Born at home on the Elston homestead near Wingham, Ontario, on January 3, 1927, our cherished father, Edwin Arnold Elston, passed away peacefully, on Monday, February 17, 2020 at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, surrounded by the enduring love of his family. Beloved husband of the late Margaret (Cardiff) for 42 years, and the late Libby (Hudson) for 10 years. Dearly loved “Dad” of Paul (Kim), Gary, Nancy Young (Bruce), David (Joan), Jane Walker (Steven), and John. Proud and adored “Gramps” of 19 grandchildren and ever-so-proud “Great-Gramps” of 14 little ones and counting. Fondly remembered by the Hudson family: Lynn Ardiel (Lorne), Kevin (Linda), and Leigh McIntosh (Lyle), and their families. Dad treasured his companionship with Mary Sanborn and enjoyed family times with her children, Margaret, and John (Karen) and their family. Dear brother-in-law of Marie Stewart (Ed), Betty Cardiff, and Jean Prescott. Missed by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents William and Emily (Austen) Elston, daughter-in-law Donna Elston, brothers Bernard Thomas, Bill and Jim Elston, brothers-in-law Murray Cardiff and Cyril Prescott, sisters-in-law Mae Thomas, and Isabelle Elston, and nephews Larry Elston and Jason Prescott.
Dad was a proud Korean War Veteran, serving in the Royal Canadian Navy. He was a City of London Finance Department employee and the founder of Elston’s Hyde Park Hardware. He was a long-time member of Middlesex Masonic Lodge, and the Royal Canadian Legion. In his retirement, Dad happily volunteered in his local community and church, Bethel Presbyterian. Dad was a man full of many interests, had a quick wit and was full of puns. Humble to the core, he kept his awards in life quiet, preferring instead to focus on his life’s rewards, his beloved family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Friday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 PM. A Masonic Service will be held in the funeral home on Friday evening at 6:30 PM. The funeral service will be held at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre, 263 Main Street, Lucan on Saturday, February 22nd at 11 AM. Reverend Doug Miles officiating. Cremation to follow with private family interment Medway Cemetery.
Donations to Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family.
After 60 years on Highbury Avenue, RR 1 Arva, in the home he and Mom built, Dad moved to Seasons of Strathroy and enjoyed the many friendships made there. The family is very grateful to the incredibly kind and caring medical staff at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital. Dr. Mrkobrada of University Hospital also held a special place in Dad’s heart. Thank you.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Julie Nixon
So very sorry for your loss. His smile and laugh was infectious.
Sending peace, love and healing to all.
Ann Morley
Jane, Steve and boys
So sorry to hear of the loss of dad and grandpa.
Lots of memories to hold dear
Ann and Rob Morley
Craig Stainton
I am so sorry in so many ways regarding Ed’s passing. First and foremost I am sorry that my job had me in Thunder Bay during the visitation and funeral. I would rather have been there with the Elston family and able to share the sorrow of loss and yet the joy of a life well lived. Raised in that infamous line of 6 houses on Highbury Avenue where 20 kids seemed to share everything including parents this loss of Ed is significant, I am sorry that it truly feels like the end of an era. We were truly blessed to have grown up where we did, when we did and with whom we did.
If care and wit were currency; Ed spread billions of dollars in his life. Paul, Gary, Nancy, David, Jane and John your Dad has left this earth but has remained in many hearts.
– Craig Stainton
Brian Edgar
Janet and I have fond memories of Ed. He was a great guy who will be missed by all his family. Sorry we couldn’t attend the celebration of his life to offer our condolences and stories in person.
Diane Warwick
So very sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I remember visits with Aunt Jean and my cousins to Ed and Margaret’s and the laughter and quick wit that was always there. Hugs to you all ????
Chris Benoit
Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Chris and Alison Benoit
Neil G. McGavin
To all of Ed’s family, We send our sincere sympathy to everyone. All the pictures are a joy to watch – and to decide who is who in your family! Wonderful memories will sustain each of you in the times ahead.
Sending hugs, Neil and Marie McGavin, Brussels.
Liz
John – thinking of you today and so sorry for your loss.
Paul Revington
My deepest condolences to the Elston family on the passing of your Dad. I remember his quick wit and humour when visiting with Paul. He could always make you laugh.
Heather Bice
John, David, Joan, Nicole and Andrew
My sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad and Grandpa. He was a true gentleman and such a pleasure to talk to and listen to his interesting stories and a man with a heart of gold. Thinking of all of you and hope that your wonderful memories that are in your hearts will help you through this difficult time. He will be missed by many.
Know he will be always watching over you and his love with always be in your hearts.
Heather
Deb and Rob Andrews
The Elston family…
I remember Edwin from my banking days in Hyde Park when he ran the local hardware store…
He always had a story of some sort to tell when he came to do his banking, and he usually brought laughter to all when he was present.
A great man who who had a great life and leaves behind many wonderful memories and success stories that his family and extended family can be proud of.
May he rest in peace now with his loved ones.
Cherish your memories and stay strong, while surrounding yourselves with love from both family and friends.
The Andrews family
Alicia C.
Ed was always giggling and smiling. He always had a joke to crack and never failed to make me laugh. I am happy that I was lucky enough to meet him and will miss seeing him at Seasons. Thoughts are with his family. RIP Popeye.
– Olive
Edith Walker
Eddie was a high school friend of mine and my husband Jack’s. What a fun loving person! One day he and Jack decided to skip the next class, and jump out the ground floor window to go downtown to play games of pool! My condolences to you as I share my happy memory of Eddie.
Mabel Needham
Mabel Needham
Sincere condolences to all the Elston Family in the passing of your father. Ed has left many stories and memories for his children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors .He will be missed by all who knew him.
Don & MJ Coleman
Our condolences to you and your family John.
Sheila Prescott
We extend our condolences to all the Elston and Cardiff families. Ed will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing him over the years. He was a special gentleman with a real sense of humour. Now Ed is at peace and we all have our precious, treasured memories to share. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all .
xxoo from Sheila Prescott and family.
jonni-lyn vandeursen
Dear Jane and family
What a beautiful tribute to your father. You have many great memories and those will get you through this difficult time. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jonni-Lyn VanDeursen
Wallace McLay
Sorry to hear about Ed’s death. He has been a friend to us since the 1960’s when Prince Andrew school brought us together. I feel a great connection to the Elstons, the Hudsons and the Sanborns. Sadly, a family commitment prevents us from attending visitation and funeral.
Kindest Regards; Wallace and Rhonda McLay
Diane Dixon
My condolences on the loss of a wonderful gentleman. Ed was such a kind and gentle person. Always had a smile and showed a genuine interest in who he was talking too. A man true to heart.
Bev Dayman
John,
My condolences on the loss of your Dad.
I never knew him, but I loved when you would share stories of your Dads wit and humour with me when we met up at the retirement home.
Please know I am thinking of you and your entire family at this time
Hugs to you
Bev Dayman
Maria Vogels
Gary and family, My deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad, gramps, and great gramps. His humor will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Maria
John and Joan Morgan
Dear John and the Elston family,
A life well lived ! We wish to express our sincere condolences to you and your entire family.
May a lifetime of treasured memories sustain you in the years to come.
John and Joan Morgan
Dave and Joan Goddard
John and family
Sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Deepest Sympathy.
Edna Febrey
Jane , Steven and family sending my condolences to the entire Elston family. You will have many good memories to cherish. you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Edna
Dave & Susan Hart
John & kids & Elston family
So sorry to hear about your Dad/Gramps. Ed was a wonderful man. Oh and what a quick sense of humor! Lots of fond memories. Hold your memories close to your hearts.
Love,
Dave & Susan Hart & Family
Nancy Griffin
Paul and Family,
My deepest condolences as you enter this new chapter of your lives. Remember and share the good times and fond memories of family times together; no-one can ever take them away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in the coming days. Nancy Griffin, SVCA staff
Jo-Anne and Mark Harbinson
To Paul and Kim,
So sorry to hear about your loss, I know you were very close to your Dad, and that you will have many, many good memories to cherish.
Dan Brown
Dear Elston Clan,
For many years, he stood the watch, so that our countrymen and we could sleep soundly, in safety, knowing that a sailor would stand the watch.
Today we are here to say the watch stands relieved; relieved by those he has led, guided and trained.
Able Seaman Ed Elston, you are relieved, ‘Bravo Zulu’, we have the watch.
‘Fair Winds and Following Seas, Sailor’.
Lots of love, Dan, Robyn, Sammi and the entire Brown Clan
Henry and jack vanderloop
Very sorry to hear that your father passed away a very nice man never without a smile
Kendra Zurbrigg
Sending my heartfelt condolences to all the Elston Family. I will always remember Ed as a kind and quick-witted character. He had so much love for his family,,. But he leaves you with lots of wonderful memories and most of all Love. Thinking of you as you grieve for a well loved guy. Smile and laugh often as you think of his “Dad Jokes”
Warm Hugs
Kendra Zurbrigg ????
Bill and Marilyn Bannister
Our deepest condolences to your family on Ed’s passing
Jo Van Loon
Gary and the rest of the Elston family, please accept our most heartfelt condolences with the passing of your dear father.
Jo Van Loon and Cinth’s Vogels
Gerald and Erika Thomas
We send our condolences in the loss of your father. Erika and I have many great memories of Uncle Ed and his family. This wonderful man will be missed but rest assured he made so large a contribution in the lives of countless others (families, friends and everyone he connected with). He will never be forgotten. It was an honor to have shared a part of our lives with him. All our best wishes and prayers for all of you.
Dale Cook
Dave, Jane, and all of the Easton Family, my most sincere condolence on the passing of your farther,, although I’ve never known him, the apple never falls far from home, knowing you folks and your passion of life, that’s where it comes from.
Kim Bowman
Sending my condolences to the Elston family. I got to know Ed during my time at Seasons. He was a true gentleman with a great sense of humour. We enjoyed frequent conversations on every topic.
God Bless.
Marguerite Thomas
Ed was the half brother of uncle Bernard Thomas and I so remember him coming to family events for my late husband Charlie Thomas of Brussels. I know that Ed has a large family and that he had a long life, but it certainly is the end of that era. I have often thought of the story of his mother, Emily Catherine, and how she came here with Bernard and when her husband, Bernard’s dad died, that she was a single mom until she met the late Bill Elston. They went on to raise a wonderful, big family and I have crossed paths with several of you at events and through my work. My condolences and best wishes to the family. Sorry for your loss.
Diane Elston
He was a character with a wicked sense of humour that will be missed by so many. May wonderful memories of wonderful days bring you all comfort.
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Love and hugs,
Diane
J. Cardiff
I will always treasure the fond memories of working at the hardware store where Ed taught me so much; Saturday morning breakfasts at Ritchies drive-in; riding in the back of the Volkswagon bus in lawn chairs when setting up CNE signs, and many family events. He was one of a kind.
Love JB
LInda and Edward Fox
Dear John & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Dad.
Treasure your memories of him and hold them close to your heart where he wil always remain and
remember that LOVE never dies and he is now reunited with all of his loved ones who have gone on ahead..
Sincerely
Linda and Edwad
Ginny Simonds
A beautiful, funny, intelligent man with such a deep love and devotion to his family. My heart goes out to all of you as you mourn his passing and remember him fondly.
Hugs, Ginny
Andrea McLinchey
Sending my condolences to the Elston family. I was fortunate to meet Ed and his family at Seasons. Ed was always quick to give us feedback on our joke of the day at the front desk and I always enjoyed his wit and seeing his smile. He was a wonderful man and it was an honour to have known him. My thoughts are with you during this time.
Pam Brown
Dear Elstons ~ I’m so very sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. The Browns have fond memories with all of you and Ed will be truly missed by all. I’m truly blessed to be a part of the extended Elston family!
Love “FlowerPot”
Marion Taylor
Sending hugs, love and condolences to the Elston Family… Ed was the most wonderful man, truly an angel on earth… we all enjoyed his smile, wit, conversation kisses and hugs… a visit with Ed was always most delightful, the room was full of life when Ed was there….. he will be missed by all of us
Doreen, Bill Taylor and their family
Lindsey
Sending my deepest condolences for your loss. My thoughts and love are with your family xo
Keith and Helena Jones
Dave John and James and families… Sorry to hear of your Dad and Grandpas passing ….Keep the memories close ..
Shannon O’Shea Ross
Dear Aunt Jane and the entire Elston clan,
My sincere condolences on the passing of dear Gramps/ Ed. Us Walker grandkids have been so fortunate to have been raised beside all of you, feeling blended into the Elston family with many close ties. Grandpa Ed portrayed a unique love to all of us and will be cherished fondly. I will always remember his side squeezes and comical wit but most importantly, his kind heart and love for family- even us honorary ones!
May God hold you close in the days ahead.
With love and prayers,
Shannon and family xo