Edward Depatie

1951 - 2026

With heavy hearts the family announces the sudden passing of Edward Depatie (74) on June 14, 2026 at Windsor Regional Hospital with loving family at his side.

Beloved husband of Lori (nee Godin).

Adored father of Joanne Rivest (Jeff) and John (Stephanie Brockman)

Best Papa in the world to Kyle Rivest (Katie), Lauren Rivest Colenutt (Colt), Erin Depatie, Conner Rivest (Mya), Katherine Rivest (Dustin)

Loving Old Papa to Beau and Kaiya Trowbridge and devoted Poppy to Maisie and Jackson Rivest and Harper, Brooke and Thea Colenutt.

Predeceased by his parents, Lucien Depatie and Stella and Tom McConnell, siblings Jackie Robbie, Diane Terava, Donna Lavergne and Gerry, Larry, Marcel and Donnie Depatie.

Lovingly remembered by siblings Ernie, Bobby (Gisele), Norman (Brenda), Andy (Jeff), Lucien and sisters and brothers in law Tim Robbie, Stan Terava, Lise Bisson, Deena Depatie and Rick Lavergne.

Ed will be deeply missed by his extended family, mother and father-in-law Joan and George Godin (both predeceased), sisters and brothers-in-law Joan and Morley Doherty, Janet and Rick Doherty, George Godin (the late Barbara) and Pat and Norman Vanier.

He will be remembered fondly by many nephews and nieces, neighbours and dear friends.

Ed was the kind of man who never stopped moving. He was the hardest worker you could ever meet — the one who kept every job running smoothly, who stayed until the work was done, and who took pride in doing things the right way. He retired from a career at Daimler Chrysler, though anyone who knew him would say he never truly “retired.” His hands and his heart were always busy helping someone.

He loved to laugh, loved to fish, and loved being surrounded by the people who mattered most. Some of his happiest days were spent on the water with family and friends, telling stories, teasing each other, and enjoying the simple joy of being together. Many of the family’s best fish fry dinners were made with fish he caught himself — shared with pride, laughter, and a full table.

Ed loved his wife, Lori, with a depth that was steady, playful, and full of affection. They adored each other. He loved to tease her, joke with her, and make her laugh — and she gave it right back. To him, she was simply “his love.” Married for 54 years, they were two hearts that truly became one. Their years were filled with companionship, and the kind of everyday joy that only comes from a lifetime spent loving the same person.

His son John would tell anyone that Ed wasn’t just his father — he was his best friend. They fished together, worked side by side, laughed at the same jokes, and understood each other in a way only the closest of fathers and sons can. When John married Steph, Ed welcomed her with open arms. She wasn’t a daughter‑in‑law to him — she was another daughter. Together, John and Steph shared countless memories with Ed, from family fish fries to long talks, to the everyday moments that made their bond so strong.

His daughter Joanne would say that trying to summarize her dad is almost impossible — how do you put into words the most amazing dad a girl could ever have? He was her steady place, her daily voice of comfort, her biggest supporter, and the person who cared about every detail of her day. They talked constantly — sometimes many times a day — because he genuinely wanted to know how she was doing, what she was thinking, and what was happening in her world.

When Joanne married Jeff, Ed embraced him as if he were his own son. Jeff wasn’t just “in the family” — he was family. Ed loved the two of them deeply, celebrated their milestones, and took great joy in being part of their everyday life. He loved Joanne fiercely, protected her quietly, and showed his love through a thousand small acts that added up to a lifetime of devotion.

All of the grandchildren — and their spouses — knew without question how much their Papa loved them. He built and renovated their homes, drove them to work, listened to their stories, and celebrated every milestone with them. He loved family gatherings, birthdays, holidays, and any excuse to bring everyone together.

The great‑grandchildren adored their Poppy/Old Papa. They ran to him with big hugs, climbed into his arms, and each had their own special bond with him. In their little world, he was a giant — steady, loving, and always there.

Ed lived a life of purpose, laughter, and devotion. His hands built things, but his heart built a family — strong, close, and full of love. His legacy lives in every life he touched.

The family of Ed Depatie welcomes you to join them for a Celebration of Life to be held at Atlas Tube Recreation Centre, 447 Renaud Line, Belle River, ON N8L 0J7, on July 19th from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm.

Messages and condolences for the family may be left in the comments box below.