Edwin passed away on the morning of September 17, 2020 at the age of 91 years from the sudden development of a serious and aggressive health issues.
Until August 15 of this year, Edwin was healthy and walking 10,000 steps a day!
Edwin is mourned by daughters and sons: Cynthia (Doug), Wayne (Beverly), Brian (Shirley), Eileen (Primo), Brad (Elizabeth) and David McLeod Johnston who joined the family in 1964. His grandchildren Gary (Tasha), Julie (Nick), Devin (Brenda), Janis (Mike), Nicole, Shawn (Desiree), Derek, Bryce (Maggie), Aaron (Jon) and eleven great-grandchildren will miss him dearly as he was special to each and everyone.
He will be missed greatly by his dear friend Grace Bleiler and many others.
Edwin was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2016, his parents Fred and Magdelena Boivin, brothers Victor and Joseph. He is survived by his sister Adell (Andy) Templeton as well as sisters-in-law Mary Biedka and Barbara Boivin.
Edwin was born August 15, 1929 in St Boniface, Manitoba. His family lived in various towns in Saskatchewan, including Mildred, Allan and North Battleford, before moving to New Westminster, BC, in 1949.
After moving to BC, Edwin then graduated from a 3-year Psychiatric Nursing Program in 1953.
Edwin married Mary Biedka on November 10, 1951. They started their family in the lower mainland before moving to Kamloops in 1961. Edwin worked at the Tranquille School in Kamloops until his retirement in 1985, coinciding with the permanent closure of the facility.
Edwin will be remembered for his active volunteerism and participation with many local groups and organizations. This included the Four-Wheel club, Good Sam RV club, Canada Summer games and Knights of Columbus. Edwin also loved to golf, and had a membership at Mt Paul golf course for many years.
Edwin was an active person with his love of fishing, hunting, camping, bicycling, tennis and travel. He loved spending time with his family at the Dominic Lake cabin and on holidays.
Edwin and Mary retired to The Shores Residence in Kamloops, a number of years ago, where he loved to help organize events for the residents, including horse racing, happy hour and bean bag baseball.
The family would like to thank all the staff at RIH and the Overlander palliative care ward (Trinity) for all the care given to Edwin in his final days.
Unfortunately, with Covid-19 we are limited to only inviting immediate family members to Edwin’s funeral. In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice.
5 Tributes
Hi Eileen and Primo. So sorry to hear about your dad, Eileen. It seems like just yesterday when Scott and I saw all of you celebrating your dad’s birthday last summer at Harpers Trail. He was having such a wonderful time travelling from winery to winery. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Pat and Scott
I also know that my mom and dad, Emma and John, would want to pass on their condolences as well.
I have many fond memories of your family. It doesn’t matter how old we are, it is never easy to lose a parent. Your dad will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Ken & Barb Zielke
Dear Boivins,
We are so sorry to learn of your great loss. He was such a good friend to us thru the last 57 years. We had so many good visits over the last few years especially, and were always delighted
to see him roll up in his scooter. He and Andre enjoyed a glass of Glen Fiddich or a glass of wine. We feel privileged to have known him.
To Ed’s family, Ed was a special man and a wonderful brother-in-law , Joe and I had great times with Ed and Mary and the memories are dear.it is a very untimely cross to bear as Ed was predeceased by his youngest brother, my husband , earlier this year.To Wayne and Shirley and the rest of Ed’s family , please know he was loved and his passing comes as a great shock and loss.I am so very sorry for the grief of losing a very special human being and we are all better people having loved him.My deepest condolences , much love Barb.
We are so sorry to hear of your great loss.
My Dad (Alex Merk) has many fond memories of Ed & Mary. As a matter of fact they were both in the hospital having babies at the same time on Aug 25, 1954
Our deepest condolences