Edward Gerhardt

Edward Gerhardt of Coaldale, AB, formerly of Victoria, BC, passed away at Sunny South Lodge on April 24, 2020, at the age of 69, gently released from the frustrations borne of Early Onset Alzheimer’s. 

“Eddie,” predeceased by his parents and brother, leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Ellie; son Rich and grandsons Haydn and Hunter; his daughter Christy, and grandsons Brandon (Jessica) and Trey (Lexie) and granddaughter, Devon, as well as three great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Rich (Carol), nieces and nephews. Ed was born in Sidney, B.C. and after living in army camps in various cities, settled in Victoria in 1962. Eddie has been an alter boy, a boy scout and a scout leader. Then, at 17 he coached a boy’s soccer team and found his calling, becoming a certified coach in softball, baseball, soccer and curling. He ran several curling and baseball programs, but his real passion was born when he became involved with Special Olympics Curling. He always said if he had to give anything up, Special O would be the last to go, and when he did have to start giving things up, it was. We called Ed Mr. President more than once, starting with National Little League, moving to the position in his local of the TWU, and doing a stint with the Esquimalt Curling Club. Eddie loved his job with B.C. TEL/Telus and retired after 35 years there. He also enjoyed fishing, hiking, skiing, golfing, camping and boating. He was a man with an amazing sense of humour, who gave much and asked for nothing. Eddie supported each of us in our endeavours and always had our backs. We all knew he was there for us. And now, he’s not, but he gave us enough to last us the rest of our lives. Even when Eddie got sick, he never stopped smiling, right up to his last week. The word we hear the most when people describe Ed is “gentleman.” He was our rock, and he will be missed beyond words.

Our family is more than grateful for the exemplary care Ed received from Dr. E. Mueller and from the wonderful staff at the Lodge, and for the participation of all those in AHS, who worked to keep Eddie as well as they could for as long as they could. We are gathering for a small, private family service to celebrate Ed and to share our memories of him, in Victoria, on the 8th of July, 2022.

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