Obituary of Edgar Norval Ellis

October 8, 1940 - Tyne Valley, Prince Edward Island

June 18, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Edgar “Ed” N. Ellis, beloved husband and best friend of Margo Ellis of Calgary, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Ed's journey through life was marked by a profound dedication to family, work, and community, leaving a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew him.

Born on October 8, 1940, to George W. Ellis and Hazel (Folland) Ellis on the Ellis Homestead in Tyne Valley, Prince Edward Island, Ed was raised alongside his beloved siblings, brother Burton and sister Muriel. His early years in the close-knit community instilled in him values of hard work, integrity, and kindness. On September 14, 1963, he married Margo, reflecting that "she is the best thing that ever happened to me and is for sure the love of my life and my very, very best friend."

Ed's career began at Traders Finance in Summerside, PEI, followed by a distinguished tenure with Montreal Trust, taking him to Charlottetown, Saint John, Montreal, St. John's, Kelowna, Vancouver, and Calgary. He later held senior positions with Canada Trust in Calgary, where he forged numerous business relationships and lasting friendships. An active member of the communities he lived in, Ed took on leadership and volunteer roles with the Rotary Club, United Way, and his local church.

A man of many interests, Ed enjoyed curling, golfing, and skating. He was especially fond of hockey, having grown up playing the sport on the frozen ponds of Tyne Valley and later as part of teams such as the Lot 16 Rangers and Tyne Valley Clover Farmers. He took great pleasure in family trips and gatherings, whether it was camping in the Okanagan Valley, visiting the Calgary Stampede, exploring the Rockies, or weekend family gatherings. He was an avid reader, student of history, commentator of politics, and a passionate family historian.

Ed had a special place in his heart for Prince Edward Island. Despite his life taking him west, he maintained close ties with his PEI roots. Ed was an anchor figure for the Ellis family reunions and served in various ceremonial and volunteer capacities for events such as the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival. He was on the Board of Directors for the original Tyne Valley ice rink and a supporter of the Rally for the Valley initiative to rebuild the community center.

Besides his loving wife Margo, Ed is survived by his daughter Shelley (Rob) Schultz; sons, Gord (Nancy), Brad, and Dan (Monika); and Papa's pride and joy, his granddaughters, Heather Schultz and Evangeline Ellis. He is also survived by his sister Muriel Grigg; sister-in-law Erma Ellis; along with numerous relatives and friends across Canada and the United States. He is fondly remembered by Margo's family, who warmly embraced him as their own.

Ed was predeceased by his parents; his brother Burton; and his brother-in-law Elwell.

Ed will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, service, and dedication will continue to inspire and guide us. His life was a testament to the values he held dear, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. James Anglican Church (6351 Ranchview Drive N.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Anglican Church in Calgary or Parkinson Canada.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Edgar's service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ed’s family here. 

In living memory of Ed Ellis, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Click Here to View Edgar's Memorial Service Live