Obituary of Edward Eliason

Edward Victor Leroy Eliason of Hay Lakes passed away on Monday, October 13, 2014 at the age of 78 years. Edward (Ed) was born on January 28, 1936 at Hay Lakes, Alberta to Sven and Karen Eliason. The family lived in the Bawlf area welcoming brother Ron and sister Grace. The children attended school in Rosalind. In the fall of 1944 they moved and settled at their new farm east of Hay Lakes. The children attended Swan Hill School and later Junior/Senior High School in Hay Lakes. Ed enjoyed playing baseball and hockey. After graduation Ed joined the TD Bank in Edmonton and later worked at several branches throughout the province. Ed never lost touch with the family farm, always coming home on weekends to help out with seeding, haying and harvesting. Ed later met his future wife Gertrude (Gertie) Wahl and they were married in 1965. Ed and Gertie began their life together on the family homestead east of Hay Lakes. Ed worked with his father on their mixed farm raising cattle, pigs and chickens. Although Ed and Gertie never had their own children, their lives were fulfilled with visits by cousins, nephews and nieces during holidays and summer months. Ed was a "good" neighbor always helping out everyone who needed it whether be to help finish off harvest or help out with doing chores while they were on holidays. They welcomed everyone to their home whether it meant setting out another plate for a meal because someone just stopped by or helping out strangers who lost their way one winter and needed some gas. Ed and Gertie both enjoyed curling, participating in bonspiels and cheering on the locals. Ed was never much one for going away on holidays because of the farm, but with support from neighbors and some coaxing by family, Ed and Gertie went to Sweden in 2002. It was one of Ed's greatest memories with Gertie and also traveling with his brother Ron and sister-in-law Liz. Ed loved the time he spent in Sweden and always wished that he could go back again. Upon his return home, Ed was dealt a blow as Gertie was diagnosed with cancer. Ed cut back on his farming to help Gertie with her illness. After several years Gertie lost her battle and Ed was left alone. Ed never wanted to move to town, the farm was always going to be his home. He rented out his land and remained on the farm enjoying the outdoors looking after the yard. He welcomed visitors anytime whether it be his local neighbours, friends, family or relatives from afar. We will always remember his smile and jovial laugh during the good times we shared with him. Ed is survived by his brother Ron (Liz) of Camrose; his nephews Dale Dahl (Brenda) and their son Kevin, Doug Dahl (Barb), Kim Walker (Tina), Guy Walker (Marie), Leif Wahl (Heather); niece Brenda Schmidt; and sister-in-law Marlene Wahl. Ed was predeceased by his loving wife Gertie; his parents; one brother Carl; and one sister Grace Dahl. A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 20, 2014 from Wilhelmina Lutheran Church, East Hay Lakes, with Rev. Ron Chetney officiating. Inurnment has taken place in Swan Hills Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Wilhelmina Lutheran Church.