Edward "Ed" van Oorschot ONB

With much gratitude for a life well lived, and with great sadness at the loss of a wonderful man, we say goodbye to Eke’s soulmate, our father and our Opa. Edward van Oorschot, born in Roosendaal, Netherlands, embarked on a remarkable journey that spanned continents, professions, and passions. His legacy, etched in the hearts of family, friends, and community members, reflects a life well-lived.

At the age of 20, Ed immigrated to Canada, where he met his soul mate, Eke Delange. They married in October 1954 in Stoney Creek, Ontario, and together, they built a family that would grow to include nine children: Darlene, (Erin), Cecily (Fred), Shirley (pre-deceased), Patty (Greg), Karin (Tim), Michael (Tara), John, Thomas and Danielle (Ken). He also leaves behind 21 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren. His youngest great grandchild, Harrison, was born on June 3, 2024, which is a wonderful symbol of the circle of life.

Over the years, Ed demonstrated a remarkable ability to be a “jack of all trades”, and master of many. He did whatever it took to provide for his family. He worked on a tobacco farm in Ontario. When he briefly lived in Hamilton, he sold himself as a bus driver who knew his way around the city (not true!!). When he worked at a sawmill in northern NB, he sold himself as a millwright (also not true!!). But he was a quick study, and learned whatever skills he needed to become a master.

Ed founded a construction company which thrived. He built many houses, including his own, and renovated many others. And, in 1971, after much prayer and soul searching, Ed and Eke decided to sell his share in the construction company in order to spend more time with his growing family, and to volunteer his talents to his community.

Ed’s hands were always busy—whether shaping wood, tending to the land, playing his beloved fiddle, or creating art. His studio and his workshop were his sanctuaries. Oil paintings adorned the walls, and intricate wood carvings and bowls created from exquisite burls graced the shelves. His relief carvings told stories—of resilience, beauty, and the human spirit. He loved to share his creativity by teaching others the art of woodcarving and painting.

A hobby farm brought a great deal of enjoyment to Ed. Even though he lived on the Loch Lomond Road, he still managed to house a couple of cows! When he moved to Black River with his family, he had goats (sorry for the loss of your flowers, neighbours!!), chickens and rabbits. He loved gardening, and always had the best crop of garlic around!

The Silverados was a special love of his. This was a group of (you guessed it – silver haired) musicians who entertained at several long term care and nursing homes. It brought Ed so much joy to see how happy his music made others.

But Ed’s legacy transcended craftsmanship. He was a champion for social justice. He co-founded CHARIS, a program that renovated low-income housing before funding was even available. The Lakewood Headstart, which he helped establish with Eke, provided educational opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and support to their moms. This went on to include a food bank and clothing center. And the Romero House Soup Kitchen in Saint John, which he helped found, continues to nourish both bodies and spirits.

The New Dawn community was established in order to bring a L’Arche community to Saint John. The monthly gatherings were a wonderful occasion to have people of all abilities celebrate together with music and fun. Ed established the mime group, New Dawn Players, which he directed for several years, to his delight.  

It seems Ed was always learning new skills. He learned to scuba dive, play the fiddle, and make cedar strip canoes. He renovated an old school bus into a “mobile” home, which took 11 of us all the way to Regina. Ed had so much fun with magic. He loved to learn new tricks, and entertain others with his sleight of hand. The Magic Circle was special to him, and he looked forward to seeing his fellow magicians at the monthly meetings.

Ed loved to fish, and would take his kids out with him. But no way would he put the worms on for us – if we wanted to fish, we had to do it all! We had 4-season fires on the beach, cooking hotdogs and roasting potatoes. He took us wilderness camping on many occasions.

Ed’s heart knew no borders. He and Eke volunteered at an orphanage in Mexico for 6 months, where they were able to use their skills to teach woodworking and sewing. They also spent several months at Harvest House in Saskatchewan providing support to this community. These experiences abroad enriched his understanding of humanity and fueled his commitment to service.

In recognition of his great service to his community, Ed received the Order of New Brunswick in 2018. And in 2023, he received the Queen’s Jubilee award. So well deserved!!!

Ed incredibly lived with cancer for 34 years, a testament to his resilience and love of life.  His legacy lives on through his family, the communities he touched, the wood he shaped, and the love he shared. Since we were young children growing up in a large family we have experienced first hand what is truly meant by the saying “We are our brother’s keeper”. As we bid farewell, we celebrate a life of purpose, compassion, and creativity—a life that echoes in the rustle of leaves, the grain of wood, and the laughter of generations.

The family of this amazing man would like to give special thanks to Dr. Scott Bagnell, Dr. Patrick Omotoso, Dr. Samantha Gray, Dr. Emily Love, Dr. Jessica Hemmings, Jason Steeves and his team at PharmaSave, the wonderful team at Extra Mural, and the caring Black River community.

          “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage”.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Fundy Funeral Home on Friday, June 21, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. We welcome you to help us celebrate the life of this remarkable man.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Seaview Community Center, Salvation Army, or Fresh Start.