Obituary of Edward H. Wiens

Wiens, Edward H.

June 13, 1925 - May 4, 2020

Edward Henry Wiens was born in St. Jacobs, Ontario on June 13, 1925, the third of six children.  He grew up and went to public school in Hespeler, followed by high school in Preston.  In the middle of his grade 12 year he accepted an offer to work for the Dominion (now TD) Bank and left school in order to help support his family, the death of his father several years earlier having left them in poverty. 

At age 18 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served (in his own words, with typically self-deprecating humour, “without distinction”) on a mine sweeper for two years of World War II.  Upon his discharge at the end of the war he returned to his banking career, working in Hespeler, Geraldton, Windsor, Toronto, Brantford, Kitchener, and finally Waterloo, rising over the years to the position of branch manager.

In 1953 he met the love of his life, Irene Kramer, falling in love at first sight and remaining deeply in love for the rest of his days.  They were married on Sept. 4, 1954 in Kitchener and soon had three treasured children:  Christel (married to David Ford) in 1955, Donald (married to Loreta Sayam) in 1956, and Karen (married to James Demers) in 1958.  Later years brought two beloved grandchildren, Mark Demers (married to Kahlee Demers) and Michelle Demers (partner Thomas Gretzinger).    

In 1969 the Mennonite Brethren Church, the church community in which he had always been very active, founded a Senior’s Home in St. Catharines and invited Ed to head up the endeavor.  He regarded this as a calling from God, and became the administrator of Tabor Manor, serving for 21 years until his retirement in 1990.  Throughout the years he remained very involved with his community in many other ways, contributing much time and effort to church work, the board of Niagara (now Meridian) Credit Union and CBMC among others. 

He was known for his sharp mind, his equally sharp wit (he was never so sick that he could not find a way to joke around with everyone involved), his love of music (with a remarkable memory for many verses of a wide range of songs, particularly the popular music of his youth and hymns), a fine singing voice, and a kind and caring heart.

After a long battle with cancer he passed quite suddenly, with peace and little pain, into the presence of his Creator on May 4, 2020.  His family and friends will remember him always with sorrow at his passing and joy at having been a part of his life.  A private graveside service will be held on May 6, 2020, with a memorial celebration at a future date.

He is survived by brothers John and George (Ruth) and sisters-in-law Queenie and Isabel.  Predeceased by sister Elsie (Eric) and brothers Ernie and Jake.

The family would like to express special appreciation to the Tabor Manor family for the wonderful care they took of Ed in his final years.  Please direct donations in memory to either the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) or to Radiant Care Tabor Manor.