Ed was born and raised in Hamilton where he attended Strathcona Elementary School, Westdale Secondary School and Mohawk College.  As a young man he was a Drummer and Bugler in the Army Cadet Band. He received two diplomas in the Ontario Management Development Program;

Ed is married to Frances and they have two children & 6 grandchildren.

 

Ed’s first career for seventeen years was at Stelco, primarily as an overhead crane operator and heavy equipment operator.  Then to Beaver Lumber for ten years as a heavy transfer truck driver, a lumber manager followed by eight years as a distribution manager for five stores in three cities.  Ed incorporated Lilacside Investments Ltd as President and opened Sir Speedy Printing Ltd in Stoney Creek, he sold it and retired in 2005.

 

Ed has been a member of: the Stoney Creek Business Guild, Canada Safety Council Motorcycle as a trainer, The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and is a current member of the Chamber of Commerce, The Royal Canadian Legion Br. 163, Sackville Senior Centre and Hamilton Police Association.

 

Athletics has always been a significant part of Ed’s life.  He was a fastball pitcher and 1^st baseman, 5 pin bowler, played in the Stelco shinny hockey league, participated at the Westdale Barbell Club, Spittles Gym, YMCA, and the St. Mary’s Boxing Club.  For twenty years he played in the HWDSPA slow pitch league and still plays in the HOSSA league where he’s been for fifteen years.  Ed continues to be active in the Hamilton Police Association snooker league.

 

In 1992 Ed joined Rotary and is one of our charter members (1995). He has participated on the Board of Directors as: Sergeant at Arms, Chairman of Vocational Services, Chairman of Entertainment Book committee, President and Chairman of the Board 2011- 2012.  He is the recipient of two Paul Harris Fellowship awards. 

 

Ed is a world champion record holder at Stelco for most tons rolled in an eight hour shift. The champions beat the previous record holders at the USA Inland Steel Co and received celebrity recognition in the Spectator and awards that included plaques, rings and dinner at the Hamilton Club.  He has been a champion in 5 pin bowling and fastball leagues, three-time champion at slow pitch, and holds numerous 8 ball championships.

 

For enjoyment Ed reads, rides his motorcycle, shoots snooker, plays guitar, harmonica and recently retired as a slo-pitch league photographer. He loves to travel and has, so far, been to 28 countries. 

 

Favourite quote:  The man who makes no mistakes lacks boldness and the spirit of adventure. He makes no mistakes because he attempts nothing. He never tries anything new, and is therefore a brake on the wheels of progress.

 

In 1992 a number of community-minded business people met weekly for food, fun and fellowship.

 

Each represented a distinct business or professional classification.  The result is a broad spectrum of experience and idea. 

 

Being a Rotarian means being able to enrich the lives of others, while discovering a world of personal enrichment through service.