Edward Charest, resident of Girouxville, Alberta and formerly of Guy, passed away July 2, 2011 in Grande Prairie at Queen Elizabeth II Hospital at 8:30 p.m of a brain aneurysm at 76 years of age.

Edward was born December 3, 1934 in Forestview, Alberta to John Charest and Adelaide Gagnon and was one of 12 children in the family.

He loved the great outdoors

The outdoors, bicycling, playing hockey hunting, and quading later in life were his favourite pastimes.

He also enjoyed country music and dancing.

Throughout his life Edward worked in lumber camps as a caterpillar and grader operator, farmed for over 40 years, and was a truck operator and later owner of many industries.

He was a hard worker, but also enjoyed people’s company, teasing, telling stories of his adventures, and was a great teacher to his family and friends who would listen.

Throughout his lifetime, coffee shops were where he enjoyed himself the most, a well-deserved relaxing time for him after he retired in 2000.

Edward was married for 52 years to his wife, Yvette Couillard, and they had four children.

He was predeceased by his parents, four sisters, six brothers and his son-in-law, Marcel Gauthier.

He leaves his wife, Yvette, son, Normand and his wife, Pierrette, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Rachelle and Terry Fleming (Cole and Zach) of Lloydminster, Chris and Sue Henderson (Connor and Jamie Upton) of Falher, Eve and Wayne Noga of Edmonton, Claire Henderson of Falher; grand-daughter, Lisa Marie Charest -Vanstone and husband, Mark (Caitlin) of Calgary; daughter, Cecile and Dwayne Kish of Grimshaw, son, Paul, of Girouxville and daughter, Susan Gauthier, as well as two grandsons, Richard and Emile of Grande Prairie.

Edward also leaves one sister, Irene Ouellet of Edmonton, and on sister-in-law, Frances Charest of Golden, British Columbia; three sisters and brothers-in-law of Falher and Girouxville; and a very large number of nieces and nephews across Canada.

Memorial service held July 8

Due to the bad weather, the memorial service was held in Girouxville at Notre Dame de Lourdes Church on July 8, 2011 with Deacon Reg Bouchard officiating.

Burial of ashes was held in the church cemetery.

Funeral arrangements and service were under the direction of Chapel of Memories in Peace River.