Edward George Wilson

It is with love and sadness that we announce the passing of Edward (Ed) Wilson on November 29, 2024 at the age of 75. He is re-united with the love of his life, his late wife, Elizabeth Farkas Wilson (Liz). He is lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law, Terez Farkas, his sister-in-law Katalin Murray and her husband Patrick, his nephews Tristan Murray (Hope Brookes) and Jared Murray (Alysha O’Connor) and his great-nieces, Caitlynn Cole and Talia Brookes. Ed will be missed by his many friends, particularly Luan and Joan and their family, Kirk and Karen and their family, Ron and Kathy and Leonard. Ed was predeceased by his parents, George and Verna, and by his brother, David.

Ed grew up and lived his entire life in north Toronto. He graduated from what was then Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in 1974 with a diploma in chemical technology. He joined Surpass Chemicals not long after where he remained (through many company name changes!) until his retirement. During his time there, Ed received numerous accolades and awards which recognized his achievements and contributions to the company. He routinely arrived early at work, walking around the plant engaging with staff about their workplace safety concerns rather than sitting at his desk waiting for people to come to him. He worked tirelessly as coordinator for the company’s responsible care initiative, guaranteeing the company’s continued membership in the Canadian Chemical Producers’ Association (as it was then known). More important, Ed’s work was instrumental in ensuring that the company maintained an acceptable level of risk not just in the workplace but also for the community, the public in general and the environment.

As much as Ed enjoyed his work, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends more. After falling to her charms, he married the love of his life, Liz, in 1973 and enjoyed 38 happy years together before Liz’s passing in 2012. While they did not have any children, there was always a cat or two around the house to entertain them! Ed was a wonderful uncle to his nephews, Tristan and Jared, never missing any family get-together, which were frequently boisterous but always joyous.

Ed was an avid golfer and was very proud of his 1992 hole-in-one. However, golf took a back seat to making wine. The latter took precedence, and the family appreciated that! Ed’s homemade wine was legendary and sought after by all family members – not only as a drink, but also as a required addition to pasta sauces! He also enjoyed travelling, getting together with friends and cheering for his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, no matter how bad their season was.

Ed fought valiantly with cancer in the last few years of his life. He travelled on his own to appointments and treatments at Princess Margaret until he was unable to do so and had Kate step in to provide assistance. His continuously optimistic attitude was inspirational. As he did throughout his life, Ed quietly but with determination, faced each obstacle and setback with equanimity and celebrated each success, however small. Ed vowed that he would make it to his 75th birthday - despite the nay sayers, he was right! Well done, Ed!

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto and the Emmanuel Hospice House in Hamilton, in recognition of the exceptional care staff provided to Ed, would be appreciated.