Edward B. Panke

Born in 1928, Ed was a teenager during the Second World War. Shortly after graduating high school, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, training to become a navigator. His first aircraft was a Lancaster bomber, in which practice runs were carried out over Lake Ontario, from Trenton air base.

He met his first wife, Joyce (Howell, deceased), while a young officer in Ottawa. Together they had three children – Greg, Kathy (deceased) and Perry.  They lived in a number of locations, including France, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Cold Lake (Alberta), Brighton (Ontario) and Manotick(Ontario).

Ed had a loving, close relationship with his siblings Barbara, Marilyn and Raymond (deceased). He became the man in the family at an early age when his father died in 1941. He loved sports , especially baseball, lacrosse and football and excelled at all three.

Ed was a skilled craftsman in his spare time. While in Cold Lake, he would spend weekends
searching the countryside (churches) for old or abandoned pump organs. These were fixed and refurbished in the basement of the family home. Most were eventually gifted to churches and friends. One made its way to Brighton, then on to Manotick.

He also built a cabin cruiser in Cold Lake. This boat made its way to Brighton, where it was taken for exhilarating rides on Lake Ontario. It eventually wound up in Manotick, where it was used on the Rideau Canal.

When his Air Force days were over, Ed needed further creative endeavours. He built beautiful cedar strip canoes. One is with the family still. He also became quite involved in the creation of artistic pieces via the medium of stained glass. Most of his work was gifted to family and friends.

Ed had a love of music, garnered from his mother Elizabeth. His sisters Barbara and Marilyn also are musical. He provided musical instruments and professional instruction to his children. Mini demonstrations of musical prowess were given at family gatherings. There was a considerable collection of LP’s on hand, many brought back from overseas trips. In this way the family was introduced to Parisian accordion, and Flamenco guitar, among other musical forms.

When Ed married Barbara Batley (deceased), they promised each other “10 good years”. Living in Oakville, they managed more than twice that. Ed enjoyed being part of Barbara’s large family social gatherings. He thoroughly enjoyed Fern Resort. Ed and Barb also travelled, including visits to Joyce’s family in England.

Equal to his love of music was his love of food, in particular German sausage, and apple pie.

His 90’th birthday was celebrated in style at the home of Greg and Debby in Orangeville. The festivities included an event judged by Ed, in which he sampled three desserts, provided by three family members. We think the apple pie won.

His was a life well lived and his gentle, kind and humorous manners were widely appreciated. He will be lovingly missed by the entire family including his Grandchildren Adam (Karen) and Kim (Reston), and Great Grandson Rowan.

Dad will be interred alongside wife Joyce and daughter Kathy in Brighton, Ontario. The date for interment has not been finalised.

Rest in peace Ed/Dad/Grandpa/Great Grandpa