ESKELAND, Edward Raymond
January 5, 1939 - July 9, 2011
Edward Raymond Eskeland died suddenly on Saturday, July 9, 2011. He was born in Wayne, Alberta on January 5, 1939 to parents Raymond and Clara (nee Poland) Eskeland. Ed was raised in the Verdant Valley and Churchill communities. He started his career in the oil and gas industry at an early age, drilling some of the first wells in the area, and went on to operate many of these wells for over fifty years. He shared his wealth of experience with others, giving many young people a start in the oil and gas industry. He married his beloved wife Sharon in April of 1961, and together they settled in the Churchill area and raised their family of four children. Sharon and Ed’s life work included not only a contracting business in the oil and gas industry, but the growth of a successful family farm. At 72 years old, Ed was still actively involved in the daily operation of his two companies, taking only the occasional day off to spend time fishing. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a hard worker with a strong work ethic. Ed was predeceased by his father, Raymond in 1967, his mother, Clara in 1996, and his wife of 47 years, Sharon, in 2008. He is survived by his children Joanne (Jim) Hodgson, John (Ilona) Eskeland, Jason Eskeland, and Jim (Julie) Eskeland; grandchildren Eric, Coleman, Christina, Benjamin, Jennifer, Owen, and Elena; sister Ella (Art) Hoehne, sister-in-law Maureen (Art) Russell, brother-in-law Jim (Juanita) Davies, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic. A funeral service will be held Friday, July 15 at 2:00 pm at the Knox United Church in Drumheller, Alberta. Arrangements entrusted to Courtney-Winters Funeral Home.
“May the work I’ve done speak for me.”
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