William Edgar Deering

Ed Deering grew up in Bishop’s Falls, Newfoundland, the second youngest of 7 children born to Stephen and Ethel Deering. In 1944, he left his hometown to enter the Salvation Army Training College in St. John’s. Soon after graduation he departed for the “mission field”, going to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where his fiancé Myrtle Pitcher later joined him. On February 8, 1947 they were married at the Usher Institute under the shade of an Acacia Tree. They ministered at several appointments in Zimbabwe before returning to Canada in 1949.

After many years of service as Salvation Army Officers throughout Canada and Bermuda, Ed took a position in Social Services with the Government of Alberta where he worked until his retirement in 1988. In retirement, Ed and Myrt settled in BC’s Lower Mainland, where they were very involved with the Salvation Army Cariboo Hill Temple. After Myrt’s passing in 2007, Ed continued playing in the band until well into his nineties. Ed’s warmth and welcoming handshake was much appreciated and he was loved by many at the church. Ed also enjoyed golfing , watching sports (always a Blue Jays and Maple Leafs fan despite living on the West Coast) and together with Myrt loved travelling, watching Jeopardy, a good game of Scrabble, and spending time with family and close friends.

Gregarious in nature, Ed is fondly remembered by his many friends, neighbours, and church community. He is survived by his children Lloyd (Janice), Dennis, and Anne; grandchildren Gregg, Michael (Kayley), Debra (Jeff), and Graeme; great grandchildren Cameron, Noah, and Charlee; his sister Grace (Gerald), sister-in-law Jane and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bevan Village for the outstanding care they provided to Dad in his last years, and his lifelong friends at Cariboo Hill Temple for their support and prayers.

Ed and Myrt never lost their love for Zimbabwe. Donations can be made in his memory, to The Silokwethemba project, which provides support for the education of children in rural Zimbabwe.

Donations can be sent to:

The Silokwethemba Project in Remembrance of Ed Deering, Cariboo Hill Salvation Army

7195 Cariboo Road

Burnaby, BC, Canada,

V3N 4A6

Please make cheques payable to The Salvation Army.