URWALEK, Eduard Josef Anton Maria - (March 6, 1947 – August 16, 2021) -
Eduard is survived by his loving wife Linda, his daughter Helene, son Eduard jr. His sister Hannelore (William) CA, brother Klaus (Traude) Vienna, A, and nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother Angela, father Gustav, brothers Otto and Erich and sister Gusti.
Eduard was born in Vienna the youngest of 6 children. His mother was active in the church especially with Caritas, through her influence he became an alter boy. When he was around 8 years old his mother took him and some of his siblings on a pilgrimage to Italy where he met Padre Pio, one of the highlights of his young life.
As he got older, he loved to do bicycle tours. His longest was from Vienna to Freiberg in the south of Germany to visit his older brother Otto and family. He did his required one year army conscription, checking the forests for unexploded mines/grenades, repairing bridges, and having adventures on the side.
He was a skillful carpenter, with an eye for detail. He completed his apprenticeship for a company that made Louis the XIV furniture for hotels in Vienna.
In 1969 he immigrated to Canada. When he arrived at Union Station in Toronto, he was met by a St. Patrick’s German parishioner who said “go to St. Patrick’s church, you will find a community of Germans, Austrians and Swiss." He took that advice and he became very active in the church community. He joined the youth group, then the Harfentone choir. He loved going on trips with them, the camaraderie, the singing and the lifelong friendships.
He met his wife Linda at one of the singing festivals at the old Donauschwaben club. They married a year later. Travelled to Austria, so that Linda could meet his family.
Edi loved his two children, Helene and Eduard jr. He enjoyed the out-doors, camping, hiking, and exploring the countryside with his family.
He visited the Yukon twice with like-minded adventurous friends, canoeing down the Yukon River with its spectacular scenery and meeting people along the way.
He continued to be active at St. Patrick’s Church; BBQing, cooking a good sauerkraut as Hubert taught him to do, BBQing at the Harfentone picnics and making coffee and tea for the Sunday coffee hour. He also loved to cook/BBQ for his family.
He was involved with many groups at the church, Harfentone, Kolping, the Social Justice Group, Redemptorist Lay Associates, a Lector at the German Mass, collecting at the Wednesday morning Masses and helping new immigrants.
He will be greatly missed by his family. RIP a good man, a great friend a patient father and loving husband.
In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to the Dorothy Ley Hospice or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are entrusted with Ward funeral homes. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 30th at 9:30 a.m. from St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 131 McCaul Street, Toronto, ON. Due to Covid restrictions the wearing of masks or face coverings by everyone is mandatory as per the Provincial Regulations.
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