In Memory Of

Edward (Ed) Gurnick

Jan 6, 1943 - Apr 25, 2024

Service

Tuesday, August 6, 2024
11:00 am
St. Matthew's Catholic Church
Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
Inurnment:
Moon Valley Cemetery
48019 Range Rd.81
Violet Grove, Near Drayton Valley
https://maps.app.goo.gl/moSzXFeKwvN3KxGx8

Interment

3:30pm Moon Valley Cemetery, 48019 Range Rd.81

Notice

Memorial donations in Edward's name can be made to Mountain Rose Centre or Kids for Sports.

Obituary

Edward (Ed) Gurnick, left his earthly life to rejoice in his heavenly home on April 25, 2024, with his wife at his side.

Ed was born on January 6th, 1943, to Felix and Katie Gurnick. Ed was the youngest of 8 children. Ed grew up in the Violet Grove/Drayton Valley areas and although his education was limited, he worked hard and provided a good living for his family. During his early working career, he worked for Pankie Enterprises doing oilfield construction. Eventually he worked as a Wireline Operator, initially for other employers, but for the last 25 years of that endeavor he worked for himself (Ed's Wireline Service Ltd.). The last stretch of his working career was with Eldorado Pressure Services Ltd.

Ed loved sports of all kinds; but football, hockey and baseball were his passions. Playing football, when he was in school, was something he was pretty proud of. He was small, but fast and had a great throwing arm which afforded him the position of being the Quarterback. Years later, during family reunions, Ed was the first to be chosen for the team and newcomers, to the family, were all amazed as to how far he could throw the ball and how fast he could run in his black dress shoes. When his sons were young, he spent some time coaching their baseball team. Ed was an avid Calgary Stampeder, Calgary Flames, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago Cubs fan. Ed fulfilled one of his dreams and had the privilege of going to Chicago and attending 2 Chicago Cubs games with his 2 sons in August 2023 after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.
Ed loved to play cards and board games with family and friends. He was very competitive and lucky. During his illness, Ed played cards with his wife every day, with the exception of the last two days of his life; many games were played and Ed throughout all of the games maintained his lucky streak. Ed will be remembered for his hard work during his employment years and through his retirement. He was always shoveling his neighbours snow or was cutting their grass. Also, will he be remembered for his crazy sense of humour and as one person commented even if no one else laughed at his jokes he would. He was a talker, but not much of a listener and I'm sure some may have wondered what Ed's contribution to the conversation was all about.
Ed's love of gardening was evident in the huge weedless one he and Leslie grew. He spent many hours weeding, watering, and picking the fruits of their labour.

Family was the heart and soul of Ed existence. He was so proud of his family and loved them very dearly. He leaves to mourn his wife, Leslie; his children: Caroline (Wendell) Brown, Daniel, Michael (Miho); his grandchildren: Maisey, Brooklyn, Sophie, Nathan, and Daniel; and his companion, Bella, his cat. Also left to mourn are his brother Frank; Brother-in-laws Mike (Carmen) Donnelly and Peter (Kathy) Donnelly; Don (Sherry) Hennessey; Doug Hennessey and sister in-law DeeDee (Ken) McMorris; nieces, nephews, and extended family members. As well many friends, neighbours, his Thursday night bowling group, and his church community (St. Matthew's Catholic Church) will miss his vibrant quirky character.

With the exception of the month of July 2023 (the month he was diagnosed) Ed was so content and at peace throughout his journey. Ed and Leslie both felt God, through His goodness and grace, offered this peace and contentment. It was an answer to prayer, a gift from God. Ed believed in the resurrection through Jesus Christ and knew he was going to his eternal home. There were so many blessings and Ed was so grateful to God for the strength, grace, and mercy He bestowed on him to help make his journey a bit easier.

Ed was predeceased by his parents Felix and Katie; his sister Helen Martin; brothers Michael, John, Luke, Adolph, and Albert; his grandson Greg Brown; Father and Mother-in-laws David, Louise, and Eva Donnelly; Brother-in-law Robert Martin.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Rocky Mountain House, on Tuesday August 6, 2024 at 11am.
Inurnment to follow at 3:30p.m.
Moon Valley Cemetery
48019 Range Rd.81
Violet Grove, Near Drayton Valley
https://maps.app.goo.gl/moSzXFeKwvN3KxGx8
Condolences may be left below.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements, 403 845 2626.

Condolences

Kelly Klein :

Ed looked at the world with sence of humor. Treated others with respect and value. I loved his laughter and his outcome of his arguments.

Richard and Louise Velichka:

Leslie and family, If Richard and I told you all the things we shared with Ed , it would be a novel I can tell you that we Loved Ed as a brother. Our hearts are so broken. It was a honor to have been your friend since 1978. You will be extremely missed by us.

Susan Stout:

My heartfelt sympathy to you, Leslie, and your family. Be comforted that Ed is now in God?s direct care, and remember that you are surrounded by the love of God, your family. and your friends. There will be sunshine to be found when the grey clouds of grief weaken and disperse

Connie & Brian Torrens:

Leslie and family. . . We are so very sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Ed was an amazing man and loving husband, father and grandfather. We are so thankful we have the 'Hope' of Heaven where all tears will be wiped away and we will reunite again one day. Our Love and Prayers always and may you feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit at this very difficult time.

Steve Phyllis Molnar:

May God give you strength through out your time of sorrow.
Ed blessed many lives

Dusty Fay:

Deepest condolences Leslie and Family. Ed was always a pleasure to visit or work with. He certainly made the time fly in a good, humorous way.

Lucy Kuehn:

My deepest condolences to the family. I knew Ed when I worked at Amerada Hess, I signed many of his field tickets while he worked wireline for Amerada. I remember him to be hard working and very reliable wireline operator. He primarily worked with Amerada the whole time I was there which was close to 25 years, he was always respectful and thankful when he came into the office.

Glee Velichka :

Condolences Leslie and family, Ed was a very special person.

Leslee Vose:

Leslie and family, my deepest condolences to you all. May your memories help you through this difficult time

Tim and Carolyn Clow:

Our sincere condolences in loss of your husband. Praying for you, and your family as you grieve together, reflecting on wonderful memories but living in the Blessed Assurance that he is living with his Savior and that one day you will all be reunited. Hugs!

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