Mr. Edward Richard Ecker

Ecker, Edward Richard. It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ed, aka Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Grumpy, Speedy, at St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre (SJLC), Brantford, in his 98th year, on June 28, 2021.

Husband of the late (2002) Norine Mitchell. Pre-deceased (2016) by daughter Teresa Smid (John) and son Mark Andrew (1963). Survived by daughter Margaret Mathewson (Mark, deceased 2020), sons Paul Ecker (Catherine), and John Ecker (Helen). Ed is survived by his brother Arnold of Humboldt and sister Irene of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He was pre-deceased by his sister Marion (1996).

Greatly missed by his many grandchildren: Amanda Shantz (Ryan), Melanie Harrison (Ryan), Mark Smid (Kathleen), Ken Paul, Rick Paul (Joy), Alicia Mathewson, Nicole Lavigne (Kevin), Jake Ecker, Chad Ecker, Victoria Ecker and all of the many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews he cherished.

Ed was particularly close to his wife Norine’s siblings in his adopted province of Ontario. He formed lifelong friendships with the ‘Mitchell clan,’ Dorothy, Gord, Peter, Al, Paul and their many wonderful children. In recent years he was especially grateful to Paul and Cathy Mitchell whose Ministry of the Rosary at SJLC was a great source of spiritual comfort.

Ed was blessed with a long and fruitful life. He was devoted to his family, his faith, many charitable causes and his long career in journalism.

He was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan on May 31, 1924 to John and Susan (Fleischacker) and grew up as a young ‘stubble-jumper’ on the family farm. In WWII he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and received his pre-crew training in Vancouver before a transfer to Chatham, New Brunswick, where he trained as a Navigator Bomber in Lancaster bombers. Ed received his wings in February, 1945, and was stationed on Prince Edward Island as the war in Europe came to a close. He was discharged after the surrender of Japan.

In late 1945, Ed moved to Ontario, using Brantford as a base to pursue a career as a print or radio journalist. He found his voice in print media, landing his first job as a proof-reader at the Brantford Expositor— for what he called “the princely sum of $18 per week.” He quickly moved on to be a copy editor, photographer, and reporter at the Expositor, covering major local stories—murders, robberies, politics and his fondly remembered coverage of the Brantford visit of Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh in 1951.

Newspaper work was demanding, often requiring 80 hour weeks. Ed helped organize editorial staff and the Expositor became certified as a unit of the Toronto Newspaper Guild in 1958. Negotiations for a first contract dragged on. A three day strike followed and an agreement was finally struck. Ed’s leadership won him and his colleague, Clifford Hume, recognition from the American Newspaper Guild. The pair received the 1959 Wilbur E. Bade Memorial Award in New York City, along with a $500 award. With his half share, Ed purchased his first car. Ed continued his long career at the Expositor, moving on to successive roles as City Editor, News Editor and finally Senior Editor before retiring in 1987.

Ed was involved in many community and faith activities over the years. He wrote two histories of St. Mary’s Parish, Brantford. He was active in the early days to establish the St. Mary’s Credit Union and he served as a Lector well into his late 80s. Ed was very active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and was instrumental in establishing its first storefront presence in downtown Brantford.

He led local Catholic fundraising in support of the early 1980s restoration of the Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks (Anglican). He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, Brantford Council 1679.

Ed’s quick wit and sharp retorts were legendary. He loved a good joke and, best of all, he could take one too. Politics and religion were favourite topics throughout his life and he was current right to the end, following the news on television.

Ed’s was a life well lived and he leaves many loved ones who will miss his strong presence. His faith was rock-solid and he did not fear death. We know that in his passing from this life to the next he is now reunited with those who passed before him, especially his wife Norine, daughter Teresa and son Mark.

Special thanks to Fr. Lukasz Kopaniak and Fr. John Redmond for their spiritual care and Dr. Saurabh Kalra and the hard-working staff at SJLC for taking care of Ed during these challenging pandemic times.

The family will receive friends at the Thorpe Brothers’ Funeral Home and Chapel, 96 West Street, Brantford on Friday, July 2, 2021 from 5-8pm with parish prayers at the funeral home at 7:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 133 Murray Street, Brantford on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 10am, which will be livestreamed. To attend either of these events please RSVP by clicking this link: https://signup.com/go/ybCYaZX and sign up for an available spot. Interment to follow St. Joseph’s Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in support of the important work of The St. Vincent de Paul Society, Brant will be greatly appreciated (ssvpbrant.ca 143 Wellington St. Brantford, Ontario, N3S 3Y8). Memories and condolences may be offered and the link for livestream may be found at www.thorpebrothersfh.com.

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