It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of Edward Joseph Dyatt on the evening of December 6, 2023. Ed was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. He is predeceased by his sister Barbara and survived by his wife of 57 years Claire, son Samuel (Maija), daughter Gillian (Jayson), sisters Anne (Brian) and Helen (friend Andrew) and beloved granddaughters Ella and Chloë. A native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and a graduate of Queens University, Ed was born on May 28, 1940, and came to Canada with Claire and infant Samuel in 1968. He settled first in Merritt and later in Victoria, where Gillian was born.
Drawn by a spirit of adventure, Ed thrived with his young family in his new country, working first as a teacher, then as an electrical engineer for BC Hydro where he was held in great esteem by his colleagues for his charming affability, talent and integrity. A supremely gentle, thoughtful and erudite man, Ed demonstrated a profound love for his family and community, and a commitment to kindness. He spent many years working at his church and serving as a driver for hospital patients through the Saanich Volunteers. His talents were many and diverse: he was a logophile, a brilliant and perceptive writer and storyteller, reciter of poems, adventure cyclist, “Wordle” enthusiast, accomplished watercolour painter, and brilliant photographer (and unfailingly modest in all these endeavours!) While his passing leaves an unfillable hole for all who loved him, his memory shines on.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Pauline James Curtis
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Dennison Mahood Lowly memories of Edward when we were members of Cregagh Presbyterian Church, Belfadt in the mid 1950’s
Like the Dyatt family, his mother and father Ella and Sam, his sisters Helen, Barbara and Anne, he was a kind, compassionate person nd it was an honour to be in his company all those years ago.
My sincere sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. Dennison Mahood
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Jean and Nick Fenger We were very sorry to hear about Ed. You were great neighbours.
Our condolences Claire, Sam and Gillian and families.
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Pat McGuire Claire and Family;
May Memories console you and bring you strength in the days to come.
Our sincere condolences for your loss.
I worked in a different management department than Ed but we were all part of the local management team. I must concur that Ed was always held in high esteem by the management team and non-management staff. He was always respectful to others, an excellent engineer and a great sense of humour.
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Pat McConnachie Sending my thoughts and prayers to you all. He was a special man. I will miss the times chatting with him over a coffee.
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Wendy Patmore Dear Claire
I am so very sorry to read that your dear Ed has passed. I remember when we worked at the Bay together I had the great pleasure of hearing about your many adventures with Ed and family. So many memories to cherish.
Sending big hugs and my sincere condolences to you, Gillian, Sam and families.
Wendy Patmore
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Adrian A McDowell I met Edward (Ed) back in the late 1950s through Cregagh Presbyterian Church Youth Club , Belfast. Four of us became firm friends – Ed , me , Jim Quinn and Douglas Croskery now also sadly deceased.
Condolences to Claire and family.
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Deb Ayotte Dear Claire and family
Ed was my manager in the 70s Meter Shop. He was kind and compassionate and managed us gals well.
After he retired I was happy to see him and Claire on occasions. I’m sad that he is no longer with us physically but I know he is in good hands.
Know that he made a difference in many lives.
Take care. Rest well Ed.
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Pat Davis Claire,
I was sorry to hear of Ed’s death; my sincerest condolences go out to you and your family.
I loved working with you at the Bay and met Ed once at a Christmas gathering, with you. I remember him as being fun and kind.
May God be with you and your family during this sad time.
Pat Davis.
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Kristine L. Claire, Gillian, Sam and families: my sincere condolences for your loss. The news of Mr. Dyatt’s passing surfaces many fond memories of his support to us as teens, offering rides from the bus stop and from school dances. An ever-present roll model to those around him. I also remember his support to the environment and attachment to nature. Thinking of you during this time, and sending you all my love and support.
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Wendy Jordan My deepest condolences to you Claire and your family. Ed was such a quiet spoken, kind and very intelligent man. I remember him so well. RIP Ed
Dearest Claire, Sam, Gillian and families, I am so saddened to learn of Ed’s passing, and offer my deepest condolences with an apology in my lateness acknowledging your loss. Ed was so kind, witty, deeply caring, curious and humble. I know he would blush if he read all these remembrances and then try to explain why they were untrue because “I was just doing what any decent human being was doing, wasn’t I?” with great twinkles in his eyes and that warm grin he enjoyed punctuating his points with. I’m also sorry the years and life’s challenges added distance to our visits with you and Ed- I have such wonderful memories with you two, a special one being our get-together for dinner in Hawaii. I also loved reading Ed’s early collection of short stories. He will be so missed by so many, and the world feels emptier knowing he is ‘on the other side.’ I hope we will have a chance to reminisce more about Ed with you, Claire, one day. Much love, Pauline and Lee