Erdman (Ed) Esau

  • Erdman (Ed) Esau
  • Date of Passing: May 23, 2020
  • Born in: 1941

Obituary

During the early morning hours of May 23, 2020, Erdman (Ed) Esau passed peacefully from his earthly life into his new home in eternal glory with Jesus. Born August 15, 1941, near Lowe Farm, MB, Dad was 78 years old.

Dad’s family moved from Lowe Farm to a farm southeast of Steinbach. Dad worked on the farm and quickly became friends with the neighbouring Unger boys. These friendships were very dear to him and continued until the day of Dad’s passing.

On April 6, 1962, Dad married the love of his life, Myrtle (Bartel) from Kleefeld. They began their lives together in Winnipeg where Dad got a job as an apprentice bricklayer. When Dad’s boss moved to Edmonton in 1965, Dad and Mom moved as well. While in Edmonton, Dad finished his bricklayer training and received his Journeyman’s License in 1970. Shortly after, they moved back to Manitoba eventually settling in the Kleefeld area. Dad continued masonry work and also kept bees with his brother-in-law, Lee Bartel.

Ed & Myrtle raised four children. Sherri (& Danny) Plett, Crystal Hunt, Heather (& Gerald) Toews, and Trevor (& Lynette) Esau. Dad was very proud of all his children and happy they all lived near by so he could stop by for coffee or to help by fixing something.

Ed & Myrtle have ten grandchildren – Lindsey, Jason, Jordan, Jasmyn, Amy, Shaun, Spencer, Ethan, Anicka, and Mason. They also have three great grandchildren – Ezekiel, Gavin, and Claire, plus one on the way. Dad loved each one with a special love and would brag about them every chance he got.

Dad was predeceased by his parents – Henry and Helena (Froese), two brothers – Johnny (in infancy), and William (Bill), one sister-in-law – Judy (Carriere) Esau, and three brothers-in-law – Steve Kennedy, Roger Sabourin and John Hodges. He is survived by four brothers (Henry & Betty, Ben & Rose, Walter & Mary-Jane, Ron & Caroline) and two sisters (Janice & Wally Sorokowski and Susie Sabourin) and 2 brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law, together with their families.

Dad lived his life with joy and kindness, and he loved to help everyone he could. Whenever a member of his family had a project, Dad would get in there like a dirty shirt. As time progressed, he would more and more often be witnessed sitting in a chair and supervising, offering advice and support.

Dad was well known for his tenor voice and many people remember him singing often and anywhere. Most of the people who worked with him testify to his constant singing on the job. He participated in community choirs, was a song leader in church, and sang in duets (most often with Mom), trios, and the occasional quartet. He loved to sing, especially songs about the faithfulness of Jesus.

Dad was an accomplished bricklayer and took pride in the work he did, especially if given the opportunity to be creative. He was recognized as a top tier brick mason and was often called upon when a job needed that special touch. For Dad, though, a job was not simply about getting the work done, but also about making sure it was done well. He loved to connect personally with his customers and continued to have lasting relationships long after the work was done.

Dad was skilled in many areas, being somewhat of a “jack of all trades”. He enjoyed learning and was never afraid to try something new. He lived by the motto of “if you don’t get it right the first time, then try again”. He was not too proud to admit something did not go as planned, and he would continue to work at it until it was right. After falling from a scaffold in 1998, Dad’s days were filled with numerous challenges from the resulting injuries. He was unable to continue masonry work and switched to repairing tools.

Dad was a jovial character. He was almost always smiling and often had a joke on hand. He was compassionate and gave lots of hugs. While Dad did not care for everything his children and grandchildren were doing, he was never condemning. His love was unconditional and never in doubt. His heart broke when his loved ones struggled, but his face shone with pride at all their successes.

Dad had many long-time friends with whom he regularly kept in touch. He could often be found in coffee shops surrounded by friends. He was not shy and enjoyed meeting new people. It seemed you could not go anywhere with Dad where he didn’t know someone.

The last few years were very difficult for Dad, but he still put on his joyful face and the loving kindness that characterized his life. He poured himself out to help others in any way he could, many times to his own detriment. He believed in demonstrating his faith in Jesus through the way he conducted every aspect of his life.

Dad will be missed by many, but he is celebrating in the presence of Jesus.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 29, 2020 at 2:00 pm. Because of restrictions due to Covid-19, the service will be for immediate family only. It will be live-streamed from the Steinbach EMC Church. For service bulletin or streaming information, please call the Steinbach EMC Church at 204-326-6572.