Edwin’s Obituary
GIFFIN, Edwin Freeman “Ed”– 87, left for his Heavenly Home surrounded by family on Friday, September 23rd, 2022, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 24th, 1934, in Middleton, he was the sixth child and fifth son of Lester and Evangeline (Baker) Giffin. From a young age, Ed possessed an adventurous spirit and zest for life that followed him through his 87 years. He loved to reminisce about growing up in Victoria Vale where he honed his gift of gardening from his father and learned to fish from his mother. He was a self-described troublemaker (the good kind, of course) and had a mischievous twinkle in his eye from the day he entered this world until the moment he left it. This abundance of energy was channeled in a positive way through a love of running in his youth, where he earned the nickname “Egg Beater Ed,” after winning several sprint races. Perhaps the most significant moment in his young life was when he gave his heart to the Lord at the age of 15. His strong faith guided his life and sustained him during many trying times, including his final illness.
Following his graduation from Middleton Regional High School, Ed followed in the footsteps of his brothers and sister by attending Acadia University where he studied History and Economics, with the goal of answering the call to enter the ministry. It was also during his time at Acadia where he met the love of his life, Marlene, at a youth group function at West End Baptist Church. This marked the beginning of a long and beautiful love story, and they later married on June 28th, 1958. Throughout the early years of their marriage, Ed pastored several churches in the Annapolis Valley and Cape Breton. Though the ministry did not end up being his primary career, he continued as a lay Pastor for over 60 years, preaching at many different churches throughout the Atlantic provinces.
Ed had a long and successful career at Sears Canada, where he began as a Men’s Wear department manager, eventually working his way up to the Head of Human Resources for the Atlantic provinces, from which he retired in 1995. He had a strong business acumen, and his efficiency earned him the title of “Fast Eddie.” Ed’s career at Sears moved the Giffin family all around the Maritimes before finally settling in Shubenacadie, NS at “Maple Grove.” It was at Maple Grove where he realized his dream to produce maple syrup, grow a large garden and be at one with nature.
In his retirement, Ed continued to live fast and furiously, and was very active well into his 80s. He had a love of fishing, photography, gardening, golfing, cooking, making jams, jellies & chocolates, picking berries, eating lobster, jokes, Christmas, Easter Sunday, browsing the weekly sales flyers and then going to purchase what was “on special.” He had the gift of the gab, loved to share stories and brag about his children and grandchildren to anyone who was willing to listen. He never met a stranger and was a friend to all. He was an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan and rarely missed watching a game on TV with Marlene. He continued to serve on many committees including the Atlantic Baptist Foundation and Camp Pagweak. It was also in his retirement that Ed reconnected to his love of music, learning to play the banjo, and singing karaoke on his beloved Sing Snap which brought him many meaningful friendships with folks from all over the world. One of his proudest accomplishments in his retirement was summiting Gros Morne Mountain at the age of 75, which he reminisced and reflected on frequently.
Though he possessed many incredible accomplishments throughout his life, Ed’s proudest was the family that he built with Marlene. He loved nothing more than being a dad to his five children and Grampie to 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Being surrounded by his family was truly heaven on Earth for him.
Ed leaves behind a large and loving family, including his devoted wife of 64 years, Marlene (Ditmars); sons, Brian (Susan) and Barry (Kim); daughters, Kelli (Phil), Kim (Brian) White and Shawna (Jason) Dillman; grandchildren, Matthew, Jonathan (Gloria), Chelsey, Lucas (Ashley), Jacob and Rachel Giffin; Adam (Lauren) and Courtney (Andrew) Henderson; Jordan (Caitlin) Cameron; Hanna Smith; Bailey, Gavin and Regan Gilmour; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Ciara and Lochlan Giffin; brothers, Randolph, Ron (Pat), James (Jan) and Fred; sister-in-law, Diane Price; and brother-in-law, John Bick; several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by brothers, Wilfred and John Giffin; beloved sister, Audrey Bateman; brothers-in-law, Cecil Bateman and James Price; sisters-in-law, Thelma, Betty-Anne, Maxine and Margaret Anne Giffin, and Janice Bick.
The family wishes to thank all the members of Ed’s “Team Miracle” who cared for him so tenderly during his illness, especially Dr. Stephanie Butt; Dr. Carmen Giacomantonio; Dr. James Ddamba; Dr. Robyn MacFarlane; Dr. Lori Burgess; the entire team at the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre; the Palliative Care Team (including our angel, Janet Welton); and the VON whose visits he looked forward to each day.
Visitation will take place from 7-9 p.m., Friday evening in Aylesford Baptist Church, 2543 Highway 1, Aylesford, from where the service will take place at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 1. Pastor Patrick Gilbert and Rev. Clyde Lowe officiating, with interment in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton. For those unable to attend the service there will be a livestreaming of the service available at 1:55 p.m., Saturday, October 1, ADT by selecting the ‘livestream’ option at the top of the funeral home webpage. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Aylesford Baptist Church or Canadian Cancer Society – Nova Scotia Division. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, toll free 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Edwin Freeman Giffin 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Middleton, Province: Nova Scotia
With sincere condolences to the family on the passing of my dear friend Ed.
Sang with him many times on SS. He was such a kind caring individual and he will be missed by many. 🙏