Edwin John Tracy

Edwin (Ed/Eddie) John Tracy was born on July 4, 1951 in Barrie Ontario to John (Jack) and Nora (Ward).  Ed was predeceased by his parents, sisters Donna (2012) and Pat (2003) and his beloved Uncle Tom just recently and Aunt Jean (2003).

On Feb 7th, Ed passed away peacefully at home in his favourite chair in the arms of his wife Sharon after enjoying a day of visiting, laughing, looking at old photos and telling stories.

Ed is the proud father of John and his wife Brenna of Toronto. Ed was very dedicated to our family. He loved his three grandchildren (his gunkies) Nolan, Hannah and Rachel and enjoyed many happy times with them.  Ed was very pleased to hear of Nolan’s recent accomplishments and to see the girls becoming young ladies. He was pleased to know that John and his family were enjoying a special vacation. He also loved his nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, and a group of special friends.  Ed loved to get this group together for our annual horseshoe tournament. He was particularly happy to meet his great-great nephew JR and to know there is another baby on the way.  Ed treasured his  long term friendships with the Berard families in BC and the gang from his old baseball team who have been getting together for many years. Ed will be missed by our dog Penny who loved a game of ball with him and their cuddles in the morning.

Ed was a complicated and practical man who was passionate about many things. He was a boy scout and believed in being prepared, being efficient and trying your best. He encouraged others to do the same.  He enjoyed volunteering with the East York Baseball Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping particularly with his son and grandson. He also enjoyed reading, driving, snowmobiling, cooking a sausage over a fire in the bush, motorcycling, horses, being a union steward, playing euchre, bird watching and barbequing. He had a great memory for details and was a great debater and story teller. He was known to embellish a story from time to time for the entertainment of his audience.

He was a man of principles and felt strongly about paying with cash and shopping locally.  He was always quick to help others. He had a strong sense of justice and expected people to act fairly. He spoke often of corporate greed, the need to help those who are struggling, the unnecessary use of chemicals and climate change. Ed followed the US news regularly and had become quite an expert on US politics. He was not a fan of technology and never quite figured out his new Bluetooth speaker or cell phone although he would talk for hours to a special few.

Ed was a charitable man and regularly supported the less fortunate particularly at Christmas.  Ed enjoyed paying for meals at restaurants for strangers.

Many thanks to Dr Jeff Rothenstein and all the excellent care providers at RS McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre who have taken care of Ed over the last 8 years, as well as Ed’s local care providers including his nurse practitioner Maureen Stone and the palliative care team in Lindsay. A special thanks to Dr McMillan for helping Ed die with the dignity he deserved. Many thanks for all the loving support and kindness that has been provided by family and friends at this time.

A celebration of life will be held this summer. If you would like to honour Ed’s memory, please consider paying for someone’s coffee or meal next time you are out. Donations to the Durham Regional Cancer Centre or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by Ed’s family.