Obituary of Edward Dadurka
In Loving Memory
Mr. Edward Raymond Dadurka of Delhi passed away peacefully at the Delhi Long Term Care Centre, on Friday, October 4, 2024 in his 80th year.
Loving uncle of Kelly Dadurka (Kim Franklin), Lisa Glaves (Bob Veres) and Kim Kramer (Peter). Great-uncle of Alexandra Rebry (Michael), Kelvin Glaves, Quin and Kirsten Kramer. Great-great uncle of Emery and Eliza Rebry. Also survived by many cousins in Canada & Lithuania. Ed will be dearly missed by very special “chosen family” members Angela Rutledge, Fred Cope and Christa VanDyke. He will always be remembered as "Eddie Spaghetti" by his loving friends and caregivers of the Delhi Long Term Care. Edward was predeceased by his parents Nellie (1972) and John Dadurka (1990) and by just a few short weeks, his older brother Jerry Dadurka (Late Irma, 2018).
Edward was a very active young man enjoying his ten speed bicycle, then motorcycle and finally a full-fledged Ontario Driver’s license. Edward worked on his father’s and brother’s tobacco farms as a boat driver for many years. He was an active participant in ARC Industries manufacturing custom pallets in Simcoe, Ontario which provided an educational and work setting for young adults in Norfolk County. Once he got his own driver’s license he travelled and square-danced across North America. He loved to travel!! He did not inherit the “genes” (no pun intended) to become a tobacco farmer. He travelled as far as Hawaii and New York City independently. Those trips were most memorable to Edward as he shared his travel stories for years and years afterwards.
Edward had an amazing memory. He knew where all the best restaurants were for hamburgers and perch dinners. There was no other place to enjoy a coffee and donut than of course, Tim Hortons. In his “retirement” years Edward began to reside at the Delhi Long Term Care. It is here that he made many lifetime friends who essentially became his “family”. Over the past 6 years, Edward returned to his favourite life as a social butterfly. With the assistance of the Passport Program and then the Norfolk Association for Community Living (NACL) through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Edward was able to continue to pursue his love for adventures. Five years ago, Edward quickly developed a real soft spot for a community driver by the name of “Brian”, who seemed to magically transform into “Fred” by the end of their adventure. Ed and Fred were like two peas in a pod… best friends forever. Edward was also, from the very first day he moved into Delhi LTC, a very special person to Christa, who learned very quickly how this man would impact her life and her family’s forever. Edward, being raised on a farm with fresh vegetables never forgot the taste of “home grown” veggies. For years now, 13 years, a dear friend Angela provided Edward with regular “doses” of fresh garden treasures…the favourite being toasted tomato sandwiches. She also was quick to begin to regularly supply the little fridge at Delhi LTC with his favourite tomato juice. The outings provided by the recreational therapy department were monthly highlights for Edward. The new Monday “tuck cart” initiated during Covid as a means of allowing staff to purchase a treat was very much welcomed by Edward. I am certain if he had a bigger nightstand beside his bed he would have filled it to the brim!! Fortunately his furniture provided by the home was rather “reserved” in size and so healthy snacks were allowed by friends and family of other residents. Everyone knew of Edward’s love for snacks. Edward did love Christmas and Birthdays spent with family and friends … of course outside of Delhi LTC at some yummy restaurant or family home.
Friends may call at the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, Delhi (519) 582-1290 (www.mfh.care) for visitation on Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Stephen Kring officiating. Interment in Delhi Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, Edward’s family kindly request that memorial donations be made to the Delhi Long Term Care Centre (Resident Activity Fund), the Delhi Tobacco and Multicultural Museum (cheques payable to Norfolk County- Care of DTMHC) or Purrfect Companions of Norfolk. Donations will be gratefully appreciated by the family.
