into grade 5, I believe, and two preschoolers every other weekend. Instant, like porridge. 

Ed's biggest battle in those days, in my memory, was for the 10pm TV slot. Standing in front of the television, arms crossed and the News Hour blaring behind him, he eventually fatigued the enemy (me) and the skirmishes were won by default which is why I now watch reruns of Dallas, Rich Man, Poor Man and Dynasty (add that to your legacy, Ed).

We did all settle to create a home. Jason came to live with us and even Grandma for a time. I think Ed secretly reveled in being surrounded by women. A putterer by nature and a shopper by heart he would scour the sales flyers for specials on tampax and toilet paper. Looking to take care of the fine details and particulars of the alien lives of young females he, knowingly or unknowingly, became essential to us. He made routine special and through this touched us all. He even gave me one of my first jobs. It was at the Kinsmen bingo snack bar. Ed, President and a founding member of the Trenton Kinsmen, called the numbers and everyone and their troll dolls knew him. I was proud of him. Proud to be associated as part his family but still too shy to acknowledge how vital he had become to me as a parent.

Those days Ed and Mom entertained a lot. They always had the cold cuts, pate, cheese, melba toast and pumpernickel out for whoever dropped in Sundays. And then there was the beer fridge in the shed that housed the pool heater. Molson Golden stacked to the brim and ice cold. My high school friends loved it. Ed was quite proud of his homestead and he and Mom were first class hosts. Mom took care of the food, directing Ed on some special duties, while Ed entertained, poured drinks, and informed all present of a little about a lot (you know what I mean). These were the times I truly relaxed and safely felt like I belonged. Finally. In my mind's eye Ed is in the middle of that picture. He's laughing at his own joke while looking down someone's top managing to make Mom frown and laugh at the same time. 

Ed was unique on a lot of fronts. I think he was the first in Trenton to install solar panels. He was certainly the only parent I knew of (and it was a one-high school town) to cultivate marijuana. Got any oilies? he would ask my friends on a Friday night as we gathered preparing to go out. He had to know and engage everyone in the room. He made people feel like they matter and in turn, seemed to be instantly liked by all for these subtle (and sometimes far from subtle) talents. The conversations he initiated were never about him. He was genuinely interested in every person he came across. This is why he engaged strangers, acquaintances, friends and family alike. He took away something that was important to him from every encounter, every conversation. Ed was ever-present and just did not know how to fake it. That is who he was. It was his natural talent.

Ed's social nature meant he thrived being part of a large, often chaotic family. So perhaps when he was finally to enjoy time with just his bride the boomerang effect may not have been a bad thing for him. Even though he openly talked about the marching band he would hire for a street party when I moved out, in the 90's Mom and Ed opened their Brampton home and their hearts to welcome me and my two young sons so I could attended university. Voila, new instant family but now they had a kindergarten and grade-oner and, this time around, the instant family was not only multi-generational but boys! Yea boys! There was one female, besides myself, and that was Rosie whom Ed referred directly to while we were making arrangements prior to the move  and do not bring that dog! Rosie arrived two weeks before the boys and I for some logistical reason I can't remember but by the time we got there, Rosie was no longer ours. Ed and Rosie had gained neighbourhood fame as a walking pair, creating a bond between them that lasted well beyond our visit.' When we did eventually move (the band would be in Ed's head (and it probably was a full on marching band playing country & western)), she stayed.

Our time in Brampton would be very special for the boys and . It was a unique chance for Mom and Ed to know their grandchildren in the context of a nuclear family and they both took full advantage of the opportunity. Ed, as everyone knows, had a special way of enticing kids by making the mundane and routine seem special and exotic kind of like Tom Sawyer painting the fence. True to form, Matt and Wes were enthralled with whatever Opa did and would happily hop in the car to be part of an exciting oil change. Outsiders may have thought that Ed used Life Savers, Tic Tacs and Jelly Bellys to break the ice with kids but he really didn't offer them until he had already made inroads. The goodies were for Ed but he liked to share. For kids the small treats were more like the bonus or the icing when you got to hang with Ed. And for almost four years Matt and Wes got to hang with Opa a lot. I'll never forget the image of a young Matt and Wes standing at Ed's desk as he worked at home. With all four of their hands resting on the desk surface and their little eyes peeping over the edge, they watched him organizing receipts, shuffling papers and clicking away on the calculator that would whir as the numbers printed out on the tape. They whispered and giggled to each other commenting on the hole-punch and staple remover standing there fidgeting but being careful not to be too intrusive until, unable to contain themselves any longer, one of them burst out Opa!! When you die, can we have your stuff? The second one actually chimed in for the end of that question as their eyes traveled over the stapler, paper clips, pens, pencils, a letter opener and a variety of similar things. I'll never forget hearing that question from the other room and laughing with Ed about it later. It would become a common quote in the family.

Ed's love was expressed through a generosity of time and attention. It was genuine devotion he communicated through those actions. He loved when the boys admired his stuff' as he worked. I am sure he drew it out faking numbers on the calculator as he glanced at them out of the corner of his eye. The three of them developed weird routines that kept us all laughing no matter the stress of the day. For instance, after dinner the boys, and Ed was one of the boys, would get two cookies each. Matt and Wes learned to quickly give their cookies a protective lick so they wouldn't be stolen. Ed learned that one lick didn't make them taste any different despite the loud groans and comments of ewww gross from the boys. 

Ed was always taking care of us and so when he and Mom eventually came to visit us it was nice to host them for a change. We created new traditions like dim sum and Opa's crepes but sometimes we would go out for special dinners. I remember after a particularly successful month at work I made reservations for four at one of Vancouver's top restaurants. It was the place to be and be seen, the wine list was extensive and the food wasn't too bad either. Big night comes. We pull up at the valet and I hear from the back where Ed is sitting Oh shit! The valet opens the door and Ed steps out to finish I forgot to put my shoes on. We giggled all the way to the table (we had to walk through the whole restaurant as it happened) as Ed shuffled along in fancy clothes and dirty garden crocs. You could say he had his own unique way of making things memorable.

I guess it's been a little like Leave It To Beaver but edgier, with more cleavage, and with Ed starring as The Beave. As I think about the evolution of our relationship and his vital role in creating, for me, a sense of family, I know how profoundly blessed I was. Part of the irony is how profound this realization becomes with the loss of Ed. He was so always there that you never ever thought that he ever wouldn't be. It adds poignancy to the memories. It adds a deep sense of family, a marking of time, and a faith in humanity that such sweetness and such pure value can come from moments of normal life with someone like Ed. A lesson, a legacy, a rare gift. He was all of this to all of us. 

To have that vitality taken so suddenly rips a void into our lives that we will all somehow contend with until it becomes tolerable. It will, I think, eventually come back to being Ed in the sense of his presence, it will come to a smile as he enters our thoughts, but it will never go away. Ed would never be gone just like that. Even when I get to that point, if I get to that point, where I don't tear thinking of him, where I can smile without sadness, even then I will still be missing him.

My Ed

When somebody leaves us, the things they leave behind are constant reminders that they have gone.

Ed is gone. He shouldn't be gone, but he is. Gone, not here. Not in this space.

There are a lot of Ed things in this space. They are not gone. His chair is not gone. His favourite coffee mug is not gone.  His place at the table is not gone.  His side of the bed is not gone.  His tool box is not gone. Many Ed things are not gone. The day will come when looking at those things will trigger a fond memory, a smile, a favourite Ed story. I look forward to that day, so I'm hanging on to those things. 

More important than the things that are not gone are the people who are not gone.  Ed's people.  There's me, I'm not gone and as long as I'm not gone there will be a part of Ed that is not gone. There are Ed's children. They are not gone, and they keep a part of Ed alive.  There are grandchildren who remember their Opa, and those memories will not be gone for a long time. Ed's family, Ed's friends, Ed's people - the girl who served him his coffee at McDonalds, the cashier at the grocery store, the volunteers at the humane society, , , all the people Ed connected with, all the people he took the time to say hello to, all those people who still stop me wherever they see me to tell me they're sorry, and they miss him, all those people keep him alive in memory.

Ed loved without judgement. He loved with a generosity of self that made it easy to overlook the times he annoyed the hell out of you.  He was loud, he was rambunctious, and he could be obnoxious. When Ed did or said something that made people look askance with raised eyebrows I would smile and say, life with Ed is not dull. He made people laugh, and he laughed with them. 

Ed lived large, and he has left a large void in this life I now live. After forty some years of being one half of Ed and Audrey I have to learn how to be just Audrey. So I am grateful for the memories that people have shared and will continue to share. I am forever grateful that Ed loved me, and I will forever love him. The people and the things he has left behind will be constant and welcome reminders of how fortunate I am to have had him in my life.

Ed, in my heart, always.
Audrey

I have such fond memories of Uncle Ed frying up endless batches of chicken wings and countless crepes to perfection.  He was even gracious enough to share some of his crepe cooking tips this past summer.  He was always so entertaining and quick to offer a witty one liner.  He was a wonderful uncle to grow up with, he will be missed by me and my family.  I am so glad we were able to spend some time with him at the cottage this summer and Colton was able to get to know his Great Uncle Ed.

There was never a dull moment when we were with my brother Ed.  After Ed and Audrey moved to Peterborough, he would stay at our home in Brampton when in town on business.  Inevitably; after work; there would be a trip to the local LCBO to pick up a bottle of wine and purchase the latest country CD on sale that week.  Many evenings would be spent on our back deck drinking wine, listening and singing along to the latest purchased CD.  He was very entertaining and provided us with many good laughs and good conversation which could sometimes keep us up well past midnight.
We always knew our next 'new' car would be one of Ed's old cars and couldn't wait to see his newest car as we had the option of it being ours in the near future.  Always thankful for that opportunity!
Ed and I made wine together for a number of years as well as investing in certain stocks that he had suggested.  The wine was great; the investments; not so much!  At least we always had our wine to share and cheer us up!
He was the oldest of 5 children but often 'acted' as if he was the youngest with his many funny antics over the years.  Always a hoot.
Ed had the biggest 'soft heart' for family and friends and we will so miss him and think of him often, all the while cherishing our 'happy memories'.
Love ya bro  RIP

My memories of Ed have all become jumbled into a mass that I cannot seem to pull anything out of.  This mass of memories has become a big space inside of me that is just ‘Ed' - so instead I have a Meaning to share.

I grew up in my first years without a father.  For me, this meant that the word, the label, the idea of father was a blank spot - ‘father' had no meaning at all.  I didn't know who a father was, what he did, or how he did it.  ‘Dad' was a term alien to my personal world.

I spent much time as a young child creating imaginary dads.  These dads were handsome dark men, often they were daring exotic spies, sometimes they were rich and generous, throwing toys my way.  Or, I would watch my uncles with my cousins and wonder what it was like to have a father - I wasn't so much envious as I was wondering.

And then one day, my mother introduced Ed into our lives.  Everything changed.

We all moved into a house together and for the first time in my short life my family was all under one roof and, even stranger, there was a MAN with us.  At first, what I understood was that I now had another parent.  As the years went by, I began to more clearly understand who and what a father was and the role he played.

Ed and Mom were the finest parents I could ever have hoped for.  They set the example for me of responsibility, commitment, and unconditional love.  From them I learned how a parent tells their children the truth, and then supports the child even when their truth differs from his.  Their parenting taught me respect and tolerance at the most fundamental level.  Together, they created a home where we were all safe and loved.

It wasn't until many years later, when I had children of my own, that I finally realized that I did actually indeed have a father.  That Ed was my Father and that I had had a father all along in him.  That he wasn't only my parent, he was my Dad.

I finally knew what Dad meant.  I finally understood what Father meant.  And I knew what I wanted for my own children.
 
He helped set the standard for the home life I then set out to create.

He filled a void in my child's heart and did it better than I ever could have fantasized.
 
I am blessed and so, so grateful... I thank him every day.

He was and is the one and only Father of my heart.

Ed is so appreciated and loved by us not only for the positive impact he had on our son and daughter, evidenced by their notes in this guest book. In addition to that he was the perfect Dutch brother-in-law and we always looked forward to our get-togethers and various trips over the years. Spending time with him and just knowing him was hugely entertaining and we will miss his special (and not always predictable, and often cringeworthy) approach to the big and small challenges of life. He was a generous and infectiously enthusiastic man - here are just a few personally witnessed examples:

For our first family road trip to Florida he said: "Take my car for your family road trip to Florida because it's nicer than your car - you'll be more comfortable." Then he hesitated to share his lifesavers.

In any restaurant he delighted in saying: "Does it cost extra?  Then I don't want the gravy if it costs extra!".

As a loudly whispered aside when talking to strangers in a dark parking lot: "Speak slowly - they might be from XXXXXXXXX (whatever town you were in at the time)". 
Yet, when he saw obviously lost foreign visitors on the Toronto subway he took time to talk to them (speaking slowly of course), to find out where they were from, where they wanted to go, explain the subway system, give them explicit directions, and then he gave them subway tokens.

Disneyland at the park entrance - his first time - running ahead of us, and Audrey, and the crowd - and so excited to be there he could not contain himself: "Audrey!  Get your own ticket!  I'll see you inside!".

Now he has gone ahead again.- R.I.P. Ed gbutitsgreat Smeets!

Karen and Jim

Uncle Ed was someone I always loved being around. He was funny, sharp witted and always took an interest in what I was or planned on doing. I'm really going to miss him.

As the eldest of five of us kids, Ed had the right to lead the way.  He showed us the importance of family, traditions and good times.
He was a true 'Dutch Man' and loved his crepes and bitterballen and passed on his recipes to the next generation.
We enjoyed our many visits with Ed and Audrey, always good company and fun times.
We will miss you always.

It's hard to pick one story to share about Uncle Ed. For as long as I can remember, he has asked me to run away to Tahiti with him. "Here, Jessi, here's a nickle so you can call your parents when we get to Tahiti." And of course, as I grew, so did the coin (a dime, a quarter, a loonie) - I looked forward to the invitation, because it was an invitation to imagine another place. I liked the idea of traveling with my funny uncle who always talked to strangers even if it was to poke fun at them. 
When I was little, I used my allowance to buy a big bag of jelly bellys and ate them all in one sitting, thinking about Uncle Ed the whole time. Then I wrote him a letter and told him about it. I received a very short letter back. "Dear Jessi, This is a lesson about sharing. Love Uncle Ed." There were three jelly bellys in the envelope. Lesson learned. 
Hugs and love to my Aunt, to my cousins, and everyone who loved him, from Jessica Lovett, and from Gavin Hammel, Morgen Hammel, and Lillian Hammel.

I am still at a loss for words. I will miss Uncle Ed, he was a kind, funny and generous man, the world is an emptier place without him.

It's hard for me to pick just one memory of Ed.  Every time I got to see him was a memorable event in some way.

But here are just a few...

He liked to toss his spare change in the pool/lake to make us kids dive for the coins.

The first time I was ever on an airplane was with Ed, Aud and my sister. (The plane was grounded due to a storm)

When we eventually did make it to Disneyland, Ed was the most excited person in the room when watching the Tiki birds show.

Ed was an excellent person to follow through a large crowd.

The first adult magazine I ever saw was Ed's...in Trenton.  (I got to laugh about this with him at Christmas this year)

Ed tried on many occasions at multiple establishments to get me a date with our lunch server.

As a house warming gift for my first home purchase, Ed randomly dropped in on me to deliver a bottle of champagne. 


Whether we were meeting for a random extended work lunch or going shopping with dad while visiting, Ed always made me feel like he was genuinely interested in what was happening in my life.  I truly admired his ability and interest in connecting with everyone around him.  

Life without my uncle Ed seems impossible to accept.  I will always cherish his memory and miss him enormously. 

I really loved this man.

I remember when Ed first met Marg in Dartmouth. He showed up with a big bouquet of flowers for her.  That was "ED" and Marg will always remember that.  When we moved into the country Marg boasted to Ed about all the deer she would see hanging around, but when he visited they were not to be seen anywhere. But she would still get her flowers.  We will miss him greatly.

I will miss the nonstop fountain of Jelly Belly's that seemed to exist in whatever home Ed inhabited. More so, I will miss hearing his witty remarks every time I return home from another job. I will also miss hearing Ed and my father banter in a way that would make an outsider think they hated each other, but an insider know they were getting on just fine. Mostly I will just try to be grateful that I got to have him as part of my extended family.

Still wishing I could see your face one more time. Smiling, laughing, joking sometimes none of the above, all the while never giving up and paying knowledge forward. I'll never forget how you managed to always convince Dad to buy your used cars. He'd be so excited until about 2 months later when you'd pull up in a sweet new ride in which his excitement turned to brotherly envy. All the while I'd be checking out our future ride. Uncle Ed you will never be forgotten, ever. Your stories and memories will be told for as long as I live, full well knowing they will always make people smile, laugh and remember the amazing man you were. I'll always love you Uncle Ed. 
R.I.P.

Dear Audrey,  
We send our condolences to you and your family.  
Ed was Ryerson class mate of mine along with Dave Woodburn, Ted Woods, Paul Linton, Phil Wickware and others.  Ed was also one of my ushers on our wedding day, June 6, 1964.  His sense of humour and an all-around good guy are some of the memories we have of Ed.
We are sure he will be missed by all.

Jim and Carole Lusby,  Georgetown, Ontario

Audrey , We are thinking of you today and remembering Ed (with a smile).

         Janet and Ian

Dear Audrey and family

We are so sorry and saddened to hear of Ed's sudden passing.  We will remember the fun times with him at bowling.

Bill and Carole Bailey

Audrey! I would give you the biggest hug, so sorry to hear the bad news. We had so many great times, made me laugh . Our thoughts are with you and family  love John and Don

We are very sorry to hear of Ed's passing.  Our condolences to Audrey & family.  We have many great memories of our times together.
Ralph & Lois Robertson

Audrey This is my 3rd try to post a message to you.
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Drew and I had such good times with you and Ed. You know how much laughter there always was when Ed was in the room ..... a guy with lots of new gadgets from the hardware stores. He was a best friend, a true cousin-in-law. I will miss him. Connie

Very sorry for your loss.  Our condolences to Audrey and family.  

Nancy & Bill Chapman

So sorry to hear of your loss.  Our condolences to Audrey and family.

Mary & Dave Stewart

An East Coast Hug, from Gus and Andrea Cameron.
Audrey and Smeets family. So sorry for this sudden loss of a great guy, Ed always made me smile, and I have fond memories growing up. Thank you Ed,, Hugs to Audrey, RIP friend.

Always be in my heart.  Your favorite sister.

It's hard to lose a great person.  We're left with memories and luckily Uncle Ed left us with a lot of them.  Anyone who knew him will surely smile whenever they think of him.  He was a memorable guy who always made an impression on anyone he met.  I'll never forget his sense of humour and what a great uncle he was to us.  We always looked forward to visiting, having dinner, and would hope Aunt Audrey would make a lemon meringue pie for dessert.  There weren't any young cousins to play with but we knew we'd have fun and be entertained.
Goodbye Uncle Ed, you'll be missed but never forgotten.
Condolences and love to Aunt Audrey and the family.

Jeff Smeets and family

Dear Audrey and Family:
Ed's passing was truly a shock. We remember a lot of good times. The photos are a wonderful memory to a wonderful man. Our deepest sympathy.

Within our hearts and in our memories, those we love remain with us always......
With heartfelt sympathies, Audrey and family.

Audrey and All the family and Friends;

To which Ed had many and were the most valued part of his life.
We rounded our  Crescent late last night in a taxi returning from Cuba to see our House lit up  like a chimney in abnormal fashion.
Fearing the worst we entered to find Courtney waiting up to deliver the sad news.

Our shock was great and our sadness  profound as we had planned coming to see Ed tomorrow and wish him well in his rehab,
We now realize that the  beautiful little white bird in the lagoon which we had been trying to see close up approached us without fear as we think he was carrying a message we failed to understand.

While we were sorry to not be able to say goodbye we understand his final flight was peaceful and may his soul rest in peace.

We know his greatest legacy is his family who will carry on his great tradition of family and friends first.

Can't quite believe that he won't be at mom's this summer, sharing a laugh over a glass of wine. So sorry for your loss Audrey. Thinking of you.

Dear Audrey and Children, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband and Father. I hadn't seen Ed in ages so the photos of your family are a treat. He never lost that boyish sparkle in his eyes. To Charlotte, John, Barb and Robert, my heartfelt sympathies on Ed's passing. I know how loving and close-knit your family was and it's sad to have to say goodbye too soon. I'm thinking of you all and hope your sweet memories of laughter and and good times live in your hearts forever. Nancy Sherritt Henry

Audrey, so sorry to hear of Ed's passing - it was such a surprise to hear that he had been ill recently - he was such a fun-loving, robust person. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
                                                        MargaretRaymond(Trenton, Ontario)

 Very sad to get this news. My sincerest condolences to the family. An absolute wonderful "Opa" to my boys. Fondest memories only, he will be missed.
David Perrin

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. So very sad...RIP... Your pool friends :(

Dear Audrey and Family - We were so sorry to receive the news of Ed's passing.  We/I will always remember Ed for his wonderful witt and he never failed to put a smile on all the faces around him.  So very happy for the times we were lucky to share and so very sorry for your loss.  He will be missed!
Ruth and Barry

Audrey, aqua classes will never be quite the same without my favourite heckler.  I will miss him more than you can know.  My love and prayers are with you and your family.

To an amazing man.... the master of cerimonies at my wedding 25yr ago.  I remember our first incounter and yes there we some wine involved.... Winny like Mr Ed, for those of you there you will remember.  He made me so proud to host my wedding and poke fun at Scottish People, you could never be in his presence and not laugh so hard within the first 5 minutes.  Thanks for joining me at my 50th birthday party.  Will love you always!!!!!!    Keep smiling Mr Ed!

Brenda and Bob Manning!.

Dear Audrey and family, Ed was a good fun loving person and will be greatly missed by all. Gord and Jeanne O'Hara

I grew up with Ed, first meeting him when he came from Holland. We went to public, high school & Ryerson. The first time Ed had corn on the cob at my house Ed ran home to tell his parents he just ate pig food. Good bye old friend.
                                                              Major(retired) Jack Leith (Oshawa,ON)

Rest in Peace Uncle Ed. Your infectious laugh, and mischievous smile will be missed.

Dear Audrey and family,
No words can lesser the sorrow and grief you are feeling now. With time, pleasant memories will be on your mind and a smile will return to your face. Ed will be dearly missed. Deepest sympathy.
Lin & John

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Dear Audrey and family - We're so sorry to hear this sad news. We will remember Ed for the fun visit this past summer and the many laughs we shared over the years.  Our hearts go out to you!
Connie and Deb

OBITUARY

Edmond "Ed" Gerard J. Smeets

May 8, 1941 – January 12, 2015

Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre

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