It is with great sadness that the family of Ed Dutka announces his passing on Monday, Jan. 30, 2017 in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Ed was born June 26, 1933 in Fort Frances, Ont. to Led and Mary Dutka. He was the youngest of three children.
He was united in marriage to Mary Anne Delaurier on Nov. 18, 1955 and together they had two boys, Dale and Alan.
Ed was heartbroken when Mary Anne passed away in 2011 after 56 years of marriage.
They lived in Fort Frances until moving to Thunder Bay in 1981. Ed worked for the Ministry of Correctional Services for more than 30 years, starting at the Fort Frances Jail and then retiring in 1988 from the Thunder Bay Jail as superintendent.
Shortly after his retirement, Ed and Mary Anne moved to Atikokan, Ont. and in 1990, he started Dutka Signs, working alongside Mary Anne and Alan. Dad was very artistic and loved to draw and paint.
Dad was a kind and considerate man. He had the “gift of gab,” and loved to tell jokes and make everyone laugh. He had a joke for every occasion.
He also loved to play darts and cribbage, and enjoyed a great cup of lemon tea and a superb Rum and Coke.
Ed was a long-standing member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge in Fort Frances.
He also served in the Canadian Armed Forces during the Korean War. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Atikokan branch).
Ed was predeceased by his wife, Mary Anne on Dec. 18, 2011; parents, Led and Mary Dutka; sister, Betty Main; and brother Bill Dutka.
He also was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Bill Zdep and Romeo Delaurier.
He leaves behind his sons, Dale (Donna) of Thunder Bay, Ont. and Alan of Atikokan, Ont.; granddaughter, Abbygail of Thunder Bay; and sisters-in-law, Gayle Dutka of Atikokan, Ont. and Diane Zdep of Airdrie, Alta.; and brothers-in-law, James (Sylvia) Delaurier of Prince George B.C. and Andy Main of Maple Ridge, B.C.
He also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will take place at Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances this summer.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 103-979 Alloy Dr., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7B 5Z8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com