Obituary of Edward Kolumbus
In Loving Memory
Mr. Edward Kolumbus, formerly of Delhi passed away at his daughter’s home in Port Dover on Monday, June 22, 2020 in his 96th year. Survived by his loving daughter, Diane Smith (Late Bill) and two grandsons, Travis (Leeann) and Gairin (Jennie) and three great grandchildren, Granson, Zohallë and River. Predeceased by his former wife (Diane's mom), Simonne, by his parents, Joseph & Maria Kolumbus, by Rene & Zoe Dekoninck, by his brothers, Victor, Tony, and Mike, and by his sisters, Serafina, Louise and Agnes. He will forever be missed by (all favourite) nieces and nephews. At the age of 8, Ed immigrated to Canada with his family from Czechoslovakia, first living in Kirkland Lake and then Montreal. Eventually he settled in Delhi where for some 35 years he operated a Masonry Construction Business. During the burgeoning days of the Tobacco Industry, he installed hundreds of coal and wood fired curing units. The last one is on display at the kiln next to the Ontario Tobacco Museum. In addition to the bricking of many local homes, he will be remembered for contributing to the construction of several notable landmarks including several of Delhi's ethnic halls, commercial and industrial buildings, including cement block pack barns, Delhi Industries, Delhi Metal, Caswell Dairy, Ivey Flowers, Misner Fish Plant, Mennonite Brethren Church (Port Rowan) and restoration of the Norfolk Carillon Tower in Simcoe. Ed, often known as “HEK” for his shenanigans and story telling, has now joined his many family and friends who have departed prior; many being the same that accompanied him on numerous hunting and fishing trips to Ontario's North. In his retirement years, Ed enjoyed sitting out front of his Ann Street Delhi residence, greeting passersby and in more recent times, connecting with nature at the peaceful Prospect Street Home overlooking the Lynn River in Port Dover. Thank you to all who cared and comforted Ed in his last days. A Celebration of Life is planned at a later date. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to the Charity of your Choice at the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Delhi (519) 582-1290 (mfh.care) and will be gratefully appreciated by the family.
"With a mason trowel in his hand, he has left his mark on this land."
