It is with sweet sadness that we announce the passing of Ed Frantzke, who slipped away peacefully during an after-dinner snooze on the couch, mere days after his 98th birthday celebration. Happily, he has joined his beloved Marilyn (2022) and son Tom (2013), who pre-deceased him. He leaves his daughters Evelyn (Robert) and Bev (Bart), along with his grandsons, Lukas and Derek (sons of Tom and Mona), and Tom’s partner, Stefania as well as Marilyn’s children Robert (2021), Laura (Doug) and Gordon (Heather) as well as their children. Ed was known as Papa Ed to many that loved him, as well as Opa, Oncle Eddy, Daddio, Fast Eddy, and most recently, Mr. Ed to the caring staff at Parkland on the Glen.

Ed and his first wife, Irene (deceased 1971) immigrated from Germany in 1957, where they settled in Toronto. They had three children, whom Ed raised alone for a time. Ultimately, the family was joined by Marilyn, who became Ed’s devoted life partner and second mother to the kids. Over decades, Ed worked tirelessly at building a successful company, Syncoat Chemicals Limited, as his legacy for his family. The business supported two generations and was continued with success by Tom and Evelyn.

Although a man of science and a chemist to the core, Ed’s true love was nature. He dreamt of being a forest ranger, thanks to his days at the family’s summer home in Rogi, Poland. In Canada, he and Marilyn were happiest exploring their property in Hastings County, where they established a unique and charming weekend homestead when they were in their 50’s. They eventually retired in Stirling, where Marilyn thrived in the art community, and Ed puttered on the land. He knew it’s every inch and it sustained him, especially after Marilyn passed following six years in long term care. While she was ill, Ed was her devoted attendant, by her side from morning till night and garnering much affection from the staff at Silverthorn Care Community.

After Marilyn’s passing in 2022, Ed made the best of it in his retirement residence, driven by his fierce determination to stay mobile with a daily walking regime, stopping only to watch the birds at the feeder. Stubbornly independent yet fiercely loyal, he was grateful for the care of Parkland on the Glen and enjoyed hosting lunches for his visitors. In these later years, he was described as kind, gentle and calm, always showing an interest in others who were new to country, as he once had been. Accomplished in all things, he was known as being generous with sage advice. Papa Ed lived on his own terms. A hopeless romantic and sentimental, he always had a hand in his, enjoyed every sunset, and kept every card and lock of hair. When possible, he enjoyed visits to the family home in Stirling, accompanied by his steadfast caregiver, Katherine. He was long admired and adored by many and will be forever missed. In Ed’s own words, “It was a peaceful day. All is well.”

A private family service has been held. There will be a Celebration of Life in Ed’s honour at the Markland Wood Golf Club in the early summer.