Edwards gone
HodgePodge By Charlie Hodge
Yet another Kelowna media sports member has left the active game of life and taken his spot within the big blue bleachers. Terry Edwards died last month at age 73. He will be dearly missed by family, friends and former co-workers.
A talented photographer and editor Edwards’ choice of writing sports was almost automatic since he loved all venues of the sporting world. He was a die-hard Oilers fan, for which I harassed him on a regular basis – though he often had the last laugh.
While Edwards enjoyed team sports such as hockey and baseball his major pleasure was in observing or taking part in individual sports. He would debate any event: tennis, boxing, football, basketball and was not afraid to take my money in a hockey bet.
Terry loved to ski and could never get finished a job or event fast enough so he could hit the ski hills. The only passion he held closer was the chance to get on his motorcycle and ride.
There was a quiet, loner (in a comfortable way) side to Terry who liked his space and quiet – which is a big part of why I think Terry was drawn to his motorcycle escapes and to skiing.
Terry had a wonderful career spanning more than 20 years during the 1980’s and 1990’s at the Kelowna Daily Courier. Co-workers at the Courier such as icon Lorne White, Pat Bulmer, recall Terry with big smiles and respect.
“I always remember Terry as an unflappable friend and reliable colleague,” Lorne White said, adding, “Whether it was writing stories or laying out pages to deadline, debating political views or weighing in on the Oilers latest moves, he was calm, cool and collected. Through the course of his 15 years with cancer, including his final days in the hospital, he kept an even keel, projecting serenity and composure.”
I’m not surprised.
When Terry left the paper he freelanced for magazines. That allowed him to deal easier with his lymphoma cancer which he battled for the past 17 years. All the while being the glue that held his family together. He will be deeply missed by his entire family including his children and grandchildren. Terry (Terence) Neil Edwards was born in Edmonton, Alberta, before the family moved to Kelowna. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Sadly, Terry’s demise is yet another in a constant stream of friends of my age dying from one cause or another, cancer being a big trump card in many of them. My own emphysema continues to exact its nasty toll on me and I am facing other challenges as well – all of which has been a wake-up call. It’s another reminder about doing the right thing.
It’s immature and unfair to one’s partner if you do not plan ahead. We all acknowledge that death awaits us all, but when your alarm clock has been set it’s selfish not to hear the ticking.
Recognizing my timeline mine is diminishing I decided it was time to stop talking and start doing.
So I arranged and purchased a full funeral service through one of our local funeral homes. It took less than an hour, was pain free and professional, and I am totally satisfied with what we have arrainged.
Now that I have done that ‘uncomfortable’ task I feel much better. I feel relieved and stress free. Tez and I know for sure all the details of my funeral and even the finances. No questions later, no guessing.
I was very happy that I contacted a funeral home and made an appointment, and I recommend you do the same.
***
If you’re still feeling fresh and alive after pouring through my depressing column then perhaps you can treat yourself and your faithful family car to a clean-up.
Freedom’s Door is holding its annual car wash this Friday at the Lakeshore Super Wash, 3960 Lakeshore Road from 10 until 2. All funds raised go towards support and services at Freedom’s Door, a superb male recovery center in Kelowna.
This is a good cause by a great organization. I have been a close neighbour to the Freedom’s Door facility for more than 16 years and have nothing but praise for the organization – including workers and clients that I have met.
I’ve also hired many induvial clients for odd jobs over the years and rarely not happy with the job done.
I encourage you to get out and get your car washed. It will make you feel squeaky nice.
