EDWARD HARMS

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EDWARD HARMS In his 80th year, Ed passed away at home, unexpectedly but peacefully on October 26, 2015. Ed had an interesting life and enjoyed reminiscing about it. He grew up in Southern Manitoba in a small home with a wood stove, no running water and an attached caboose where he slept. He left school early and moved to Winnipeg for work in order to help his family. He was proud to say he bought his mother her first fridge. His father died in middle age and Ed was amazed with his own longevity. He outlived all his siblings. His youth clearly shaped his life's values. He was adamant that if you want something you should work for it; if it's broken, fix it; and if things are not working out, do something about it, rather than complain. These values helped him throughout life. In his 40s he went from a two pack-a-day smoker to a non-smoker, cold turkey. In his 50s he went back to school and obtained his high school diploma. He also learned to enjoy cooking and was able to master the most complicated recipes. In his 60s he had both knees replaced and was proud of his amazing recovery, including climbing a ladder only a few weeks after the first surgery and returning to inline skating when fully recovered. In his 70s, he fully landscaped his front yard with spruce trees, large rocks and beautiful perennial gardens. Once that was completed he built a large deck and vegetable garden in his backyard. He was proud of his flowers, his vegetables and most especially his herbs. Ed loved to fix things. He was always offering to fix things for his friends. If a neighbour threw out a barbecue, an air compressor, a children's swimming pool or any other useful item, Ed would bring it home, fix it and find a new home for it. He seemed to have spare parts for everything that needed fixing, and if he didn't, he had an endless supply of different glues and epoxies. His working life involved driving, including more than 30 years as a Bus Operator for Winnipeg Transit. His bus was his kingdom. His passengers started their day with Ed's big smile and cheery greeting. He was proud to drive his bus on time, keep his passengers safe and help them make their connections. After retiring, he proudly continued to maintain his membership with ATU Local 1505. Ed enjoyed his numerous exotic winter vacations to the Caribbean with his wife Barbara and his mother-in-law Dorothy. Although he liked the water and the sun, travel was an opportunity to meet new people and share stories. He knew the hotel staff by name and when challenged by cab drivers for carrying his own luggage or walking instead of taking a cab, he would win their respect by telling them about his job as a bus driver and his life growing up in Southern Manitoba. Ed was hard working, proud, and principled - some might say stubborn, but above all he was a fierce and dedicated friend to those who cared about him and whom he trusted. He was frank and told it as it was. He didn't hesitate to give unsolicited advice if he felt it was warranted. Under his sometimes gruff demeanor was a heart of gold. He would do anything for his friends especially Doug, Barbara, Shaun, Brant and Bern. He especially enjoyed sitting with them at his dining room table and regaling them with his stories. While he enjoyed helping his friends all of his life, he was uncomfortable during the past few weeks when he realized that he needed help to prepare his home and yard for winter. Just days before his death, he remarked about his discomfort at having to depend on others. Mr. Rex, Dakota and Bosco were his special friends. They were rescued German Shepherds, but Ed readily acknowledged that they were the ones who rescued him with their years of love and companionship. Neighbours in St. Vital and East Kildonan will remember seeing Ed and his Shepherd out walking, checking things out and chatting, regardless of the time of day or the weather. They were truly this man's best friends. Ed achieved many things in his life, except his dream of winning a lottery to share with his friends and charities, specifically The Winnipeg Humane Society where he adopted Mr. Rex and Manitoba German Shepherd Rescue who brought Bosco into his life. If friends so wish a donation to either of Ed's favourite charities would honour his memory. Following his interment in the coming week, Ed's friends will gather around his dining table one more time to celebrate his friendship and his life. "Ed, you were one of a kind. You will be missed and remembered by those for whom you cared and who cared for you. You were a true friend." Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 204-338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2015