Edgar Ancil Malay Jr.

Edgar is survived by his loving wife and companion of over 71 Years, Joan (Munroe) and his loving sons: Bud (Edgar) and his wife Sharon and children Sarah and Paige; Adam and his wife Tonya and children Gabrielle, Rachel, Luke and Sophia.

We will all miss Gampie/Gampa’s wonderful times spent at the cottage which he helped build on Piggott Lake. The family BBQs with the many “annual” celebrations, and in particular fireworks on Canada Day. Pinoaks cottage will always be his cottage. In addition, we will miss the many family holidays at Siesta Key, Florida. The grandchildren would be most disappointed if they didn’t share beach and pool time with him.

Edgar had an interesting career. His B.Sc., B.Ed., and MA were all earned at St. Mary’s University with Joan quietly typing term papers in the background. Upon graduation there was the recruitment by the Canadian government for support in the advancement and development of the famous Avro Arrow. However, this was a short-term career for Flying Officer Malay as this project was terminated by the government, but not before he participated in a leg of the historic last flight on the last in-service Lancaster bomber. Edgar would earnestly declare he was still subject to the Official Secrets Act, but we really think he was joking about having to arrange an expedient demise if anyone got too inquisitive.

What’s next? Well, it was a return to Halifax where Edgar was to teach at QEH.

Again, adventure raised its head. The Federal Government under its CIDA program was looking for teachers to assist in developing countries. The first appointment was to Nigeria in Africa which was changed at the last moment to Trinidad in the West Indies.

It was exciting. Edgar was asked to develop a black history program at the Port of Spain Teacher Training College…this was a challenge, as he had always had a keen interest in Napoleonic history and the American civil war. However, after a lot of thought he quickly agreed and accepted the challenge.

He also managed to try his skills at cricket…not too successfully…better with golf back home at Ashburn and skiing at Martock. But he was much better snorkelling at Buccoo Reef on the many trips to Tobago.

His love of music and in particular steel pan was well known, and he hosted many gatherings where all enjoyed Calypso music, either a live band, or dad playing the latest from the Mighty Sparrow. Edgar’s idea of a good party was the number of shirts he would go through…three was the best!

Political strife in Trinidad lead to a change of careers, and he was called back to Halifax to join the staff at Halifax West, so off we went. He was then asked to assist in the development and planning of the new Fairview Junior High School where he was the first principal. Later he was principal at Clayton Park Junior High where he retired at a very early age due to a severe stroke.

Edgar enjoyed his role in teaching. He enjoyed the opportunity of working with people and assisting them in their own personal development. Over the years he developed strong personal friendships with many of his students, which have survived to this day.

Edgar had a keen interest in religious studies over the years and was quite fortunate in becoming very active in the Anglican Church, and particularly Old St. Paul’s in Halifax. He was on various committees and was Warden at a very crucial time in the development of programs which are still in effect. He later became a Lay Reader and enjoyed conducting services.

Joan and Edgar thoroughly enjoyed travelling over the years. At the “drop of the hat” they would take off for parts of South, Central and North America as well as various countries in Europe, plus odysseys in China and Russia. They still managed to keep their 20+ years in Siesta Key, Florida.

Besides Joan, Edgar’s other great asset was his sense of humour. Not one to tell a lot of jokes, he derived gales of laughter from his unique observances, canny ability for the most descriptive and incisive nick names, and his ability to tease – never putting down, but somehow always able to uplift his “target” ensuring that they were front and center.

Edgar’s family were long time residents of Halifax and have predeceased him, his father Edgar (Sr.), a Halifax Police Inspector and Magistrate, his mother Kathleen, a business entrepreneur, his brother Gary (wife Gail) and sister Nancy Anne (children Lisa and Heidi).

Edgar was an amazing and loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and uncle. His children and grandchildren were all set pieces to his life. To him they were the best, just as we consider him to have been one of the best. Always able to say I love you or at least “I know” when we pledged ours to him.

Edgar’s last years were as a resident of Arborstone Enhanced Care where the staff were incredible in their care. The strong family friendships that were established, Rose in particular, were just so appreciated. He had care givers and support “friends” from various parts of the world, even Trinidad (!), which added to Edgar’s enjoyment and participation.

Edgar’s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of his life will be held at Ashburn (Old Course), Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax, Sunday, January 28th from 2-4pm. Family flowers, only. There will be a family service at St. Paul’s Church, Grand Parade, Tuesday January 30th. Donations may be made in Edgar’s name to Prescott Group/Club Inclusion, 3430 Prescott St., Halifax B3K 4Y4