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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
FERRIS, Edmund John - passed away peacefully on Sept 25. 2024, six weeks shy of his 99th birthday. Ed was born on Nov 15, 1925 in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) Ont. In 1943, at the age of eighteen he joined Royal Canadian Navy and served his country onboard the corvette HMCS Cobalt and the cruiser HMCS Ontario. Ed’s service was honoured with the Burma Star, 1939-1945 Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and War Medal 1939-1945. Following demobilization, Edmund returned to Thunder Bay where he married the love of his life, Anne and raised a family of six children. Ed apprenticed as an autobody man and was especially excited when he was able to establish his own business. Edmund was a man that enjoyed keeping busy and he took the same approach in his retirement. He spent his time curling, bowling, golfing and volunteering at his local church. He was a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus and maintained a long and active relationship with the Royal Canadian Legion and the Thunder Bay Naval Association, HMCS Griffin. He was never more proud than when he participated in Remembrance Day activities. Edmund was predeceased by his parents, John and Rosina, sister Angela, brothers Leo, Frank (Faye) and William (Lee), son Douglas, sister-in-law Mary (Steve), nephew Morris and brother-in-law Mike. Edmund is survived by his children Robert (Leila), Lorne (Linda), James (Lori), Janine (Tom) and Cynthia (Barry), grandchildren Lisa (Chad), Christian, Leighton and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of a formal funeral, a short service will take place at the gravesite at a later date.
Ships served in:
(1 & 2) Edmund Ferris in front of his home in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), Ontaro (3) Edmund Ferris, location Unknown
Charles (Chuck) Edwards, RCNVR Chuck lost his life in the sinking of HMCS ESQUIMALT From Edmund's son: Chuck lived down the street from my dad, and they grew up together as kids, went to school together and joined the Navy together. Dad was assigned to Cobalt and Chuck to Esquimalt. Dad once or twice told me the story of Cobalt docking at Halifax and discovering the Esquimalt was there as well. He met with Chuck and they learned that both ships would be departing early the following morning. So in view of that they decided that for that night they would "paint the town red". Both of them got back to their ships late, slightly under the weather and departed the following morning. My dad wistfully said that was the last time he saw Chuck as the Esquimalt was torpedoed by a U-boat off the coast of Halifax a short time later. Chuck did not survive the sinking. My Dad found it ironic that he knew two people on ships sunk by U-boats; one who survived (his brother-in-law Morris Olchowesky on HMCS Guysborough) and one who did not (Chuck Edwards on HMCS Esquimalt). He talked about the cruelty of "chance".
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