Edward Maurice Reynard
February 2, 1936 – August 23, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edward Maurice Reynard after a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer on the afternoon of August 23, 2023, with his family by his side.
Ed was born in Kenora, Ontario, on February 2, 1936. He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Anne, brother Brian, and sisters-in-law Thelma and Bev. Left to cherish his memory are Ed’s wife Joyce, daughters Nancy (Wes) Smith, with son Curtis (Loraine) and daughter Stephanie (John) Bryan, and Karen (Al) Sinclair, with sons Eric (Calisha), Stuart and James. Also left to cherish his memory are brothers Ray, Warren and Ken and sister Joanne Norlen and many nieces and nephews.
Ed had many jobs over his life. He started delivering newspapers when he was 7 years old. Then he worked at Sunrise Bakery delivering bread when he was 14 years old and did guiding on Lake of the Woods in the summers. In 1951 Ed left school after grade 9 to do a 5-year apprenticeship program with W.H. Marr to become a mechanic. After working for Marr, he briefly worked for Jack Edwards and then spent the rest of his career with the City of Kenora until 1992. Ed held several positions—mechanic, shop supervisor and supervisor at the Water and Sewage Treatment Plants.
Ed was a jack of all trades and a master of many—electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, woodcraft, automotive. He could do it all, and automotive issues never stumped him.
Ed met his wife Joyce at Christmas time in grade 9 in 1950. While Joyce was doing her nursing training in Thunder Bay from 1954-57, Ed was constantly travelling to visit her on weekends. They were engaged in 1956 and married on October 5, 1957. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage.
Ed and Joyce spent many winters in Florida from 1992 to April 2022, where Ed enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing cards in the evening with neighbours. But Ed’s favourite place was his camp on Lake of the Woods, where he spent every summer from 1965 to 2023. He was still driving his boat to camp two weeks before he passed. Ed worked tirelessly to make camp a sanctuary and a fun place for his kids and grandchildren.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for all the support and kindness received over the past many months during Ed’s health struggles. We are especially grateful to Dr. Jonny Grek, the chemo nurses at LWDH, and Pastor David Boyle.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on September 16, 2023, at Lakeside Baptist Church in Kenora. A private family interment will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeside Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Reynard family.
