EDWARD FREDIE BAZAN

It is with heavy hearts our family announces the unexpected but peaceful passing of Edward Fredie Bazan who departed this world at the age of 85 in Winnipeg, MB.

Edward was born in Winnipeg and spent most of his life in the Fort Gary/Fort Richmond area. Eddie is predeceased by his wife Olga Bazan; sister Lillian Friesen; and parents, Frederick and Mary Bazan. He is survived by his children, Dale, Debbie (Rob), Neil (Lindsey); and his grandchildren, Austin, Alexia, Fawna, Hailey, and Dylan. 

Edward was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather (Gigi). His life was centered around his family. Edward took most joy in the simple things in life. His comfort came from knowing his family was safe and they always had things they needed. He was well known for being very frugal and he was forever on the hunt for the best deals. However, despite being frugal, he was always generous to those around him. 

Edward worked for Manitoba Sugar, a mink farm in the Fort Gary area, and later was employed by Manitoba Agriculture as a lab technician for the majority of his working career. He was known as an avid musician with a strong love for music, primarily playing the accordion. Music was often a regular occurrence at the house when friends and relatives would gather. It didn’t take long before they would bring out all their instruments and begin playing polka and waltzes till the early morning hours. He loved sharing the music he played and was often seen playing for many weddings and social gatherings. He got opportunities to play and record some tracks with a few local artists. 

His children have fond memories of family summers at their Grandpa’s and Granny’s Cottage at Twin Beach and annual road trips to Grand Forks and Fargo to shop and find deals for the start of school. There was one multiweek road trip to Ontario, and even though there were many arguments along the way (to be expected with 5 people in a Buick) this will remain a memorable time for our family.

He always made sure to be there for his children attending all their school events, dance recitals, sports games, and musical events. He was often acting as chauffeur and photographer. He was always a dedicated grandfather (Gigi) loving the visits and attention given by his grandchildren. Even later in life, he made sure to proudly attend grandchildren’s events whenever he could. He enjoyed watching his grandson Austin chasing butterflies on the soccer field instead of the soccer ball, watching the granddaughters (Fawna and Hailey) dance recitals at the concert halls, listening to granddaughter Alexia’s music compositions, and making sure to attend his grandson Dylan’s high school and senior year football games to name a few. 

In his free time he liked to watch hockey, football, and curling games in the comfort of his home in his “spot” accompanied with a glass of rum in hand. When he could, he enjoyed attending The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Winnipeg Goldeyes games with family. He also spent many years curling with friends even up until last season, only stopping to care for his wife Olga as her health had changed. He spoke of returning to the curling rink again after his wife passed. He always sacrificed for his family and as long as he was with them he was happy. Edward and Olga enjoyed gardening in their backyard for many years using what they grew to make delicious meals, desserts, jams, as well as canning vegetables for the family. Together, they also both enjoyed weekly bowling at Gary Lanes. 

After he married his wife Olga, she made a rule that once a month he HAD to choose a day to cook dinner. In the beginning he always chose Mexican food to cook but overtime this cooking day developed into a passion for making all different types of food. He was often seen spending hours finding new recipes to try. One of his love languages became food and wanting to make sure everyone was full (whether they asked for food or not). Even if all you had was a mint from the jar or a handful of candies, you had to have left eating something. His grandchildren Austin and Fawna have fond memories of full days making perogies with Gigi as the kitchen supervisor teaching us how to assemble the perogies and being told, “You aren’t pinching the edges hard enough.” When they wouldn’t listen and the perogies boiled open in the water, he liked to tease them with the, “I told you so,” look. They quickly learned to always pinch the perogies hard enough. He loved to teach and tease them all at the same time. 

Edward loved his wife very much and has missed her greatly since her passing in November. It has brought comfort knowing he has been reunited with her. 

He will be greatly 

missed by us all.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​