Obituary of Eddie W. Faye

Faye, Eddie W.

1924 – 2024

With heartfelt sadness the family of Eddie Faye announces his peaceful passing at age 100 on Sunday, October 20, 2024.  He was a devoted husband to Josie for nearly 74 years until her passing in 2020. Eddie will be greatly missed by his children, Christy (Ben), Audrey (Ray), Allen (Tilda), and Monica (Jay Jay); sister Ann (Hugh – decd.); sister-in-law Ella (Frank – decd.); as well as seven cherished grandchildren; 12 beautiful great-grandchildren; one adorable great-great grandchild; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends. Eddie was predeceased by his siblings, Stanley (Catherine), Carl (Anne), David (Mary), Andrew, Frank, Nora (Tom), Ella (Stanley), and Rose (Joe).

Eddie was first and foremost a devoted husband and father, he was a career farmer with a passion for knowledge and helping his family, friends and community any way possible. He shared his knowledge and expertise with whomever and was willing to help anyone in need, becoming a leader in his community.

As a young teenager, Eddie purchased his first half-section of land. His first few years of farming were difficult with low returns and crop failure, which necessitated him going to work in a Toronto factory for a few winters and as a farm hand in Alberta. In 1946, he married his best friend's sister and childhood sweetheart, Josephine.  They started their life together with meager beginnings and lived in a log house on their homestead. They started their family two years into their marriage and had four children, Christy, Audrey, Allen and Monica.

Eddie held many positions in the farming community he lived in, he was on the school board, hall and church committees, and built a local school within his first ten years of farming his own land.  Eddie then built their farmhouse and helped many others with their homes, barns, etc. with their electrical, plumbing and carpentry needs. One of the accomplishments that he was most proud of and talked about all the time was that he was the main carpenter of Model Farm Sacred Heart Church and White Eagle Hall. Upon completion of the church, Eddie was elected as a Councillor of the Emerald Municipality and to the hospital board.  He continued to serve on many other committees and boards including Veterinary, Coop, and Credit Union.  He was elected as Reeve of Emerald Municipality for two years.

Eddie had a thirst for knowledge his entire life. We heard stories of how when he went to work in Toronto at a factory he would watch, learn and improve productivity, which gained him the respect of management and led to them offering him a promotion. He loved to take courses to learn more about his various interests, such as electrical, plumbing, wood refinishing and even how to make wine. He was always curious in what people did for a living and would ask questions that were meaningful and inquisitive.  

During his semi-retirement, Eddie built their house in Kelliher, reduced the farming operations from mixed farming to grain and was elected Mayor of Kelliher for three terms.  In his spare time, as he became less involved in farming (wink wink), he enjoyed time golfing, fishing, travelling the world near and far, while still helping Allen on the farm.

Eddie has always been a fantastic father and grandfather who has always inspired, encouraged and expected his children to do the best as they matured and raised their families.  He thrived helping others by putting up 100 Canada Day flags every July 1^st at his senior home, picking garden vegetables/berries and cutting grass on the lawn tractor on the farm.  In addition to being an accomplished farmer, Eddie was a multifaceted person; he was a carpenter, welder, mechanic, plumber, electrician, surveyor and builder.

Eddie’s whole life was one of service to others and he did not expect anything in return.  He loved when people would drop by to see him and Josie, and they would always provide a meal and a drink. Eddie had a great memory, almost photographic in a way, as he could remember how to take things apart and put them back together. His attention to detail enabled him to be a great resource to many who would ask for his help.

Although Eddie will be missed dearly, we do take comfort that in knowing that he is now in God’s loving arms, reunited with Josie and other loved ones that have gone before.

A Celebration of Eddie’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024, at St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church (corner of King St. and 3rd Ave.), Kelliher, SK with lunch to follow at noon in the Kelliher School Gym (205 2nd Ave.).  Interment to follow lunch.

We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Sunset Special Care Home for their compassionate, loving care. Donations in Eddie’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.