On August 29, 2020, Edwin Grobler passed away in Vernon, British Columbia surrounded by love and family. Survived by daughter Wendy Bell, son-in-law Jeremy Bell, son Paul Grobler, granddaughters Athena and Samantha, and family members in South Africa, England and U.S.A. Pre-deceased by parents, Phillippus Rudolph Grobler and Olive Francis Kennett, daughter-in-law, Elanie Grobler, and wife Joanne Grobler.
Edwin Grobler lived an incredible life. Born on January 31, 1929 in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa, Edwin lived in S.A. and England before immigrating to Canada in 1980. Edwin married the love of his life, Joanne Currie-Wood, on September 12, 1953 in St. George’s Cathedral, Cape Town. Edwin and Joanne are forever loving parents to Paul and Wendy.
Edwin enjoyed a long and successful Engineering career in South Africa, England and Canada, specializing in Telecommunications, Industrial Automation and Data Systems Engineering.
An all-around sportsman, Edwin played rugby, cricket, tennis, golf, and as a keen yachtsman, embraced sailing the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. In later years, Ed was an active lawn bowler and held office in Bowls B.C., Vancouver & District Bowls Association and the South Burnaby and New Westminster Lawn Bowling Clubs. Edwin also served the Lions Club (Cape Town and Champlain Heights) and was an active member of the Anglican Churches of St. John the Divine (Burnaby) and St. Mary the Virgin (Sapperton).
Edwin and Joanne moved to Vernon, B.C. in 2013 to live out their twilight years in a smaller town. Together they faced life’s challenges with strength, humour, love and loyalty. In 2019, Edwin celebrated his 90th birthday and was recognized as the longest standing member of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE). Edwin’s remaining years, following Joanne’s passing, were spent at Hearthstone Manor. There, each and every day, as Edwin did throughout his life, he brought smiles to those around him. Constantly brave, loving, funny, hard-working, generous and heroic. Always loved, forever remembered, and greatly missed.
He sailed the Great Race.
He finished the Course.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Edwin Frederick Grobler August 29th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Vernon, Province: Colombie britanique