EDWARD FITZGERALD

Edward Fitzgerald passed away Saturday, May 8, 2004 with his family at his side.
Ed was predeceased by his mother, Ellen; father, Edward; and brothers, Reginald and Wilfred.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rita (nee Eagan); children Ted (Anne-Marie) of Fort Frances, Ont., Tom (Carol) of Ajax, Ont., Terri (Leigh) Bartlett of Everett, Wash., Tim (Rosemary) of Windsor, Ont., and Trevor (Corrina) of Fort Frances, Ont.
Ed was a loving grandpa to 13 grandchildren, Brendan, Erin, Sarah, Mary, Ellen, and Caitlin of Fort Frances, Ont., Ashley, Matthew, and Ryan of Ajax, Ont., Samantha and Stephen of Everett, Wash., and Bradley and Kevin of Windsor, Ont.
Ed also is survived by his sisters, Kitty (Frank) Myrick of St. John’s, Nfld., and Alicia (Jack) Penney of Bridgewater, N.S.; brother, Ambrose (Cecile) of Toronto, Ont.; and sisters-in-law, Kathy of Tottenham, Ont. and Marianne of Oakville, Ont.
Ed was born in Coachman’s Cove, Nfld. on June 11, 1933. After completing his secondary school education in St. John’s, he attended St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ont. for three years.
In 1954, he took a position with the Massey and Renwick Insurance Company, which began a life-long career in the insurance industry.
Ed and Rita were united in marriage July 21, 1956 at St. James Church in Colgan, Ont.
Before settling in Fort Frances, Ed lived in Toronto and London, where he worked with the Continental Insurance Company. In 1977, Ed and his family moved to Fort Frances, where he became a partner at Gillons’ Insurance Brokers Limited.
Ed was well-respected by both his peers and the clients he served.
Ed took pleasure in fishing and boating on Rainy Lake, and especially enjoyed the company of his grandchildren on such outings.
Ed was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Rainy Lake Council #2766, and was Grand Knight from 1980-82. He also was an active member of St. Mary’s parish.
Ed was loved and will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.
A celebration of his life was held at St. Mary’s parish in Fort Frances on Wednesday, May 12, 2004. The celebrant was Fr. Ray Ronquillo.
Pallbearers were Bruce Armstrong, Duane Cridland, Malcolm Douglas, Vince Eagan, Dick Gustafson, and Gerry Hanson.
It was Ed’s wish that in memoriam donations be directed to Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., Dialysis Unit, at 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.