It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mr. Ed MacPherson after an extended battle with cancer. Ed passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the age of 86 years. Born in Bermuda, United Kingdom in November of 1936, Ed was the eldest child of Hester and Lachlan MacPherson. Spending his formative years on the island, he was ready for some adventure when the Canadian Navy came calling. This brought Ed to Canada where he met and married Marilee. After the birth of their children, Ed decided a change was in order and after a brief break from the Navy, he decided that the Canadian Air Force deserved his talents. This change brought new adventures with the family enjoying four years in Germany; touring and camping across Europe. After returning to Nova Scotia at the end of that adventure, he spent the next five years in Greenwood, British Columbia, again taking the family camping each summer. The next adventure for Ed and the family took them to Ottawa, Ontario where camping was not often but other family adventures were explored. A few years later saw them moving again, this time to Penhold, Alberta where they decided to set roots. Retiring in Penhold, Alberta, Ed was soon involved with the Royal Canadian Legion holding many positions representing the branch both locally and provincially as being part of the team that brought the CF-104 Starfighter to the Innisfail Legion, Branch #104 and involved as their youth liaison for schools and the Cadets. Ed is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marilee (nee Ferris) of sixty-five years, his son, Timothy and his daughter, Stephanie, his brothers, Donald and Malcolm, and his sister, Jeannie. He will be deeply missed by his five grandchildren, Meghan, Sarah, Hannah Ryan, Colin as well as his three great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.104, 5108 49 Ave #1, Innisfail, Alberta on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. If desired, Memorial Donations in Ed’s honor may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society at cancer.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

Fond Memories:
As a young hockey player in Nova Scotia, I had an early morning practice. Dad was a shift worker and for this one instance was not available to drive. I had packed up my gear and began the trek to the arena. About a third of the way, I saw a car coming out of the distance that looked familiar. Dad was determined to support us in our activities and had gotten off early just to get me to the arena.
The time Granny went home to Nova Scotia for two weeks and Grampa said he didn’t need any help with the laundry. He turned all his work shirts pink. LOL. Granny was a little mad at him when she got back.

Dad had just bought and built a new tin shed to put his lawn tools and stuff in. We went out driving one day and he was teaching me how to drive. When we got back to the house, he said today we back into the driveway. A little nerve-wracking for me. Just so happens, a cute guy walks past, and I was a bit distracted by him. All I hear is “Brake, Brake!!”. Well, I hit the gas and ran into dad’s new shed. Some colorful language ensued and driving lessons were temporarily suspended. Came back out later to dad trying to pound out the dents. LOL.

Grandpa enjoyed listening to Leonard Cohen but was not an artist I liked. I swear he played him to annoy me sometimes. Who would have thought that while I was traveling and was a little homesick, listening to Leonard Cohen would get me through it.

• Date : 2023-06-03
• Location : (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com