John Earl Edwards

It is with the deepest of sadness to announce the sudden passing of John Earl Edwards in Huntsville, Ontario on January 26th, 2024, at the age of 78 years old.

The son of Charles Louis Edwards and Audrey Winnifred Edwards (nee Vale). Earl was born in Toronto, Ontario before arriving with Audrey & Louie back to the family homestead on Brackenrig Road outside of Port Carling, Ontario. Earl adored his mom & Dad while growing up and was rarely left alone as a 2nd generation homesteader.

 It wasn’t long before Earl knew he was a single child and would try to escape his mother Audrey’s tutoring & teachings to become his father’s shadow, sidekick, and apprentice as a Jack of all trades. Thus began Earl’s passion for travel & the automotive world including most things mechanical. Earl was an excellent mechanic and could fix just about anything if he put his mind to it, even once repairing a neighbor cottager’s power boat in exchange for water ski lessons.

Driving and meeting people was his real passion as a young man and that led to an outstanding truck driving career of 50-plus years with an exemplary driving record. He worked for 36 years at Martin Brower Canada out of Orangeville, Ontario and finished his driving career at Scarcliffe Excavating & Construction in Port Carling, Ontario driving various dump trucks & assorted heavy equipment. During those years at Martin Brower, Earl was ardently invested and involved with the negotiation operations of the unions as a Steward and company rep all the while he mentored many a trucker, manager, and other company personnel.  

Earl, Diane & Tigger gained a travel passion, RV-ing, camping, and made lifelong friends across Canada and through Florida, USA along the roads and highways. Earl was always at his happiest when surrounded by family and dear friends. He was the Rock of our family! His love embraced us all; his mentoring and unique sense of humor could be beyond one's scope at times (it would make you think) yet his loving, caring, and patience always led to humble decisions. Earl was ever-present for many of his family’s upbringing and parenting. His door was always an open policy. Family members found their place to grow in the care of Earl & Diane’s home when they needed family. For those that remember Earl, notably, he was a kind and gentle giant of sorts, his love, patience, and complete heart for family and friends was immeasurable, quick of wit with a warming chuckle and mischievous smile, he would always leave one at ease during moments of reflection.

John Earl Edwards, Son, Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Dear, Dear Friend, you will always be remembered, reflected upon, and truly missed.

Earl is survived by his sons, Christopher Sr., and Tim as well as a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren with 2 nieces and literally a family of amazing friends & their families.  These same dear friends could be called Aunt, Uncle, or even Mom & Dad when visiting Earl and Diane at a campsite or park where they stayed. Earl was predeceased by his parents, Audrey & Louie Edwards, by his dear daughter Tracey Michelle (nee Edwards), and sadly of course his Beloved Wife of 50 plus years, best friend, lifelong travel partner, and true love of his life Diane Jean Edwards (nee Will).

Cremation has been conducted as per his wishes. There will be a service held for John Earl Edwards at Reynolds Funeral Home at 1 Mary Street Bracebridge, Ontario. On February 26, 2024 @ 2 pm. Family and friends are welcome to attend.