Obituary of Edward John Williamson

September 21, 1950 – Edinburgh, Scotland

October 27, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Edward John Williamson passed away at his home on October 27, 2023, at the age of 73, following a fifteen-month courageous fight with cancer; far exceeding the expected timeline of his prognosis. Although faced with this news, he never wavered in his quest to continually live life to its fullest and take each day as a blessing in which to spend more time with his family and friends.

Ed was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland. After his parents and sisters moved to Canada, he visited them in the summer of 1972. Shortly after, he decided to emigrate in November 1973. He met his loving wife, Rosanne, within three weeks of arriving, and they were married a year later. Although Ed loved Canada, he remained a Scot at heart, and would travel home every few years to get his “Scotland fix”.

In his youth, Ed began playing bass guitar, and at age 14, was playing in original and contemporary folk bands in Edinburgh. After moving to Calgary, he continued his musical career playing with several soft rock and country bands. His last group prior to retiring from the music scene in 2012 was Fraid Knot, an East Coast Celtic Rock band, most in tune with his Scottish roots.

When Ed wasn’t working as a network analyst for Telus or playing the Calgary pub scene on a back-to-back weekend gig, he filled his time with a variety of hobbies. He was passionate about cooking, attending many different cooking classes and trying new recipes. Often, Ed’s recipes would require a trip with his children to Chinatown to purchase authentic ingredients, followed by a visit to the park at the top of Centre Street, before heading home to prepare the feast.

Ed was an avid fan and viewer of Formula 1 racing and Premiere League football, especially in the later years of his life. Many a Sunday, Ed could be found watching his favourite teams and drivers from the warming comfort of his favorite living room chair. Ed loved his house and was immensely proud of the home that he and Rosanne had built throughout the years for themselves and their family.

Ed also loved to golf and didn’t really care about his score at the end of the round. For him, it was more about the atmosphere and company he was with that truly made the game enjoyable. He spent several years as a member of Highwood Golf and Country Club in High River, AB, where he took advantage of the junior program to teach his children how to play the game he had come to love so much. For Ed, there may not have been anything better than a round of golf with his family, followed by a visit to the pub afterwards for a pint.

It's always hard when someone moves on, and words can't express how much Ed will be missed. For those that knew him, he will be remembered as a man who was always truthful, loyal, and fair, and who was a fierce friend. He taught us many lessons throughout his life: respect and money are earned, never given; if you say you’re going to do something, do it; and that anything worth doing is worth doing right.

A hand-written note in Ed’s bedside table reads: “The business of life is the acquisition of memories, in the end that’s all there is”. While Ed’s time and company with us are at an end, the memories kept will live with us forever. We wish him nothing but the same joy and happiness he brought to so many of us.

Ed is survived by his wife of 48 years, Rosanne; their three children, Rebecca (James) Brewer, Fraser (Niamh), and Geoffrey (Meghan Cooney); their seven grandchildren, Peyton, Jax, Bennett, Caoimhe, Ciara, James, and Liam. Ed’s love for his family was immense, and he always shared how proud he was of his children and grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Maureen (Rick) Barnaby, and Jane Williamson; and his niece and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Catherine (John) Connor in 2021.

The family would also like to thank Dr. Sarah Kennedy, Dr. Matthew Sadler, and the palliative care team for their support and compassion during Ed’s illness.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Williamson’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ed’s family here.

In living memory of Edward Williamson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to View Edward Williamson's Memorial Card

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