In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Edward Joseph Deakins on February 18, 2023, at the age of 80.
He will be deeply missed and leaves behind his daughters Lee-Anne Salter (Steve), Lindsay Deakins (Ben), son Darrin, sister Donna Lloyd (pre-deceased by his wife Janet Deakins), grandson Cameron, granddaughters Kaitlyn (Jordan) and Alicia, great grandson Gracen, life long friend Bill Saint, and many other family members and friends in B.C and Newmarket, Ontario.
Ed was born in Toronto on April 27, 1942, weighing 4 pounds. He was so tiny; he got the nickname "Dinky" which followed him for the rest of his time in Ontario.
When Ed began high school, he started playing the guitar with friends and it quickly became clear he had a God given talent. Music became his lifelong passion.
Moving to Newmarket, Ontario at 18 he performed all over the area with his band. Anyone who played the guitar in the 60's and 70's in the area was most likely taught by Ed.
He met his beautiful wife Janet Nelson while looking for a singer and the rest is history. They had three beautiful children and in 1980, then took the leap moving to Qualicum, BC. Ed was very social and quickly made new friends, who came over for dinners and to play music.
He enjoyed jamming on the guitar while his tiny granddaughter danced and beat on the drums, and passed that passion for music on to her. Ed's other great love was the outdoors. He spent many years fishing and boating and taught his grandson all these skills.
He enjoyed fishing in the 30,000 islands of Georgian Bay. Pike and bass by day, catfish by night.
We can't forget his love of food.... pretty much any food. He loved to cook and feed anyone who came to visit at any time of day or night. He loved gathering family together for Christmas, birthdays, and family dinners. He was a true bargain hunter If he found chicken for $2.00 a pound, he had to spread the word.
It's a testament to his loyalty that he still maintained all his friendships from school days. After living in BC for over 40 years he still spoke regularly with his buddies from Ontario. Ed discovered FaceTime after losing his wife and it became his social connection.
He loved to talk....one old friend said "Ed has perfected the art of long conversation". He was funny, loving, loyal, talented, kind, and downright authentic. What you saw was what you got.
We would like to sincerely thank his long-time neighbours Bill and Cindy for always helping and watching out for Dad, Karen for her love, companionship and support, Randy who was a great friend who we could always count on, and the compassionate nurses at NRGH.
He will be missed but never forgotten.
Yates Memorial Services
250-248-5859
"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"
Yates Memorial Services