Edward Brian Wiebe (1952-2021)
Posted Jun 14, 2021 | 8:38 AM
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3: 16
“We wanderers, ever seeking the lonelier way, begin no day where we have ended another day; and no sunrise finds us where sunset left us. Even while the earth sleeps we travel. We are the seeds of the tenacious plant, and it is in our ripeness and our fullness of heart that we are given to the wind and are scattered.” Kahlil Gibran
Edward Brian Wiebe (March 10, 1952- May 17, 2021) was the first-born child of Ed and Rose Wiebe (nee Wiedeman) of Altona, Manitoba. Within 5 years he had 3 more siblings, and finally a fourth. He seemed a much older and wiser big brother, teaching the younger ones to ride bikes and skate, reading them stories, giving advice. He enjoyed trips with the family to Moose Lake where he learned to appreciate nature, water ski, swim, boat and fish.
Edward’s keen mind, spirited outlook and passion for life had him diving full force into any plan or goal, whether it be his work or his interests. For many years he had the responsibility of a paper route and won the distinction of a trip to the Calgary Stampede at the tender age of 9. As a young Grade 11 student in 1969, Ed and several of his classmates initiated the idea of the Winnipeg Canoe-a-thon to raise funds for the charity that is now known as The Association for Community Living. The annual event continued for more than fifteen years, funding the camping facilities and other projects to promote a better quality of life.
Ed’s zest for adventure could not be contained! He spread his wings and left the small prairie town for Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., working at various jobs; always putting aside enough resources to travel. With Harrison as his home base, he boldly set out for months at a time to experience life in Europe, the Far East -Afghanistan, Nepal, relying on maps, travel guides and the advice of travelers he met enroute. When back in Canada he worked in the Yukon, first finding his niche as a drillers’ helper with Caron Diamond Drilling and then as a diamond driller and foreman in various sites across Canada, including an extensive duration in Quebec. More adventure travel followed…Australia, Bangkok, Sri Lanka, Bali, and finally extended time in Belize and the Dominican.
Ed soaked up the language and culture of every place he visited and worked, feeling at home wherever he was. He read voraciously, loved documentaries, was an excellent photographer, and kept his family apprised of his whereabouts via hundreds of letters during his many years away from home.
In the mid 1980s, Ed’s work with D.W. Coates Drilling took him to Istanbul. When Major Drilling bought out Coates, Ed was sent to Mexico. Here he established Major’s international branch office in Hermosillo in 1992 and became its manager, with duties stretching through Central America. After a series of severe health issues compromised Ed’s traveling, he continued working as company consultant and finally as their business analyst, until this past year.
Ed married Guadalupe Herrera in 1992 and together they raised their three children in Hermosillo with weekends and holidays at the small tropical ranch he created. He loved his family dearly and worked tirelessly to provide for them.
Ed leaves to mourn his passing, cherish his memory and celebrate his life his wife: Guadalupe; children: Carlos Edward, Lupita Rosa and Rey Nelson; grandchildren Kelly, Kasey and Kerem; siblings: Valerie Horner, Peter (Ann), Tim (Nikki), and Lorne (Karen), as well as cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Ed and Rose Wiebe, and cousins Gordon Marshall and Steven Banman.
Edward was baptized as a young adult, and a final service of celebration was held for him on May 21st at Parroquia Iglesia De San Juan Capistrano in Hermosillo.
The family would like to thank all who sent messages of sympathy and support, flowers, cards, stories and photos of Ed’s rich and varied life. In lieu of donations, please share a hug and plant the seed of a dream with a child! Teach them resilience and give them courage to use their unique gifts to leave the world a better place!
~ ~ ~ And in the end there is only Love ~ ~
- Date : 2021-05-17
- Location : Hermosillo, Mexico