Suddenly in the early morning hours of June 12th, 2020, in the arms of his son, Edward Alan Gaffray left this world.
Left to cherish his memories are; his wife Janice, his son Lee, daughters Megan (Jenna), Julie (Tyler) and Kaitlyn. His mother Andrea and his father Arthur. His brother and business partner Stephen, his sister-in-law Carrie, and their children Tyler, Dallas, Laci and Easton. His father-in-law Don and sister-in-law Alicia.
Also to remember him by are close relatives both in Canada and England, as well as numerous good friends from all around the world.
Edward was predeceased by his wife Roseanne and his infant sister Grace, paternal and maternal grandparents, uncles, and some very close, family-like friends.
With a passion for aviation since a young age, Ed received his pilots license as a teenager and aircraft engineering ticket shortly after. He was a mentor for many and leaves a large gap in the aviation community.
Edward’s life experiences reached well beyond his 51 years. He was full of adventure, always yearning to learn more, do more and be more. There was not a project too small, too large or too unrealistic for him.
Ed was active in the community, being a member of the Pine Falls Curling Club, the CDC, and Chamber of Commerce. Ed also loved following hockey, and as a Winnipeg Jets “critique”, he was not shy to give his opinions to his close friends.
If he was your friend, he was your friend for life. There truly was nothing he would not do for anyone. He always put everyone before himself. He worked hard, lived fully, and loved unconditionally.
All Edward would want for all of us, is to be true to yourself, enjoy and value what you have and always keep learning.
Please go in peace Edward. You taught us all the meaning of hard work, responsibility, and true commitment. Your job is now done here on earth, and you can peacefully rest. Many loved ones have gone before you, and will be welcoming you with open, loving arms.
To honor Edward’s wishes, no service will be held. But he always said “just throw a big party”. A hangar party to celebrate his life will be held at a later date, when we can all gather as one.
High Flight
By John Gillespie Magee
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air…
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew –
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
Offer Condolence for the family of Edward Alan Gaffray
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Curt Enns, Wings over Kississing
As a fellow Air Carrier in Manitoba, I would like to wish my condolences to the Gaffray family and take a minute to honour Ed. Ed was respected for his character, all of his hard work and expertise in Aviation. Manitoba has lost a stalwart aviation expert.
Ed Thibedeau
My condolences to the family.
sher meade
My sincere condolances to all who knew and loved Ed.
Joan
I was so very sad to hear of the passing of such a young and well-loved man. My condolences to the family that has been left behind – to mourn, to remember and to keep him well in their hearts.
bill & jeannine lavallee
Condolences to Janice and all Ed’s family and friends!! Sincerely!, Bill and Jeannine Lavallee.
shelley Foss (Melnyk)
To Edwards family, my deepest condolences, hope the memories, find you peace and serenity at this difficult time! I remember while we were going to school Edward was always so kind, thoughtful and always a great friend to the ones that new him! He will be missed in my heart as a wonderful friend! My condolences once again to all!
Corey
My sincere condolences to the family.
Jill
Such a Young Spirit to be Whisked away!! Trully Missed and Loved.. RIP Ed My Most Sincere Condolences to Ed’s whole Beautiful Family!!
Lori Vialoux
I am in a loss for words hearing this sad news. My deepest condolences to Janice, Lee & all his family. He was a great volunteer and community member.
Janice W
Condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss.
Lindy
Sincere condolences to Ed’s whole family and loved ones ❤️ May he Rest In Peace.
Rachel and Guy Bradet
To Andrea and Art and all the Gaffray family – our sincere condolences for the loss of your Dear Edward. We didn’t know Eddie a long time but we knew him as a great neighbour for the past while when we moved nearby.
Rachel and Guy
Your neighbours across the road
Mark Petursson
I was saddened with this news…. In the time I lived and curled in Pine Falls I got to know and really like Ed. I was also lucky enough to win the prize of a fly in fishing trip on one of Eds planes… he even flew us one of the times… Best fishing memories ever…
Thanks Ed!
Kim Friesen
I am so sorry for your loss, he was a great man and a very nice person. He worked so hard and was so reliable. I always knew if I had any problems I could call Ed. My heart goes out to Bluewater and the family. He will be missed
Kelly Murray
Gone too soon. Sorry for your loss.
Tessa Lemire
Im so sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace.
Marilyn Smith
Words can not express how sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family.
Brian and Marilyn Donnelly
James and Leitha
Janice, Lee and family
We want to send our sincere sympathy to you all. Ed was always a happy person with an infectious laugh. We hope you find comfort with your memories and the love and support of your family and many friends.
Love
James and Leitha
David Friesen
Thanks Ed for your noble character and ethics, hard working spirit, and a teacher of quality all around. I enjoyed every moment I got to work with you.
It sure came as a shock to here your passing half a world away. Will never forget you.
Helen Erickson
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Edward. My heart goes out to you in this your time of sorrow.
Joseph Barrault
My condolences to the family.
James Neill
Heartbroken to hear of Ed’s passing. I’ll miss him greatly. Very quickly he became a true friend. My greatest condolences to you all
Chris Atkin
So sad to hear! Ed was a great person and always good to deal with. Condolences to the Gaffery family
Kim Henrickson
Our sincere condolences to all of Ed’s family.
Kim & Dean Henrickson
Jennifer Nicholl
My deepest condolences to the Gaffray family; I am so very sorry for your loss. I know my brother Trevor will have a shot ready for you Ed! The Aviation Industry will forever miss your expertise and experience; thank you for being part of our family’s business and for being a great friend. To Ed.. ❤️
Stephan Gamache
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ed was definitely taken way to early. God must be flying a Ge/Walter up there and needed the best engineer, cause he himself can’t fix one without Ed!
Ed will be greatly missed.
He always made time and was a mentor to me
And went the extra mile to help someone.
Thoughts and prayers to the Family.
jim and carol baker
Condolences to the whole family and friends. RIP Edward
Bob Kovachik
I am truly saddened to hear of Ed’s passing. Ed had a great sense of humor catching me off guard on a number of occasions. He was a great hockey dad as Lee was the goalie for the Pineview Saints Hockey Team where our sons played together for many years. Rest in Peace Ed. Stay strong Lee And family your in our thoughts and prayers.
Jason Stillwaugh
To the entire Gaffray family I am saddened for your loss, and at a complete and utter loss for words. I considered Ed to be a good friend and will miss chatting and sharing stories and experiences. He will be missed greatly.
John Hallonquist
Our deepest condolences. Ed flew us in to Moose Lake on many occasions. His skills as a pilot and his calm demeanour always meant a worry free trip. I enjoyed spending time just chatting with Ed about everything and nothing. He will be missed by all.
Leann Jackson
My condolences to all of the family….
Willis Thys
So sad to hear !!!! Ed was a great man. He was one heck of an aviator!!!!! I feel very sorry for those he left behind. My deepest condolences to you all.
Vic and Norma
Our thoughts are with you in the loss of your dear Ed. He will be sadly missed by all. He was always there to volunteer, no job to big . Pine Falls curling club will miss him dearly. God Bless him.
Brent Robertson
Deepest condolences to family and friends. Such a terrible loss at such an early age. I always remember him being so good spirited.
Nancy Hester
Dear auntie Andrea and uncle Art, Lee, Janice, Stephan, Cari and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your son, father, husband and brother. I know your hearts are broken. Edward was taken so suddenly and before his time. He accomplished so much in the time he was given. Edward faced and overcame so many challenges. It is not fair that he is gone from you at such a young age. I have a lot of childhood memories of Edward and Stephan and will always remember the laughter. Thank-you Edward for being my date at my high school graduation. I appreciated that you were there for me. My thoughts are with you all and I wish I could be there to give you all a huge hug. Until we meet above the stars Edward I wish you a smooth landing in heaven. Lots of love always, Nancy, Len, Nathan and Riley Hester
Bruce Carlson
Condolences to the Gaffray family. Ed was a very good man and will be missed. I will remember the funny times, those were the best.
Kevin Cyr
My condolences to all the family. Seeing this obituary came as a surprise and made me realize we are getting older. Its seems like just yesterday Edward and I had to play Oh Canada and God Save the Queen for the Pine Falls school morning gathering. And all those recitals with Mrs Welsh!! Good travels old friend.
Kim Sharpe
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Ed. A tragic loss for Art, Andrea, Steve, and all of the Gaffray family. I have known Ed since his teenage years, while doing some part time work for Art and Uncle Don. His genuine love for all aspects of aviation was apparent, and his abilities to improvise and advance the development of ” bush” aviation, ensured the progress of his buisness. The torch was successfully passed from father Art to son Edward.
Whenever my trips back to my home town of Pine Falls occurred, I always enjoyed a visit back to the float base, for a coffee, and an update on the business.
Ed will be missed by all, but hopefully our memories of him, his smile, his laugh, and his wonderful nature will be with us for a long time.
Sincerely,
Kim Sharpe
Qualicum Beach
Geraldine and Lyle Beuckx
Our deepest sympathy to family and friends…Rest in Peace Ed.
Ken and Maureen ( nee Bruneau) Hlady
Our deepest condolences.
James Neill
Heartbroken to hear of Ed’s passing. I’ll miss him greatly. Very quickly he became a true friend. My greatest condolences to you all.
Taylor & Family
We will miss him for sure. RIP Edward
Roy and staff
Recon Air sends many condolences. He had many friends here at Recon and was a true mentor. He will be sadly missed in many ways.
John Stiver
I was deeply saddened to have learned of Ed’s passing . Ed was highly respected as an aviator but most of all as a very fine human being! He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace Edward!
John Stiver.
Diane
Our condolences to Janice, Lee, Steve, Carrie, Art, Andrea and all the family! Ed was a great guy and will be missed by many! Gone way too soon!!
Rest in Peace Ed!
Gord & Diane Curé
Susan and Glenn Dillabough
Condolences from Susan and Glenn Dillabough. Our prayers are with you
Joanne Legge
Auntie Andrea, Uncle Art, Stephen, Lee, Janice and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t believe he is gone. I can still see him as both a little kid and as a grown man. Boy the four of us would get into trouble as kids. Wooden spoon and soap come to mind, along with running. I cherish my childhood memories of the times our families spent together. I looked forward to those times.
I remember meeting him for the first time as a little kid before we went to the North.
I remember the time that Edward agreed to escort both Nancy and I for High School grad.
I can still see us playing football on the front yard. And Edward and Stephen trying teaching Nancy and I, how to play that game. What did hut one and 58 mean? You want us to do what?
Edward loved his model planes and his real life size planes. He was proud to show them to you.
Edward was a really nice man. I remember going fishing with him and just talking to him about life. He picked up my spirits and helped me move on with something. I remember the night the two of them took me out partying…omg what a night…or nights…those were fun times… Lee…I can still see your sock and rubber boots on the front lawn. You must have learned how too party from someone in your family.
Edward lived and enjoyed life. He got to do things, that others did not have the brains to do. He was a brilliant person. I can’t believe he is gone.
Lee, I can’t imagine what you are going through right now. Just know that your dad touched a lot of people’s lives and he will be missed. So sorry for your loss…if you need anything reach out.
Stephen… you and your brother were thick as thieves. God the two of you would get into so much trouble. All great memories…remember them.
Auntie Andrea and Uncle Art I’m so sorry. Know that you are both loved. And word cannot express what you must be going through. If you need something let me know. And I will try to assist you, even from a far.
Janice, it was too early for you to lose your other half and I’m so sorry for loss. So…so…sorry.
Memories hold them tight and celebrate his life. Edward you will be missed. Take care cousin.
Love Joey…
Monique & Frank Hawranik
We are sorry to hear about Ed. Our condolences to all the family.
We are thinking of you.
Take care.
Monique & Frank
C. Campbell
Dear Lee, Julie and Megan,
I am just writing to say that both Kenzie and I have you in our hearts.
Sending you fond and comforting wishes.
Sincerely,
Miss Campbell
Neil walsten
An Aviation legend gone to soon.
Ed is truly a remarkable man that is admired by all.
To work with him in the aircraft industry has been an honour and I will miss him greatly as a associate in aviation and as a friend.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Sincerely
Neil Walsten
Ed & Karen Papineau
So heartbroken to hear of Ed’s passing. Our deepest Sympathy to the Gaffray family. Our thoughts are with each & everyone of you at this difficult time. As a fellow Businessman I know the hard work Ed & his brother Steve & family dedicated to Aviation; their long hours & struggles along the way in Business & life. Ed found time to volunteer in our community, he will be truly missed. God takes another angel home. RIP Ed.
James Hnatishin
Ed was the kind of guy that when you met him for the first time, you feel you’ve known him forever.
Our sincere condolences to all the family.
May he have a peaceful journey.
From James & Michele & our families at Wallace Lake Lodge
Shirley Yule
My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to Andrea, Arthur, Lee and Stephen for the loss of their beloved son, father and brother.
Though the results of a very untimely and tragic loss, Edward’s obituary and related comments so beautifully reflect the human being he became and was. It is readily apparent Edward continued the legacy of his family – solid, long-time and supportive area residents; always willing and so-very-able to lend a helping hand. The absolute best kind of people! I and my family experienced the “Gaffray Generosity” so many times, I couldn’t begin to count nor express my appreciation. I met Edward and his brother, Stephen when they were very young boys – and so full of mischief, you couldn’t help but laugh at their antics. Even at that age, Edward was very personable, had a very inquiring mind and quickly displayed something akin to a mechanical genius. It is obvious these traits never left him, but exponentially grew into a profession he adored and a worldwide network of friends, both personal and professional. While his life was cut way too short, it is so evident that he lived it well, fully, and deeply and I am truly grateful for the opportunity of having known someone like Edward.
Blue Skies Forever, Edward!
With love and gratitude,
Shirley Yule
Ardelle Holden
Dear Art and Andrea,
I am so sorry to hear of Edward’s passing. I just have to flip through our family album and there he is on the float of the Beech or IFP. It’s been a long time since he was peeking over the edge of the counter at the office with those big brown eyes.
Please convey my deepest sympathy to his wife and children.
My sincerest condolences to you both, Andrea and Art,
Ardelle
Pam Yule
Everything Shirley said… We couldn’t have custom-ordered a better family for our across-the-highway neighbours. We were so very well looked after, shared many meals and good times together, were always made to feel at home at the Gaffray’s, and to this day, we still do! As boys, Edward and Stephen were inquisitive, lovable little imps with a nose for capers and great big, gentle hearts. I cherish my memories of playing ‘big sister’ to them both. Edward grew into a truly admirable man—brilliant and accomplished in his own right, but also full of that traditional Gaffray kindness and generosity. I send my love and sincere condolences to Lee, Janice and girls, Andrea, Art, Stephen, Carrie and family, and to all the family and myriad friends who knew and loved Ed. Soar high and far, ‘little bro’!
Gerald Goodfellow
A good friend and neighbour, he will be greatly missed. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family
Peter Slobodzian
Our sincerest condolences to Ed’s family. I will remember Ed for his willingness to always take the time to lend me an ear and to offer a straight out honest opinion.
Gordon & Eleanor Hughes
Our deepest Condolences to the Gaffray family.
We are truly gratefully and blessed to have had the pleasure of
meeting Ed many years ago.
A friend and colleague in the aviation industry.
Sincerely
Gordon & Eleanor
Kurt Rosentreter
Stephen and family, my condolences on the loss of Edward.
Knowing Edward in Pine Falls High School as a bright young witty kid a few years younger than me, he always had a smile on his face when I saw him in the hallways of school.
We knew flying and the family business was in his blood so his success is no surprise.
Edward, the messages here are a testament to the kind, wonderful person you continued to grow into. Your children should be proud. Gone way too soon my friend. Until we meet again.