Edward Nelson Chester, passed peacefully on to eternity on January 3, 2018. ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever’, Psalm 23: 6. After a faithful life of service to God and a strong commitment to family, Edward has begun his journey in eternity at the age of 86, living his last days surrounded with the love and prayers of family, at Queensway Nursing Home, Hensall , ON. He was married for over 60 wonderful years to (Margaret) Noriene (Purdy) until she passed away in 2014. He is survived by 4 children and their spouses and families: John and Cynthia (Jeremy & Suzette, Corey & Ida, Stacey & Michael); Mark and Edith-Faye (Daniel &Jessica, Tim & Sarah, Evangeline & Tim, Zachariah); Paul and Donna (Brianna, Grace); Debby and Randy Wagler (Bethany & Andrew, Jonathan, Faith-Anne and Gregory, David, Joshua). He has been blessed with 20 great grandchildren. Edward was born July 26, 1931 to Norman and Ella May (Tremain) and was the second of nine children. He is survived by sisters Grace Schlichter, Florence Barker, Helen Dilworth and Ruth Smith and brother Bruce (Jean), and was predeceased by his brother Delmer, and his sisters Violet Knox and Norma Wilkinson. He is also survived by Noriene’s sister Winona (Gary) Gehiere and sister-in-law BettyLou (Ron) Purdy-Heywood. He is fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a number of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
His life of Pastoral Ministry with the Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada for over 42 years enriched the congregations and communities of Zephyr and Mt. Pleasant 1954-1959, Port Hope 1959-1961, Brampton 1961-1968, St. Thomas 1968-1974, Sarnia 1974-1983, Stayner 1983-1991, and Port Elgin from 1991 to retirement in 1996. He will be remembered for caring and faithful service to many congregations, and for his love of gardening, planting trees, writing poems, building – not only churches but sheds and homes, woodworking, his humor, and his faithful prayers for family, friends, neighbours and caregivers. Thank you to the many comforting and caring people of Queensway who helped him live out his last days with dignity and respect.
Friends may call at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, Exeter (1 street west of Main) on Friday evening 6-8 PM. The funeral service will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 40007 Kirkton Road, Exeter on Saturday, January 6th at 11 AM with Pastor Charles Gingerich officiating. Private family interment Exeter Cemetery at a later date.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Heartland Evangelical Missionary Church Clinton, or Emmanuel Baptist Church in Exeter would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Sharon and George Guetter
Sorry Debbie and Randy with the passing of your father. Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Rose Erb
Condolences to all of Chester family. It’s been a pleasure to meet you on your numerous visits to see your dad. He was a fortunate man to have such a loving, devoted family by his side.
Steve and Carol Rice
What an exemplary life of faith. Thoughts and prayers with all the Chester family, especially Mark and Edith-Faye and their children, as you mourn the loss of this wonderful man.
Lois Carriere
To John and Cindy, Mark and Faye, Paul and Donna, Debby and Randy and all the descendants of Uncle Edward, the Brubacher family extends their heartfelt condolences, and pray that you find comfort in knowing that your mom and dad are now reunited in heaven. Although it is hard to let them go, it is harder to see them linger on earth when they are most welcome and healthier in their final resting place. Your parents’ love of God was a definite influence on many lives, as witnessed in the condolences you see here today and many good memories will be shared as you celebrate his life. Knowing that we will see them again in heaven brings joy to our hearts. Your dad’s sister, your Aunt Florence, as well as Uncle Jim extend their deepest sympathies as well, and regret that they were unable to attend his final farewell. God bless you all.
Dave and Gail, Lois and Gary, Doug and Carol, Rick and Teresa, Jeff and Kelly, Florence and Jim.
Howard and Carolyn Sinclair
Dear Randy, Debbie, family and the Chester family,
Sincere sympathy at this time in your earthly separation from this “steadfast soldier of the cross.”
He was definitely one of the Giants in our lifetime. God clearly worked out many of His purposes through your dear dad. We had great respect and appreciation for his dedication and determination in furthering the kingdom.
Please take care and bask in the memories and the Lord’s Provisions and Blessings!
Love from Howard and Carolyn.
P.S. We appreciate you letting us know.
Jenny van den Hoven
Tenderly may God’s love heal your sorrow. gently may the prayers of friends ease your hurting. softly may God’s peace replace your heartache with war and loving memories. Our condolences to your entire family at the passing of your father, grandfather and great grand father.
Ray & Mary Lingelbach
Pastor Mark, Edith Faye – and the Chester family – Our Deepest Sympathy to you on the loss of your dear one. May God Bless & Comfort each of you at this difficult time.
Marion Hunking
My thoughts and prayers are with the Chester family at this time of loss of a father, grandfather and other family as well. I appreciated his faithful ministry over the years in various ways. He always had a friendly smile and greeting for all he met.
May God be with each of you as you relive your memories from years gone by.
In His Love
Marion Hunking
Bonnie Vinet
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Mr. Ed. My deepest sympathy to the family my thoughts and prayers are with you throughout this difficult time. I transported Mr. Ed to the ADC program in Exeter, and on many outings. I shall always remember him for he was such a jovial, loving, person. We had many great times, and laughs together. He will be greatly missed.
Bonnie Vinet
Former bus driver for One Care
Loreley Beaulac
My heartfelt sympathy to all the Chester family. Your Father was a kind and gentle man with smiling eyes. Ed and Noriene were a loving team and worked together for the Lord. May God’s love and comfort surround each of you.
Loreley Beaulac and family
Sarnia
Nelda Oliver
Deepest sympathy .
May our loving God comfort you in this time of great sorrow.
Maurice & Nelda Oliver,
St.Marys. On.
Don and Sandi Smith
Debby, Randy and family, our sincere sympathy on your loss. Praying the Lord will comfort each of you.
Kent Milroy
My sympathies to the Chester family. As the funeral director in Port Elgin, I was honoured to call Ed a friend and colleague in serving bereaved families in our community. His gentle manner, always faithful to his calling, was a blessing to many hurting families. He was a gem to work with, and I will remember his professional, warm approach to bringing God’s love to distressed circumstances. I will treasure his memory as it was significantly intertwined in my life and career!
W. Kent Milroy
Rev. and Mrs. Lennie & Bonnie Fahnestock
When I arrived in Canada w/my new bride to begin ministry in the Stratford (Elgin) EMCC Pastor Ed was one that left his mark on my wife and I. Though I never had the joy of working with Pastor Ed, he was a good friend to the dear Pastor I served under (Bruce Wideman). I remember how welcoming and supportive Ed was and his friendly smile. I also remember how great it was at the L&O Board when he asked my wife if she liked to invite folks into our home. His question was disarming, practical and showed Ed’s heart for ministry. To Ed’s family I share my condolences and yet thank God the hope we all have in our Risen Saviour, Jesus Christ. May this peace be yours!
Donna ( Heywood) Regier
Deb,Randy and your entire family
My deepest sympathy,may our Heavenly Father wrap his loving arms around each and everyone of you at this sad time.
George and Sue Wilson
Debby, Randy and family, siblings and families, we are very saddened by your Father’s passing. He was a nice man. A Christian man. He is with your Mom now. Cherish your precious memories. Hugs and prayers , George and Sue Wilson
Janet Chester
My heart is with you during this difficult time. May all the wonderful memories stay close to yours. Rest In Peace my dear Uncle Edward.
Marion McCarter
Deb and Randy and families
Remembering you at this sad and difficult time. Treasure his wonderful memories and carry them in your heart forever. Deepest sympathy.
Marion McCarter
Jason Bourne
Debby, Randy and Family.
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Jason and Nancy
Paul Glenda &Zack Waddell
Deb and Randy and Family
So very sorry for your loss… We have you in our thoughts..
Grace R. Uloth
Our sympathy.
May the Lord comfort your hearts.
Grace & Dieter Uloth
Stratford
Karen Dickins (Volunteer Queensway)
Debbie and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of your fathe, father in law and grandfather. May your happy memories carry you through these dark days.
Heather Waite
Randy and Debby.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Deane, Heather and David
Jim & LInda Dietrich
Debby, Randy & Family
So sorry for your loss our deepest sympathy.
Pieter and Grace Vermeer
Debby and Randy, Our sincere sympathy and love to you and your family during this difficult time. May God’s comfort surround you. We remember your father as always having a warm word of welcome. May you treasure the legacy he left you and the good memories.
With love and prayers, Pieter and Grace Vermeer
Dave and Beth Prouty
Randy and Deb and family you have our sincere sympathy with the loss of your father. He has his ultimate reward now. May the Lord wrap His Loving arms around each of you.
Jim and Pat McDowell
Ed and Noriene had such a heart for people, and they reached out to missionaries in a special way, I think. We treasure the relationship we had, though they never were officially our pastors. While it is comforting to know that they are re-united with each other, and even more so, entering the joys of the presence of Jesus, it’s hard to let people like them go, and much more so for close family members. So, our condolences to all of you, especially our friends Mark and Edith Faye and their family. Ed seems to us to have been a classic EMC pastor, interested in the camps, missions, Bible College, churches and people across the district, and no doubt, especially his own congregations. His memory is a blessing now.
Joel French
Mark and Edith Faye, Randy and Debby – our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your father. He certainly has left a mark on his family – I thank God for the legacy of Godly living that your Dad has passed on to you and that in turn has impacted us and so many others! Praying that God will be greatly glorified through this weekend as you gather as family and friends.
Love in Christ, Joel and Ashley French
Rick & Marilyn Vandenbussche
Debby & family: Our sincere sympathy on the loss of your father, thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I’m sure you have many happy memories to share.
Ruth Smith
Dear Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you . I know this is a very difficult time for each one of you. My brother Edward was a very good, caring person during his whole life and he will be missed by many. Love to you.
Aunt Ruth
Esther Stewardson
Debby and Randy and Family
My Prayers are with you at this time of loss May God Wrap his arms around you all
God Bless
William Purdy
My mom always referred to him by his full name of Edward, but I have always simply thought of him as my Uncle Ed. I also always thought of him as a gifted pastoral orator. I admired his ability to give a rousing sermon that could be amusing at moments – poignant at others – yet never lost sight of the salient points. Uncle Edward understood the alert listener is easier to enlighten than trying to reach someone weary from listening. Of course, a mention of speed also begs comment on Uncle Ed’s fast driving. He could make even my late father white knuckle it during a road trip – which was something given my dad’s tendency to dose off while behind the wheel. One has to wonder, might Saul have become the Apostle Paul without such literal intervention from on high if Uncle Edward had been barrelling toward him with the gospel on that road to Damascus? Of course, in the last few years, Uncle Ed had slowed down considerably, but two things remained visibly steadfast to me on a visit to see him this past summer – his devotion to his faith and his love for my late Aunt Noriene. What a force for good he and she were in the community. Their commitment to their church was matched only by their devotion to the family they nurtured together at home. I guess you could call them the original “power couple” long before the term was reduced to describing less inspiring unions between fame and fortune. And so we all know that Uncle Ed took comfort in his final days from his faith that reassured him that he and his sweet Noriene would be reunited in heaven. And let that be comforting to us all as well – the separation of two remarkable souls who so undeniably belonged together has finally come to an end. Of course, it is also quite natural still to feel a sense of loss in their earthly absence from us. So I give my sincerest condolences to Uncle Ed’s entire family, all of his friends and to the many congregants whom have been undoubtedly blessed in knowing him. May the belief that our loss is heaven’s gain provide succor in this time of sorrow. For my part, I can picture him greeted by my own dearly departed dad with a hearty and baritonal, “How goes it, Vicar?” And I also take comfort in picturing how tightly dear Aunt Noriene will be hugging him for all of eternity! She was always the best hugger.
Harv & Evelyn Vincent
Debby, Randy and family,
Praying for each of you during this time of great loss. You were so faithful visiting and so very kind. May God’s comfort and peace surround each of you.
Ray & Sue Heffernan
Our Sincere Sympathy Debbie & Family on the loss of your Father, our Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Ray & Sue Heffernan
Ward Hodgins
A man’s measure is shown by his depth of love for Christ and his depth of love for family.
Ed Chester, well done, good and faithful servant.
With ongoing love and prayers, Ward and Jo-Anne Hodgins