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Ed Redl

December 24, 2004


Electrician chose ranching


Ed Redl


Ed Michael Redl was born in Wakaw, Saskatchewan, March 22, 1923.

Growing up on the prairies, hockey was a big part of his childhood. He played on an outdoor rink, often by light of the nearest street lamp.

When he was 13 his father died.

As the oldest of four siblings, Ed felt a responsibility to his family and so, at 16, he rode the rails east to Sudbury, Ontario in search of work.

He had only a few dollars in his pockets. He landed a job at International Nickel Co. and stated later that was due in large part to his hockey talent.

He played for the Copper Cliff Indians while he learned the trade of an electrician. After six years in Sudbury, Ed decided not to pursue a professional hockey career, but rather headed west to Port Moody, B.C.

It was here that he met his wife Trudy and they were married September 14, 1949.

In 1957, after jobs with Flavelle Cedar, Scott Paper and at UBC, Ed and Trudy with their young family set up a new company, Redl Electric Ltd. And entered the electrical contracting business.

Based on his unwavering commitment to excellence in service and workmanship, Ed’s work was highly regarded and sought after; an advertising budget was never needed.

He often said: “strive to be the best in your field” … and he certainly was.

In 1971, Ed became involved in the local ranching community with the purchase of property in Miocene.

Over the next 30 years, Ed’s energies were directed toward transforming his “piece of dirt” into a progressive cattle ranch.

It was a source of much pride and accomplishment.

Ed and Trudy started square dancing in the 1980s and enjoyed many years of dancing and travelling with their new friends from Lac la Hache, 100 Mile and Williams Lake. Ed lost his wife and soul mate of 49 years in 1998.

Family, particularly his grandchildren, then became the central focal point of his life.

Diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2004, Ed passed away among family members in his house on his beloved ranch on December 24.

He’s left behind his brother Al, sister Lynn Spence, sons Barrie (Marge) and Tom (Heidi) and grandchildren Travis, Benjamin, Samuel, Brody and Alexandra.




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