RISPIN, Edward

1947 ~ 2025

Mr. Edward James Rispin passed away surrounded by his loving family in Didsbury, Alberta, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the age of 78 years. Ed was born on October 10, 1947, in Vancouver, BC, to Rheba and Kelly Rispin.

At 17, Ed proudly joined the Canadian military, serving two years before being honourably discharged in Calgary. He later began a long career with Calgary Transit, first as a bus driver and then as a Protective Services officer. In 1986, Ed and his family moved to Surrey, BC, where he worked for BC Hydro/Accenture until his retirement in 2007. In 2018, Ed and Sheila settled in Didsbury, Alberta, drawn back by the feeling of home, close to family and friends, blue skies, sunshine, and the peaceful pace of small-town life.

On March 13, 1976, Ed married the love of his life, Sheila (Thompson), and together they built a blended family filled with love, resilience, and laughter. Ed leaves behind his seven children: Kathy (Scott) Ward, Mike (Shelley) Rispin, Jim (Stacy) Rispin, Shannen (Brian) Baker, Jolene Lorteau, Loralee (Bryan) Bean, and Kristi (Rob) Olderskog. Their home was always busy and full of life—weekends were spent driving kids to bowling leagues, cheering from the sidelines, and sitting through countless football games to support their girls in cheerleading. Those everyday routines became some of the most meaningful chapters of their family story.

He was a proud grandfather to eighteen grandchildren: Amber, Adam, Alyssa, Melissa, Derek, Ian, Grace, Mackenzie, AJ, Kade, Nick, Emily, Eli, Michael, Brockton, Brad, Logan, and Sean. He is also survived by his siblings Gary (Barb) Rispin, Ken (Freda) Rispin, and Bonnie (Paul) Baker.

Ed and Sheila treasured many years vacationing in Palm Springs, making lasting memories with family and friends who visited. Their days were filled with sunshine, great food, long afternoons by the pool, and relaxing evenings in the hot tub—simple joys that became some of Ed’s happiest and most cherished moments.

In the summer of 2023, Ed was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia/Parkinson’s. Though the progression was steady, his health declined suddenly in October. Through it all, he remained deeply loved and never alone.

Sheila and the family extend heartfelt thanks to the incredible nurses, doctors and all staff at Didsbury Hospital. From the moment Ed was admitted, they showed exceptional compassion and care, supporting both Ed and the entire family during the most difficult weeks of his journey. His room was filled constantly with music, laughter and tears, his children, grandchildren, and loved ones—a reflection of the life he lived and the love he inspired.

Ed’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the stories shared, and the warmth he brought to every life he touched.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services (Didsbury), 1413 – 21 Avenue, Didsbury, Alberta. 403.335.4773.

• Date : 2025-12-01
• Location : (Didsbury) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com