August 1, 1936 – June 20, 2016

Edward Andrew URBANIAK passed away peacefully on Monday June 20, 2016 at the age of 79, a few weeks short of his 80th birthday.  Ed is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years Irene; daughter Laurie (Blaine) of Rosthern; son Randy of Prince Albert; daughter Patty (Gord) of Regina; son Edward Jr (Claire) of Prince Albert, and seven grandchildren: Skylar (24), Quinn (20), Zayn (19), Declan (16), Kaz (14), Macy (13) and Logan(11).  In addition, Ed is survived by his four sisters Ann, Sophie, Jeannie and Bernice (Peter), and predeceased by his parents Andrew and Stella (Walska); brother Henry (Fern); sister Stella and brothers-in-law Frank Zdrill, Bill Skorpat and Ed Giszas.  Ed was born in 1936 in Henribourg, Saskatchewan, the third youngest of seven children.  He had a childhood typical of many in those times, leaving school early to help  out on the family farm and get a job in the city of Prince Albert.  Ed will be remembered for his strong work ethic, always being the first out of bed in the morning and famous for pulling all nighters at his farm to get things done before heading off to his day job in the morning.  Ed met the love of his life at a ballgame.  As the story goes, Ed came in from the outfield to find a girl sitting with his leather jacket across her legs warding off the mosquitoes.  While Irene eventually surrendered his jacket, she ended up stealing his heart.  After a brief courtship they were married in 1959, and settled down to raise a family (Laurie, Randy, Patty and Edward Jr).  As father and a grandfather, family always came first…  Ed was down to earth, who enjoyed the simple things in life.  His home was always open to family and friends 24 hours a day.  “Big Ed” had a big heart and an even bigger sense of humour, known far and wide for being a practical joker.   Ed had many friends.  In his later years, he could be seen most mornings at McDonalds having coffee with his regular morning coffee buddies.  His final weeks were spent with family by his side.  Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 – 28th Street West, Prince Albert, SK with Pastor Dennis Serfas officiating.  Interment will be held at a later date.  In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations can be made to a Charity of Donor’s Choice.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

 

• Date : 2016-06-20