EDWARD GERRIT GERARDUS SMULDERS passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at the age of 96 years. 

Edward will be greatly missed by all of his family: his loving wife, Edith Smulders; daughter, Inga (Bruce) and their sons Rory (Meagan) and Maxton; daughter, Karen (Chris) and their daughters Kailey (Curtis) and their children Raylee and Hayes, Courtney (Kevin) and Karissa (Scott). 

He was predeceased by his parents, Geraldus and Johanna; and his son, Ralph. 

Edward was born in Den Hauge, Holland on November 2, 1926. He served in the army in Indonesia during the declaration of independence in 1945. Edward came to Ottawa, Canada in 1953. He worked as an orderly in the hospital there and later took a train to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1954. Edward attended the University of British Columbia where he obtained his Bachelors of Agriculture. Edward met Edith in 1957 on a trip back to Holland and Germany, and in 1958 he brought her back to Canada. Ed and Edith were married in 1959 and Ed devoted his life to Edith for 64 years. In 1959, they welcomed their son Ralph. In 1960, the family moved to Innisfail and their daughter Inga was born in 1961. In 1964, the family settled in Lethbridge and daughter Karen was born in 1968. 

Edward worked many years in Agriculture, he was the manager for Shur-Gain (Canada Packers) and worked well into his 70's at the Picture Butte Feed Mill. During his career, Ed made many close friends. Edward's passion was his family, they were his pride and joy. His hobbies included swimming, painting, yardwork, and his green house. In his retirement years, Edward built a ranch and cow-calf operation alongside his son, Ralph. He enjoyed time spent with Edith travelling and enjoying his children, grandchildren, and especially his great-grandchildren. 

Edward "OPA" will be remembered for his extremely positive (glass full) attitude, his calm nature, incredible humour, wisdom, patience, giving to others, beautiful blue eyes, and his contagious smile! He will be deeply missed by all those who he knew and loved in his lifetime. 

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. The Prayer Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Edward's obituary on the Cornerstone website.

A Funeral Mass will be held at ST. BASIL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 - 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Derek Remus celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Edward's obituary on the Cornerstone website.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Ed by donating to a charity of one's choice and by "spreading kindness through acts of charity, good deeds and love in your own personal way".