It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather, on November 20th at the age of 79 at the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital.

Ed leaves behind his loving wife Nancy of 54 years, his sons, Mark (Tara), Jason (Marnie), grandchildren, Taylor, Jayden, Carson and Lily.  He is also survived by sister Valerie Johnson, sister-in-law, Mary Gzegotski, and brother-law Mike Olyarnick along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Ed was predeceased by his parents Herman and Fresine Ratz, parents-in-law Nick and Teenie Olyarnick, plus numerous family members.

Ed was born and raised on the farm west of Fraserwood, Manitoba.  After completing highschool, Ed ventured to the big city looking for a job.

Ed was a devoted and loving father who instilled positive qualities and morals in his children.  He truly enjoyed his grandchildren and cherished any time he had with them.  He especially enjoyed going to the city to watch the girls (Taylor and Jayden) play their ringette and soccer games also going fishing with them when in Red Lake. He was later blessed with the "two little ones" as he called them (Carson and Lily) and always waited for them to come and visit.

In 1981 Ed moved the family to Balmertown to do contract work at Dickenson Gold Mines for Dominion Bridge as an Ironworker – Welder for a 3-year period.  Later he was offered a job with the mine as a Maintenance Supervisor he accepted this job and worked for 13 years at Goldcorp Mine   in various supervisory positions. Also did contract work at Placer Dome for a few years. In 1999 he started his own successful welding business which he ran for 23 years retiring in 2022. In 1989 he built his "lake house" at the Chukuni subdivision with the help of his sons.

He enjoyed watching the many hockey games in town and was a goal judge for the Red Lake Miners and previous hockey teams for 30+ years.

Ed was a very active member of Christ Lutheran Church, Red Lake, serving as Trustee, Elder, Treasurer and Chairperson for over 35 years.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Dr. W. Aniol, nurses and staff at the Red Lake hospital for their kind and compassionate care during his stay there.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, November 24th at 11:00 a.m at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Red Lake, with Pastor Michael Montague officiating.

Interment to follow the service at the Woodland Cemetery, Balmertown.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 415 Red Lake, Ontario, or the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour  Hospital Auxiliary through the Red Lake Chapel, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.

Luncheon will follow the interment at the church downstairs all are welcome.

Our appreciation to our pallbearers.