Obituary of Edward (Ted) Leslie GIRLING

November 2, 1923 – Calgary, Alberta
April 6, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

 Edward (Ted) Girling, beloved husband of Joan Girling of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020 at the age of 96 years.

Ted was born in Calgary, AB, on November 2, 1923. He married the love of his life Joan Girling, on May 25, 1946. He remained devoted to Joan throughout seventy-three years of marriage until her death in 2019.

Ted accomplished a great deal during his life, he was many things to many people, husband, father, grandfather, soldier, leader, humorist, poet, and craftsman. Next to his family his greatest source of pride was serving his country in time of war. This poem is dedicated to Ted:

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?'

             The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
 Can't always be a saint.

 I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears. 

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
 Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

Ted is survived by his two children, Bryen Girling and Marilyn Girling; and by his step-son Darrell Higgins. Ted was predeceased by his wife Joan Girling; and by his five brothers Tom, Ron, Len, Bert, and Jim Girling.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Edward’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Ted Girling, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th STREET SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.