March 28, 1932 - August 10, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Edward Ernest Yawney, born on March 26, 1932, on a farm east of Edmonton, peacefully passed away on August 10, 2023. His remarkable journey through life was characterized by a passion for the cowboy spirit, a deep appreciation for music and the fine arts, and his resolute dedication to education.
In 1943, the Yawney family relocated to Vernon, B.C., where Ed bought his first horse, a beauty with four white socks and a blaze face which he named Chico.
It was also in Vernon that he embarked upon a journey into the world of music, mastering various instruments and, at the age of 15, joining a musical group that played dances at the Lavington Community Hall where his proficiency as a fiddler shone. Following high school, Ed journeyed to Vancouver to attain a Teacher's Certificate and during the summers, worked as a ranch hand on the Gang Ranch, swimming instructor and lifeguard at the Vernon Cadet camp, and on the CPR passenger train service between Vancouver and Winnipeg, where he mastered the art of fast food preparation while tending to the coal-fired stoves in the galley.
Ed's teaching career commenced in Burnaby, where his charismatic personality, artistic talent, and communication skills propelled him to the position of vice principal and caught the eye of a colleague, Diane Carter. Their union blessed them with three amazing children, Lorne, Suzanne, and Clinton.
A principalship in Kamloops allowed the family to relocate to a small acreage where he could indulge in his love for horses, cattle auction sales, and the great outdoors.
The opportunity to serve as principal in Quesnel beckoned, allowing Ed to live in a place reminiscent of his cherished upbringing on the prairies.
From a picturesque ranch, Ed seamlessly merged his frontier lifestyle with his role as a teacher and administrator at Red Bluff and Voyageur Elementary Schools. Ed and his family had many wonderful adventures exploring the 1,200-acre ranch.
After a distinguished career, Ed embarked on a retirement path that took him to a range of locations and experiences before settling into a care home in Vernon. Ed's final act and parting gesture was to sing a couple of his favourite country and western songs.
His legacy is woven into the cherished memories of and an enduring impact on all fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.
Rest in peace, Ed.
Your legacy lives on in the hearts
of those who knew you.