Edward Makarow

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward James Makarow on April 21, 2023 at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Born on September 8, 1953, Ed was the first-born son to Adam and Lucy Makarow. He is survived by his mother, Lucy, and brothers Robert (Debbie) and Kenneth (Carole) and nephews and nieces – Karri, Cody, Taelor and Mitchel. He was predeceased by his father, Adam.

Growing up in a small town, Ed and his younger brothers would enjoy playing outside. He taught himself to be a graceful skater, and he could run like the wind. Ed attended school in Rose Valley.

Ed began his career with CP Rail in 1974, following along his Uncle John’s footsteps. He worked on the rail repair crew in various locations throughout central Saskatchewan. Ed lived in both Lanigan and Wilkie before ultimately making his way back home to Rose Valley. In 2008, he retired from CP Rail, which is when he began his second career of leisure -- retirement!

Gardening quickly became Ed's passion. He took great pride in his orchard and garden, always trying different varients of vegetables and fruits, and pruning his trees to keep them healthy and beautiful. He was also successful in producing berries and grapes. Ed passing away just a day shy of Earth Day is an amazing testiment to all he gave back to Mother Nature. He was in the process of planning his garden for this year. Out in the lobby today, you will find a basket containing the seeds Ed had already purchased. Please feel free to take a package and plant them in memory of Ed.

Ed was a sports enthusiast. He was a loyal fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, but was a super fanatic of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Between football, hockey, baseball, and curling, there was always a game playing on the television.

He was also a shrewd card player who seldom got beat. We honestly think he may have been able to count cards. At young ages, his nieces and nephews would groan about him joining in on the card games, because they knew Uncle Ed would be winning the pot of pennies. It was a good lesson on how not to be a sore loser. Ed always enjoyed the neighbourhood poker nights and spoke fondly of the great friends he was able to spend those nights with.

Ed had a creative and imaginative mind. He shared his ideas through poems and short stories. He was a member of the Tisdale Writers Group, and has many pieces of work published through the group. Although Ed is no longer here with us, his words will live forever in the pages of those books.

Ed also found time to volunteer for the Rose Valley Fire Department. He loved to fish, and he loved listening to music. He would often sit in his bedroom, strum along on his guitar, and sing his heart out, never caring who could hear him or how out of tune he may have been. Ed was also known to rock a wicked air guitar.

In 2019, Ed was given his cancer diagnosis. He received chemotherapy on and off over the past few years, always with an optimistic attitude. He continued living and looking at his life through a positive lens.

Ed's family would like to express their sincere appreciation towards all of Ed's caregivers -- hospital staff, EMTs, home care nurses, and friends and extended family who would take him to and from appointments.

The Makarow family would also like to extend their gratitude to all of you here with us today, both in person and those viewing online. Ed was a friend to all of us, and he will be missed greatly. We can leave here today knowing that Ed is now at peace.