Edward (“Ted”) Grennier passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at the age of 89, at his residence at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances, Ont.
Ted was born on Feb. 6, 1926 in Emo, Ont. to the late Ida and Ezra Grennier, and grew up in the Emo and Devlin area.
He was united in marriage to Darleen Patterson on Oct. 21, 1948.
At the age of 17, Ted joined the navy and served for two years as a seaman and firefighter off the coast of B.C. Upon discharge, he returned to the Devlin area and purchased his parents’ farm in Emo, which eventually became Ted and Dar’s family home until moving to Fort Frances in 1998.
Ted spent more than 30 years working for the Ministry of Transportation, starting out as a sign painter and ending his career as an inspector.
His retirement years with Dar were enjoyed with many travels around the world. Grandchildren also played a big role in Ted’s retirement. All the grandkids have many amusing stories to share of time spent with their “Papa.”
In 2006, Ted was challenged with a major life change after suffering kidney failure. Over the next nine years, he went to the dialysis unit three times a week up until the day before his passing for a total of 1,452 treatments.
The staff there soon became like family and they treated him with more TLC than anyone ever could expect or imagine. The drivers at North Air Taxi, who drove him to and from his appointments, also took extra time and care.
Ted was predeceased by his parents; wife, Darleen; son, Rick; and brothers, Jerry and Allan.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Lorrie (Mary), Brent (Lolly), Jeanette, and Deb (Norbert); daughter-in-law, Glenda; grandchildren, Todd (Tracy), Paul (Nicole), Bryan (Lindsay), Blair (Paula), Matt (Kelly), Melina, JP (Kaylee), Renee, Sarah, and Eric; and great-grandchildren, Kalin, Mayelle, Nolan, and Nico.
He also is survived by his brother, Buzz (Marie); sister, Joyce Lalond; sisters-in-law, Irene Grennier and Ferne Hyatt; and brother-in-law, John (Helen) Patterson.
A celebration of life was held Wednesdady, Oct. 7, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, with lunch following at the Emo Legion.
Family gathered for interment at the Emo Cemetery.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Dialysis Unit at La Verendryde Hospital c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
EDWARD (‘TED’) GRENNIER
