Edward James Laurin, 59, passed away suddenly of a heart attack on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Edward was born in Penetanguishene, Ontario to Gildore Laurin and the late Dawn (Jennett) Laurin. He is survived by his brother, Allen Laurin (Deborah McKeowan). He is also survived by his wife, Fiona Yeudall, who he married in 2005, and his daughter Molly who made their family complete in 2007.

Throughout his childhood, Ed lived in Penetanguishene, Midland, Elmvale, Clinton and Kitchener, until he settled in the Toronto area to attend Seneca College. He pursued his love of art by studying Graphic Design, graduating in 1983. He had a long and successful career working at various Toronto and area based design, marketing and IT firms and studios. He was an artist in his own right and participated in several art shows, and particularly enjoyed competing in the annual CAPIC double vision contest. Recently he worked as a freelancer, primarily so he could devote more time to his most treasured role, that of husband and father.

Molly was the apple of Ed’s eye. He was an amazing father who loved attending dance recitals and was always willing to turn to YouTube to learn how to give Molly any hairstyle she would ask for. Before the pandemic, they would go on shopping excursions where if the store displays didn’t quite meet their approval, they would happily move things around. Lots of family travels, particularly the famous Jennett reunions, will soften the blow for his family and friends knowing he lived his life to the full.

Ed loved nothing more than a house full of people. Whether friends, family, or neighbours, there was always one more story he had to tell to keep his guests from going home. Ed’s outlet for his considerable creative skills included cooking, hats, home decor and deck building. He was famous for his annual hand painted Christmas cards. A farm boy at heart, gardening was an ongoing passion.

Ed was a true fighter when it came to living with Crohn’s disease. Not that he let on to people around him the toll of not being able to eat whatever he wanted, dealing with side effects from medications and the pain and fatigue resulting from his body fighting itself. An eternal optimist, he was happiest when he was helping others..

Ed had the unique ability to fill any room with his presence, voice, and ear-to-ear smile. He gave the best hugs. As the true giving person Ed was, his final gift was the gift of sight to two strangers. The family asks in lieu of flowers you consider contributing to the fight against Crohn’s disease in any way you are able.

A funeral service for Ed will be held on Sunday, May 30 at 1:00 pm. Pandemic restrictions mean the in person gathering is limited to a small number of people. The service will be live streamed and archived for later viewing. Details will be shared Sunday morning. A larger celebration of life will be held at a later date when COVID-19 restrictions allow us to gather in the manner Edward would have wanted. Details to follow.

He will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Link for funeral service Sunday May 30, 2021
https://youtu.be/LBZPdk4mNnE