ROTHWELL, EDWIN FRANCIS – b. Listowel, ON March 13, 1935, d. Stratford, ON April 17, 2018, age 83.
It is with deep sadness that our family announces the passing of Edwin Francis Rothwell at home, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Son of Edith and Peter Rothwell and Reg and Mildred McClory and very loving caregiver, Edna Kerr. Ed (Daddy, Grandpa, Eddie, Big Ed) is survived by devoted, strong and loving wife, Grace (nee Nichol) Rothwell, married in Atwood, ON September 12, 1959. Proud father of Cathy Bachner (Mike) (St. Marys), Paul (‘Rocky’) Rothwell (Yellowknife, NWT), Allan Rothwell (Nancy) (Listowel), Colleen Rothwell (Miles Tourigny) (Stratford) and Carol Rothwell (Michael Bender) (St. Marys). Cherished and deeply loved grandfather of Nicholas (Michelle Savage) & Michael Bachner (Elena Mitchell); Amber Rothwell (Jake McCann); Sarah, Mary, Ben (Leah Hackett) & Anne (Travis Stewart) Rothwell; Madeline & Meryl Tourigny; and Ezra, Abe and Charlie Bender. Also survived by sister Joyce Noel, and sisters-in-law Isabel (Harry) Kozicki, Marion (Roy) McKay, Bev Nichol, and many adoring nieces and nephews. Predeceased by Arnold (Vietta) Rothwell, Edna (Wally) Kerr, Russell (Mary) Rothwell, Jean (John) Burke, Vivian (Karl) Jacobs, Emile Noel, Bud Bedwell, Peter Noel, Marjorie Rothwell, Joan Mercer, Alex Nichol, Marilyn (Archie) Morris, Margaret Nichol and Bruce Morris.
For 35 years, Ed worked at the Stratford PUC as a respected line foreman and union steward, acting in the care of others to protect their wages and pensions. He was a long serving Knox Church elder, volunteer and faithful member; a card shark and a great friend. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Ed, including how to keep an eye out for the best grocery bargains; what buying in bulk truly means; how to cheer for the underdog (Go Leafs Go!); how to pack anything from cars to coolers like a pro; and 101 uses for electrical tape. Ed was an unwavering supporter for all of his grandkid’s activities, including hockey, track, soccer, baseball, rowing, Music Festival and choir; he always loved to be in the crowd. We will miss this gentle giant’s sense of humour, storytelling, homemade jam and soup. Most of all, we will miss his strength, loyalty, positivity and devotion.
Visitation will be at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford, on Saturday April 21 from 5-8 p.m. Additional visitation at 1 p.m. Sunday April 22 in the Sanctuary of Knox Presbyterian Church, 142 Ontario St., Stratford, with a funeral service at 2 p.m. and a time of food and fellowship in the Knox Banquet Hall immediately after the service. Private interment will take place at Elma Centre Cemetery at a future date.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the first responders, doctors, nurses and medical teams at both Stratford General and University Hospital; to the home care providers; and to family and friends for their ongoing support. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Knox Presbyterian Church Stratford or Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice through the funeral home. 519.271.7411  www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
