October 17, 1941 – April 18, 2020

John Edward Dorion, 78, of Vernon, BC, passed away suddenly on April 18, 2020.

Ed is survived by his wife Linda, children Craig (Alisa) Dorion, Lorrie (Scott) Cramb, and Sheri Bourcier, stepchildren Chris (Bev) Berkholtz , Jill (Paul) Ploegman, grandchildren Matthew, Colton, Brendan, Mason, Donovan, Quinn and Azriel.

Ed was born on October 17, 1941 in Chatham, Quebec to Oscar Kenrick Dorion and Mary Frances (nee Donahue). “Fast Eddie”, one of seven children, lived a rambunctious life in Quebec along with his brothers and sisters, Marjorie, Patsy, George, Jimmy, Freddie and Sandra.

His sister, Sandra introduced his first wife, Jean to Ed, whom he later married in August of 1963. Ed and Jean were married for 34 years until her passing in 1997.

Ed graduated from UNB in 1965 with a degree in Forestry. Following graduation, the family moved west settling in Port McNeil, BC working for Rayonier. This began his lifelong career in the BC forest industry working for Weldwood (Toba Inlet, Powell River, Surrey and 100 Mile House) and Evans Canada (Golden and Vancouver). Ed was a past chairman of the Interior Lumber Manufacturer’s Association, member of the British Columbia Forest Sector Strategy Committee and served on several boards, including BC Council of Forest Industries and Fibreco.

One of Ed’s proudest career accomplishments was leading a group of managers from Golden and Donald to acquire Evans Canada from bankruptcy. The company was subsequently renamed Evans Forest Products Canada where Ed served as President and CEO until his retirement in 1995 to Sicamous.

Throughout his life, Ed enjoyed vacationing with his family. There were many family trips to Waikiki that often involved long and meandering walks up to Diamond Head, golden poofers at Moose’s and boogie boarding. From Christmases celebrated in Mexico to fishing trips in Tofino, the family is left with many fond vacation memories.

Ed loved being on the water, whether it was fishing on Canim Lake or just a “short” boat trip up the arms of Shuswap Lake. Golfing was another passion of Ed’s, one that he shared with both his son and grandsons. “Papa Ed” often kept his grandsons in stitches on the many rounds they played together through his own interpretation of the rules. Ed was a member of the Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club and a life-time member of the Golden Golf Club.

In retirement, Ed enjoyed many (mis-) adventures in the motorhome, warm weather winters in Palm Springs golfing and gambling and being more involved with his grandchildren. Papa Ed was a huge supporter of their sports and musical shows. Along with his nephew Jeff, Ed was an avid researcher into his relative Sir John Johnson who was a Loyalist leader during the American Revolution.

Most notably, Ed was known for his generosity, not just to family, but to the community and others. Whether it was helping his nephews move out west or purchasing jerseys for the local hockey team, Ed always wanted to help.

Ed was pre-deceased by his first wife Jean Mary Dorion (nee Burns), sisters Patsy Mooney and Marjorie Curtis, brothers George and Jimmy Dorion, and nephews Glen Mooney, Jeff Curtis and David Curtis.

At a later date, we will gather and have a great celebration of Ed’s life. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting pleasantvalleyfh.com.

Arrangements entrusted with Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, BC. 250-542-4333