Michael Edwards

Obituary of Michael William Edwards

June 12, 1943 - Melville, Saskatchewan
September 21, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with enormous sadness that we announce the passing of Michael W. Edwards on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at the age of 78 years old. 

Michael was born in Melville, SK, on June 12, 1943. He was the only child of William L. Edwards and Ruby J. Edwards Nicholls. Michael went to high school in Edmonton, AB, and later earned his Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering at University of Alberta, and his Master of Arts in Petroleum Economics at University of Calgary. 

He worked for many years in the oil and gas industry in Canada, and many countries overseas including the Middle East, Russia, and North Africa. 

He finally found peace after a very difficult time. He loved all animals big and small. On his acreage he enjoyed his deer, moose, birds, squirrels, porcupines, foxes, coyotes, and the occasional skunk. They all knew where to get a handout. Nobody went hungry, especially in the winter – they were “his” critters. He cared for at least 24 stray cats in his life. He took them in and gave them a home until all died of old age. He even brought street cats from Tunisia home by plane via Frankfurt: a mother, Tina, and her kitten Tiny; Frank, a blind one; and Boy Boy with only half a tail: This one was found in a box in front of his house in 40 degree weather with his eyes still closed. He survived and became Michael’s favourite. He fed him with an eye-dropper. The four immigrated to Canada for a better life. It showed the soft side of him. 

Michael was a very special, kind, and humble man. He never bragged about his achievements, but when push came to shove, he stood up for the community of Bearspaw. He made sure that the people had a future and were granted fresh air to breathe.

Michael loved to build things. He was good at picnic benches. He invited his brother-in-law Evert from the Netherlands to come and help him build a huge retaining wall. He took a course in cabin building, and built on his own property up north in the middle of bear country with just a radial arm saw and a generator. What a guy… 

Oh he loved his Kubota Tractor. He sat on it like a little boy with a new toy. It sure came in handy picking up all of those logs on his acreage. 

We will all miss him so very much. 

Michael leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Adri, cousins all over Canada, and so many dear friends and caring neighbours and in-laws in the Netherlands.

You are no longer who you were
But always present where we are
Sadly missed, lovingly remembered.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Michael will be laid to rest in Pheasant Forks, SK. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 Telephone: (403) 255-6108, www.kidney.ca, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca, Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca, or to Cochrane Humane Society, 62 Griffin Industrial Pointe, Cochrane, AB, T4C 0A3, Telephone: (403) 932-2072, www.cochranehumane.ca.  

We thank all of the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for him, especially the ones in Bow Crest Long Term Care. 

In living memory of Michael W. Edwards, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area. 



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