J. Edwin Warkentin
Edwin entered into the Joy of the Lord peacefully on April 4, 2017 in his 94th year. Survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Patricia, brother Peter, sister Doris, seven children; Louise (Bob), Eric (Lois), Judith (Alex), Peter (Judi), Andrew (Ying), Paul (Krista) and Edward (Berva), twenty-one grandchildren, and thirty-one great grandchildren. Born on a farm near Haskett, Manitoba in 1923, the fourth of seven children. Edwin is predeceased by his brother John who died in childhood, his wife of 39 years Marjorie, parents, grandsons Joseph and Trevor, and brothers Reg, Jack and Conn. Edwin met, fell in love with and married Marjorie Russell, while they both served in the RCAF during WWII. Together they raised their seven children. Edwin was a devoted husband and provided well for his family. Following the war, Edwin served 10 years with the RCAF, where he acquired his electronics technical skills, followed by a career as a communications electrician for Alberta Government Telephones. Edwin joined the faculty at the BC Institute of Technology in Burnaby in the late sixties, teaching microwave radio systems and developing a sound systems design technology program. While working full time, he earned his Master of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University, and was later appointed Associate Dean of the Electrical Engineering program at BCIT. Upon retirement, Edwin opened Canada's first picture framing school in Langley, BC and later traveled with Patricia to small centres throughout BC to teach his trade. Edwin generously volunteered his time to his communities in many ways, including to church service and leadership on a local and national level. Edwin traveled extensively. For many years he enjoyed his hobby as a ham radio operator. In later years, he turned his attention to writing, publishing several books on picture framing, and authoring several more sharing stories of his life and family history. Edwin cherished his family deeply and will be missed. His enduring Christian faith, good nature, wit, sense of humour, and genuine interest in others are an inspiration to those who knew him. Memorial Service on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 3:00 PM at Living Waters Church, 9095 Glover Road, Fort Langley, BC. On-line condolences may be left at www.myalternatives.ca.