Ed Varcoe

December 23, 1943 - February 8, 2026

Edward Oliver Varcoe, age 83, after living most of his life in Herschel/Stranraer area, passed away in Saskatoon on February 8, 2026.

Ed was born December 23, 1943, in Rosetown hospital to Doris and Jim Varcoe. He went to Toft Hill School then began a long and dedicated career as a farmer at a very young age.  With assistance from the Old Lad in the beginning, he managed to turn a 3 quarter section farm full of rocks and hills, into a successful 3 section mixed farm.

Ed will be remembered by many as just Ed.  He was a great neighbour and friend.  He was always available, volunteering to help whether pouring cement, moving buildings or whatever needed doing in the community or for his family.  He was on the Twin Towers Ski Hill Board from day one and worked at the hill, helping new and old skiers as was quite often needed.

He enjoyed watching sports; football, curling and hockey and travelled many miles to watch these games.  Later in life he got his sports fix watching from his reclining chair.  Don’t phone Ed when he was watching sports.

He spent a few years as counsellor for Division 3 of RM of Mountain View.  He later retired to Saskatoon, while still keeping interest in his farm.  He enjoyed a number of years at the Grandora feedlot where his expertise with cattle and farming was greatly appreciated.

He had  a way of relating various events in a humorous manner that always included his laugh.  He would  recall  many incidents during his hospital stays including a nurse’s comment to a rather unruly visitor that this was a hospital, not a hotel.  He was quick to spot unusual situations as he took great interest in everyone around him.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, Jim (the Old Lad) and Doris (Maw) and his first wife, Doreen.

He will be remembered by his wife Shirlee, brother Moe (Linda) sister, Connie (Bob) McGill and nephews Brendan (Shelley) (Haven and Hansen) Varcoe Brad (Nicole) (Jack and Charlie) Varcoe, Morley Varcoe.  Sean(Jill)(Quinn and Lauren) McGill and Niece Janice (McGill) Herner, (Kaden, Paige and Dillan) Herner, and numerous cousins.

To quote a message received in a sympathy card from friends. “There is comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.”

At Ed’s request there will be no funeral and a family burial at Herschel at a later date.

His friends were many his enemies, none. Adios.