Edward George de Wit
Dec. 1, 1953 to Nov. 20, 2014
It is with great sadness that Ed crossed over on 20 Nov 14 after a valiant battle with cancer.
Ed was born in Brampton, ON and as a toddler moved to New Westminster and then up to the Bulkley Valley. He had fond memories of running in the hills around Seymour Lake with his siblings and riding his bicycle. He was especially excited about watching colour TV at his Oma’s. As a young man, Ed loved his red Dodge Coronet and won awards for his artistic pursuits.
At age 19, Ed married his love, Virginia. Ed completed his education at BCIT and became a journeyman bricklayer. At the age of 20, Ed and Virginia built their log home together and raised three children, Lisa, David and Erica. Ed worked tirelessly in the construction industry to provide for his family. At this time, Ed accepted the Lord as his Saviour and this began a lifelong journey and a steadfast faith.
Following the work meant moving to Ontario where he honed his bricklaying skills and provided amazing opportunities for his family. Travel became an important aspect of family life visiting the Maritimes, Christmas in Florida, driving across the country four times with three kids in tow. Life long friendships were made in Ontario and in the Bulkley Valley; Ed held many of them dear to him. Ed and Virginia travelled to Israel, Jordan, Egypt and India with many of those dear friends. It was a dream trip for Ed to travel through the Promised Land. Ed has always loved history and learning for him never ceased.
Moving back to Smithers, Ed started deWit Masonry. It is without a doubt that people will ask if their home has an ‘Ed deWit” fireplace or chimney. His craftsmanship was superior and his artistic work stands out from others. Ed was a talented artist and tradesman but above all he was a devoted family man with a huge passion for his grandchildren.
In recent years, Ed enjoyed taking Virginia fishing and camping at many lakes in the Valley. As an aside, he was always hunting for “good” rocks during their excursions. Many road trips were taken to see the grandchildren: Hailey, Emma, Marika, Mackenzie and Xavier. He introduced the kids to the phenomenon of Star Wars and loved taking his grandson to the Royal BC Museum and IMAX.
Ed is survived by his loving wife, Virginia of 41 years, his daughter Lisa, his son David (Jana), daughter Erica (Marty) and five grandchildren.
Ed’s family would like to thank all of the staff and doctors at Vancouver General BMT Daycare Centre, the Smithers Hospital Cancer Clinic and Home Care Services. Wonderful care and compassion was shown to Ed and the family during his battle. Ed passed peacefully, with the dignity he deserved and family by his side.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ed’s name to the Smithers Community Cancer Care Team so that others can continue to receive the care Ed was compassionately afforded.