EDGE, Wilbert Ellis
December 28, 1948 – March 2, 2022
With heavy hearts, we announce that this wonderful dad, beloved grandpa and loving husband passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.
Ellis was born December 28, 1948 in Calgary to parents, Harry and Lila. He had 1 sister, Marlene.
Ellis grew up in the communities of Jumping Pound and Cochrane. He started school in the one-room Brushy Ridge School. Much to his chagrin, he was taught by several of his aunts. His stern aunts didn’t appreciate the antics of Ellis and his classmates. Some notable names from early school days were Alvin Kumlin, Roy Copithorne and Lynn Edge. These young friends became lifetime friends. Ann & Al, Roy & Judy and Lynn & Judy were some of Ellis & Pat’s closest friends for decades. Ellis’ story cannot be told without them.
Ellis attended high school in Cochrane and at Mount Royal in Calgary. He went into Agriculture at Olds College. He spent the rest of his life ranching in the foothills southwest of Cochrane, which is a pretty wonderful way to have spent a life.
In the summer of 1975 Ellis met Pat Trew, a very pretty lady from Lemsford SK. Three short months later they were engaged. They were married February 21, 1976. They had 3 daughters: Tracey, Stephanie and Shannon. Ellis and Pat were active in their communities. In his younger days, Ellis had loads of fun playing flag football with the Jumping Pound team in the Calgary Flag Football League. For years, he curled out of Cochrane. He and his teammates made several runs at provincial men’s playdowns. Ellis and Pat enjoyed dances at the hall, playing cards with neighbours, brandings, round-ups, 4H events, bull sales and rodeos.
Once Tracey and Steph each married and settled in Saskatchewan, Ellis and Pat bought land near them to help them establish their own ranches. It meant a lot to their kids that they trusted them to build up their own places. Ellis & Pat continued to trek to SK frequently to help with grandkids and ranch work. Family ranching has always been a labour of love. Along for the ride on many of Ellis’ travels was his loyal dog, Jazz. It was a rarity to see them apart.
In Ellis’ final years, he suffered the awful effects of dementia. Please, when you think of Ellis remember his wit, character and kind heart that defined his first 70 years.
Ellis is survived by:
Pat, his feisty and loving wife of 46 years.
His children and their families: Tracey (Bryan) Willlms, Kylie and Owen; Stephanie (Jason) Fradette, Heidi, Amy and Andie; Shannon (Kirk Goberdhan), Aakesh.
His sister, Marlene (Robert) Carr and their families: Kevin; Cody (Kari), Davin and Kaitlyn; Shawna (Tony) Doucette, Ashley and Addison.
His sisters-in-law and brother-in-law and their families: Connie (Ken) Kufta, Lindsay (George) and Riley (GaiAnne); Debbie (Bryce) Knudson; Kristy (Jason), Stephen (Danielle) and Danika (Ben); Ron (Lois) Trew; Tyler (Teneille), Davis, Julia and Reid; Devon (Tammy), Liem; and Brent (Carly), Ellis.
No funeral will be held. A Celebration of Ellis’ Life will be held on April 2 at the Jumping Pound Hall. Details to follow.
For those wishing to make a memorial tribute in Ellis’ memory, it can be directed to the Summer Synergy Youth Livestock Show. To make a donation, please contact: Summer Synergy in Memory of Ellis Edge tracy@oldsregionalexhibition.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Wilbert Ellis Edge March 2nd 2022..
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services
Death notice for the town of: Airdrie, Province: Alberta
Cousin Ellis was so generous to me in my teens when I would visit Harry and Lila during the summer from Vancouver. He’d saddle up a horse for this city cousin and introduced me to my first country dance at Jumping Pound – all without a mutter! Hall and I were welcomed in his hilltop home to catch up on ranching news ever since. A gentle giant of a man, Ellis remains “ the salt of the earth” to me and our sympathy goes out to everyone in the family.
Pat & Family,
Our sincerest condolences for your loss.
Ellis always had time to say, Hi, and give you a smile.