Obituary for Edgar "Ed" Oliver Lake
Edgar Oliver Lake
Passed away on 31 March 2023 at age 84 in Ottawa, Canada. Ed was a true gentleman. He was educated, well mannered, sensitive to others and had an incredibly sharp mind as witnessed by his wit, command of the English language and lifelong passion for education.
Ed, known as Oliver in his youth, was born 11 August 1938 on the island of Anguilla, British West Indies. His family moved to St. Kitts where his brother, Reginald (Alice nee Townsend) and sister, Sylvia (the late Graham Kirkpatrick) were born. After the death of their father, Edgar Oliver Reginald Lake, the family returned to Anguilla, the homeland of his mother, Sarah Hanson nee Odlum.
Ed won a tuition scholarship and returned to St. Kitts for his secondary school education. At 19, he immigrated to Canada. The next year, he sponsored his brother, Reg and soon afterwards, the brothers brought their sister and mother to Canada.
Ed married Claire Anne Marie nee Theoret (deceased). Together, the family, Greg (Lucia nee Rossini), Chris (the late Pamela Westover), Brian, Peter (deceased 1989) and Terry (EunYoung nee Bae) lived in Toronto, Geraldton, Thunder Bay, Smiths Falls and finally Ottawa. The family expanded to include ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren
Ed believed that education was the answer, no matter the question and had a thirst for knowledge that lead him to acquire, a B. Arts (Hon); M. Arts; B. Ed; and M. Ed. A master teacher, principal, superintendent, he loved language and believed in the power of words. His passions included photography, motorcycles, flying (held a private pilot’s license), sweets of any kind, a good debate, music (an incredible self-taught knowledge of opera), crosswords, American politics, The Green Bay Packers and he was an avid non-fiction reader.
He met his second wife, Margaret Fritz in 1988. Together they continued to support education, travel and build a home on Anguilla the place of his birth.
In retirement, Ed enjoyed the Canadian seasons especially the colours of the fall, having morning coffee with friends to discuss the latest news and spent the Canadian winter months on his homeland enjoying the laid back vibes, warm tropical breezes, salt air, sea baths, trivia nights, late afternoon drives, Roti Fridays and conversation with friends and family the world over through email, texts and leisurely drinks over lunch, dinner, or snacks.
Ed will be laid to rest in Anguilla. He loved his adopted home and was always grateful to Canada but once an island boy, always an island boy.
At Ed’s request there will be no formal service nor remembrance celebration.
Passed away on 31 March 2023 at age 84 in Ottawa, Canada. Ed was a true gentleman. He was educated, well mannered, sensitive to others and had an incredibly sharp mind as witnessed by his wit, command of the English language and lifelong passion for education.
Ed, known as Oliver in his youth, was born 11 August 1938 on the island of Anguilla, British West Indies. His family moved to St. Kitts where his brother, Reginald (Alice nee Townsend) and sister, Sylvia (the late Graham Kirkpatrick) were born. After the death of their father, Edgar Oliver Reginald Lake, the family returned to Anguilla, the homeland of his mother, Sarah Hanson nee Odlum.
Ed won a tuition scholarship and returned to St. Kitts for his secondary school education. At 19, he immigrated to Canada. The next year, he sponsored his brother, Reg and soon afterwards, the brothers brought their sister and mother to Canada.
Ed married Claire Anne Marie nee Theoret (deceased). Together, the family, Greg (Lucia nee Rossini), Chris (the late Pamela Westover), Brian, Peter (deceased 1989) and Terry (EunYoung nee Bae) lived in Toronto, Geraldton, Thunder Bay, Smiths Falls and finally Ottawa. The family expanded to include ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren
Ed believed that education was the answer, no matter the question and had a thirst for knowledge that lead him to acquire, a B. Arts (Hon); M. Arts; B. Ed; and M. Ed. A master teacher, principal, superintendent, he loved language and believed in the power of words. His passions included photography, motorcycles, flying (held a private pilot’s license), sweets of any kind, a good debate, music (an incredible self-taught knowledge of opera), crosswords, American politics, The Green Bay Packers and he was an avid non-fiction reader.
He met his second wife, Margaret Fritz in 1988. Together they continued to support education, travel and build a home on Anguilla the place of his birth.
In retirement, Ed enjoyed the Canadian seasons especially the colours of the fall, having morning coffee with friends to discuss the latest news and spent the Canadian winter months on his homeland enjoying the laid back vibes, warm tropical breezes, salt air, sea baths, trivia nights, late afternoon drives, Roti Fridays and conversation with friends and family the world over through email, texts and leisurely drinks over lunch, dinner, or snacks.
Ed will be laid to rest in Anguilla. He loved his adopted home and was always grateful to Canada but once an island boy, always an island boy.
At Ed’s request there will be no formal service nor remembrance celebration.