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Edward A. Lipsett

August 19, 1952-December 23, 2012

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Edward “Ed” Lipsett. A mariner to the end, Ed fought his last storm bravely, dying peacefully in the arms of his wife, Colleen. With Colleen, Ed will be lovingly remembered by his son Jordan, daughter Adria (Josh), their mother Joyce and grandsons Ewan and Arlen. Ed will also be missed by his mother Lucille, sister Cherralee (Allan), cousin Georgie (Doug), Leslie, Laura and many other family and friends.

A man of the sea, Ed’s family has a long-established history along B.C.’s West Coast. Many fishermen hauled their salmon in with trolling gurdies built by the Lipsett Engine Manufacturing Co. Ed had success as a marine surveyor, commercial fisherman and consultant on Aboriginal fishing rights. Ed also served tirelessly on many boards, commissions and programs that benefitted coastal fishermen and their communities. More recently, Ed was the vice-president and director of the Ladysmith Harbour Association.

Ed was most at home near the ocean and in nature. He took many trips up and down the coast, including a memorable expedition with Adria to photograph remote canneries. And each fall, Ed couldn’t wait to pack up his truck and head north to Prince Rupert for an annual moose hunt with buddies.

Ed also crossed waters. From singing in the great cathedrals of Europe as a member of the B.C. Boys Choir to designing fish farms in Cuba and walking the Great Wall of China with Jordan, Ed made friends with the world. He was looking forward to many more adventures at home and abroad.

Ed had many loves, and found his true first mate later in life – reconnecting with his high school chum Colleen after nearly 40 years apart. They put down anchor in an old cottage by the sea where they planned to live out their lives together. Although Ed’s life was cut short, we can all take solace he lived it big.

A send-off for Ed will be held at the Ladysmith Maritime Society Welcome Centre at 610 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith, B.C., on Saturday, January 5 at 1 p.m. Please ensure you are dressed warmly.



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