April 19, 1953 – August 4, 2025
Edward Charles Broeders, 72, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 4, 2025.
Born in Woodstock, Ontario, Ed was a graduate of the University of Waterloo, a professional mechanical engineer, a proud Rotarian, and a lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan. He was also a devoted supporter of the Corby Town Football Club in England. Ed made Minnesota his home for many years, giving generously of his time through coaching and volunteering, and sharing his passion for hockey, soccer, and football with others. He was deeply involved in foreign exchange programs, opening his home and heart to students from around the world and fostering lifelong friendships across cultures.
He is survived by his wife Ruth; sons Jeff (Karyn) and Mark (Leah); granddaughter Dayton and grandson Crew; sister Debbie (Brian); and niece and nephew, Jennifer (Mike) and David (Cindy) and families.
His legacy of love, laughter, and dedication will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him. A private gathering for family and close friends will be held at a later date in his honour.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Sam and Niki Gallo
Ruth and family, words cannot express how shocked we were to hear of Ed”s passing. Always had a smile on his face and a great conversationalist. He will surely be missed. Our sincerest condolences. Memories made will forever be in your hearts. Sam and Niki Gallo
Patti and Len Foley
Ruth and family, Len and I are very sorry to hear the sad news. We’re glad we were able to connect and see you both at the Rotary dinner in June. He leaves an incredible and impactful legacy of dedication to community through his work, alongside you, with Bolton Rotary. We extend our condolences to you and your family.
Rajeev Wijesinghe
Dearest Ruth, Jeff, and Mark,
Please accept my deepest condolences. I will always remember Ed with great fondness and remain grateful for his friendship and example. Please be assured that my prayers are with you.
Rajeev
Chico Ferro, D4510
Dear Ruth and family members,
I can hardly believe Ed is gone. He was not only my partner in helping change the lives of so many young people through Rotary Youth Exchange, but also a dear friend whose kindness touched countless hearts. His home and heart were always open to the world, creating friendships that crossed oceans and cultures. May you and your family find comfort in the pride of the remarkable journey he walked on this earth. I will always remember him with deep affection.
With sympathy and friendship,
Charissa Yavtucovich
Dear Ruth and family.
I was in Australia when I heard this sad news. Words cannot express how sad and sorry I am. I loved seeing him at Rotary and appreciated his mentorship and friendship. He will be missed!
My thoughts and prayers to you and the extended family at this time of such grief.
Nick Stepanyuk
My sincere condolences to Ruth and family. I had an honour to meet Ed at Bolton Rotary club, and Ed’s vision, kindness, and humorous touch to any conversation will most definitely be missed. Rest in peace, Ed.
Javier Cordero
The world and all of us who knew him have lost a piece of our heart. Ed’s departure has my heart in a thousand pieces, from heaven, he will continue to participate in the youth exchange program, watching over us and always with a good joke. There are no words for the pain he leaves in our souls. But I know that wherever he is, his memory and legacy will be an example of dedication and love in the service of others.
Wishing the whole family comfort and peace to face the days ahead.
Hugs from Quito-Ecuador.
Karine DESCAMPS
Dear Ruth,
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ed.
As someone who was so passionately involved in Youth Exchange, he touched the lives of many young people and left a lasting legacy of friendship, and understanding. I had the privilege of knowing him through RYE and he will always be remembered. He was such a good man.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Wishing you strength in the days ahead.
Karine – Rotary Youth Exchange – France
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Diane Tolstoy
Ed was a dear friend and fellow Rotarian to my beloved Stan Janes. May they now rest in peace and enjoy the continuance of their friendship in the beyond.
Julieanne Lawrence
Ruth, my deepest condolences. Ed was a wonderful human who had a heart of gold. He will be missed. May he be in peace. Sending all my love to you.
Julieanne
Saifur Rahmani
Dear Ruth,
I was heartbroken to hear about the passing of Ed, and I want to express my deepest condolences to you and your family.
During my time as an exchange student, Ed’s kindness, warmth, and generosity left a lasting impression on me. He welcomed me not just as a guest, but as a member of the family. I will always cherish the memories we shared – his sense of humor, his wisdom, and the way he made me feel at home.
Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I hope you can find some comfort in the many lives he touched and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind.
With heartfelt sympathy across the ocean from Vienna,
Saifur
Frank Macellaio
The world has lost a truly remarkable man, our deepest condolences to you and your family from me and Susie.
Alexander Michael Amador
I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Ed, a truly wonderful man whose warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. Though his time with us was far too short, the legacy he leaves behind is vast and his absence leaves a space that words can scarcely fill.
My family and I will always be grateful for the love, dedication and care he so kindly shared with my daughter Christine and all my family.
To Ruth, his beloved partner in life, and to his sons and family, please know that my heart is with you. May you all find solace in the memories you hold, and strength in the love that surrounds you now.
I grieve with you, I remember with you, and I honour Ed with you.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Alex
Esther Darlow
Sorry to hear about Ed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Ron Kyle
Dear Ruth and family,
So sad to hear of Ed’s passing. I was thinking of him and was to send a text to hear his laughing happy voice. The Cat Stevens song goes; “You’re only on this earth for a short while”! That is so true for all of us. He will be missed but we will dance and sing again soon. Let us know if you make it down to Florida again this year. Always a place to lay your weary head in our home.
Love you,
Ron and Jeannette
Mike & Pam Theisen
Ruth, Mark, Leah, Jeff, Karyn, Dayton & Crew,
We were in shock when we heard of the unexpected death of Ed. He was a wonderful man and a great friend to Pam and Me and our family. Our condolences cannot express our true feelings. I have had time to think of the great times that we had with Ed and family over the years centered around our soccer teams and just enjoying each others company. His wit will be missed. I can not express enough on how much he will be missed. Even though we are 700 miles away, we still felt the closeness to Ed and the family. May God Bless you at this time. I pray that God gives you all comfort during this time of sorrow.
Charles Danchertsen
Ruth and family:
Betty and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Ed. He was such a kind and loving person and we have some wonderful memories of our AFS connection that brought us together. God Bless you and your family
Len Ellis
I express my deepest sympathy in this time of grief. The Bible promises that your loved one will soon live again on a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more in John 5:28, 29, and Revelation 21:4.
Jane Chapman
We were very saddened to her of Ed’s passing. Our condolences to you Ruth & your family.
Sincerely Jane & Don
Art Farrugia
Dear Ruth, Jeff, Mark and family, the loss of Ed leaves a big hole in our hearts… he was a man with many accomplishments. He touched so many people in his travels and I for one will miss my friend. My sincerest condolences
Tina Møller Sørensen Amador
Dear sweet Ruth.
I am really sad to hear that Ed has passed away in such a young age. He will definitely be missed. Please accept my condolences.
Ed was a dedicated Rotarian who had a big heart and love for the youth exchange program. I will remember the good times we spent together at Rotary events around the world where we always had a lot of fun and good talks.
Ruth, I want you to know that you both have a special place in my heart. I will always be very grateful to you both for having received Christine in your home and Rotary Club Bolton.
Ed will always be remembered for his beautiful smile, kindness and time he gave to others. Honoured is his memory.
Love Tina xxxx
Denmark
Roy Prendas
This is the 1995 International AFS Indoors Football Team in Minnesota, US.
Our team consisted of a group foreign exchange students from 11 countries that I can remember: Canada, Paraguay, Norway, Brazil, Germany, Costa Rica, Slovakia, Spain, Belgium, Colombia and Switzerland. What a dream that was!!!
Our Coach, Ed Broeders, now rests in peace. I learned of his passing just today.
Instead of putting this international team together, Ed could have gone out with friends, played golf, or just relax at home.
But instead he gave us his time, the one thing no one can ever give you back. He gave us one of the most valuable and irreplaceable things he had.
His time alone did wonders with us and for us…Ed built a sense of team, belonging, and, above all, a friendship that has lasted despite the distances between our countries and the passage of time in the form of decades.
Have you ever thought about what will people remember of you when you die?
I will remember Ed as the guy who made a difference by giving us his heart in the coolest sport the world has ever seen…football nahh, LOVE, my friend, LOVE. Just like football, in love you have to show up in the field for every game and give your best everytime. That he did.
I will look for you in the field again one day. Until then Coach.
Roy Prendas Álvarez
AFS Costa Rica – Minnesota 1995
Robert Francek
Dear Ruth, Jeff, and Mark,
My deepest condolences to you. It was a great time when in 1995/1996 I was an AFS student and Ed was our soccer coach, and we had great time together as a team. I keep great memories from those times.
Sincerely Robert, Slovakia
Carol Good
Dear Ruth and family
Doug and I offer our deepest condolences after Ed’s unexpected death. The shocking news will send waves around the world with all the lives he touched with his generosity, enthusiasm and humour. His leaves a large hole in many lives-especially yours.
Sending love and hugs
Len Stevano
Ruth and Family,
I am so sorry to hear the news. This was so unexpected. Ed was an inspiration to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Pat DiBerto
Ruth and family,
I’m so sorry and shocked on hearing the sudden and unexpected passing of Ed. He was a great friend and will be greatly
missed. My Condolences to you and your family.
Stephanie Sørensen Amador
Dear Ruth,
My family and I extend our heartfelt condolences.
Ed will always be remembered as a kind and generous soul, truly embodying the spirit of “Service above self.” He cared for my sister Christine as a devoted host father and extended that same warmth to our whole family – just as you have, dear Ruth.
I will always cherish the memory of our dinner in Lisbon in 2013.
Sending love and thoughts from Denmark.
Barbara Frank
After reading these messages I see how little I knew about this wonderful man and his generosity in the world. So beautiful. I did know Ed socially, though, always gentle and friendly, a neighbourly neighbour. I am so sorry for your loss, Ruth and family and friends.
Ross & Kathy Farrelly
Dear Ruth & Family
We got to know Ed and Ruth several years ago when we worked closely with them to organize the Rotary Youth program. Every year we would plan a program to help prepare next years group get ready for their exchange. They also hosted our inbound students in their house who helped explain their country to our outbound students. Ed and Ruth were always an essential part of the process. Ed’s gentle manner and sense of humour will be missed. A true Rotarian who did make a difference.
Jean. Mason
Ruth & Family, please accept my condolences for Ed’s death. A big man with a big heart. Hugs.
Susana Villalba
Dear Mama Ruth, Mark, Leah, Jeff and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the unexpected passing of Papa Ed.
Our chance meeting during my exchange year in 1995-96 blossomed into a beautiful friendship that spanned over three decades.
He was an incredible person, kind, witty and generous soul who made a lasting impact on my life. Papa Ed’s love, understanding, and support meant the world to me.
I am grateful for the adventures we shared, specially the last fifteen years from our travels across the continent, laughing, sharing stories and creating unforgettable moments together.
As his Paraguayan favorite daughter and only cheerleader of his soccer team, I feel privileged to have had him as my Canadian Papa. I’ll miss his guidance and his unwavering support. Please know that I am thinking of you all during this difficult time, and I send my love and condolences.
May Papa Ed’s legacy live on through the countless lives he touched, and may his memory be a blessing to you all.
With love from Paraguay
Susana
Cheryl and Mike Babcock
Ruth and family,
Mike and I are shocked and saddened to hear of Ed’s sudden passing. He will be missed by so many. We first met Ed when you had moved onto Schaefer Place and have kept in touch in passing since we moved away. He always had such a friendly and welcoming smile. Our prayers go out to all of you at this very difficult time.
Mike and Cheryl Babcock
Nancy Boer
Ruth, Jeff and Mark.
Condolences from the Boer family. Ed had the best laugh. Sorry for your loss.
Carol Lora
Ruth, Mark and Jeff,
I was so sad to hear about Ed’s passing, but I will always remember the joy he brought to every room. When I met him, he was always happy, kind, and welcoming to all of us. His warmth touched so many lives, and that light will live on in the memories we share. Sending you love and a big hug during this time. Abrazos fuertes!
Flo
Ed was my dad when I was a foreign exchange student. He was the best dad I could ask for, made more bearable my days away from my family. He was a kind and loving dad.
So many memories come to my mind right now, like the time he help me to practice self defense because I was taking a course at School, when he took me to the prom or the time he came to my wedding and we laugh with Benja’s english and the “little chicken” anecdote. His phrase Are yo talking to the little People in your head? Is always with me.
It’s hard to say goodbye to you, Dad. I guess heaven has a new angel now and that is all the comfort we have.
Christine whalen
So sorry about the loss. Giving my condolences to the family.
The Whalens
Angelika Meisenbacher-Steckley
Dear Ruth. You have had an amazing life with Ed, that tall, handsome man I always saw you with. Such a vibrant couple, it seems that you should go on forever. My love to you, during this sad time.
Kathleen Dick
I am heartbroken to hear of Ed’s untimely passing! He was an amazing human and someone I always admired. His life was lived with the joy of serving others! We will miss you Ed. My deepest condolences go to his beloved Ruth and all of his family. Rest In Peace, Ed!
With love and sympathy.
Kathi and Timothy
Ken and Marion Merryman
Mark, Ruth and Families, Our sincere condolences. You will always be a part of our treasured youth hockey memories.
Barbara Kostenuk and Patrick Decraemer
Dear Ruth
We were heartbroken to hear about Ed’s sudden passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. We can only imagine the pain and shock you must be feeling, and we want you to know that our thoughts are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
Ed was a truly special person, kind, generous, and full of life. He had a way of making people feel at ease, and his presence always brought warmth to any room. We feel so fortunate to have known him and to have shared moments of friendship and laughter that we’ll carry with us always.
There are no words that can ease the weight of such a loss, but we hope you can find some comfort in knowing how deeply he was loved and respected by those around him. His memory will live on in the stories we tell, the lessons he shared, and the lives he touched.
If there’s anything you need—now or in the weeks to come—please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s helping with errands, listening when you need to talk, or simply sitting in silence, we’re here.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Barb and Pat
Aiika
My dearest family from the USA,
Please accept my deepest condolences.
I am in complete shock and can hardly believe this news. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. He was truly one of a kind and I will always cherish the beautiful memories I have of him – his loving nature, his warmth, and especially his wonderful sense of humor that I adored so much.
You two were the perfect couple, the perfect family- something I always wished I had. I love you all dearly. You gave me a whole new perspective on life, showing me that family is always number one. Because of your love and the way you lived, I am raising my son with kindness and love.
I often share stories about you with my partner and with Olly, keeping those memories alive. My heart is truly broken .
Sending you all my love to Mark and Jeff, with all my heart ❤️. Stay strong Love Aiika and family
Timon Luesink
Ruth, Jeff and Mark and rest if the family,
Sad to hear the news. please accept my condoleances
Stay strong!
Timon
The Netherlands
Val & Rose Sirianni
Ruth and family. The news of Ed’s passing was devastating to us. Ed was a kind, giving and loving man. We have always cherished his friendship and his congeniality. Ed was full of heart and love for others. We will definitely miss him as a friend and pray that he will find peace and happiness in God’s kingdom for it is there that he belongs. Again, we send you and all your family our deepest condolences and sympathy. May he play slow pitch in heaven as he played it here on earth – slow, determined and funny, when he ran the bases.
Louise & Robert Donato
Ruth and Family,
Our sincerest condolences in your loss. May you take comfort in all the precious memories you have made throughout the years and may you find peace in knowing you have an angel watching over you, always.
Louise, Robert and Lorianne Donato
Bernie Rochon
You will be missed by many. Your sense of humor, your dedication to the community and your knowing what is important in life has given many of us a path to follow. Rest in peace friend.
Bolton Physiotherapy Clinic
Dear Ruth,
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. He will forever be in your hearts. May he rest in peace.
Your Friends at Bolton Physiotherapy
Paricia and David Long
Ruth, Mark,Jeff I am so sad that you are missing Ed . It is true that every moment you will think I need to call Dad and husband to tell him something and realize I can’t talk to him and hear his voice. But remember he is still with you in your heart and mind. His words will be heard in your mind forever.
David and I will miss his presence. Ed was a great friend with a special connection . Whenever we would get together it was as if we just talked yesterday no matter how long it had been since we talked before.
Just know you and Ed will always be present in our life. Hugs to all of you.
Becky Smith
Dear Ruth, Jeff & Mark:
This is such a shock, you guys had been over to the house that evening. Oh my God, Ruth, I am here for you, please let me know if there is anything I can do, be it day or night, I am just as far away as the phone.
Love you Guys
Becky
Katherine Kostynyk
Heartfelt condolences to you, Ruth and your boys
Thinking of you, Ruth at this difficult time
The Kostynyk’s
David, Katherine, Kyra, Chloe
Pat Partinton
Ruth
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know exactly what you are going through. I am certain you have many wonderful memories to look back on. You have received condolences from all over the world. You sure made impressions on lots of people in your travels. What a wonderful life you two have had.
Jolene & Braden Coles
Ruth and family,
Sending prayers during this difficult time. May Ed’s legacy continue through shared memories and stories. May they bring you peace.
Marion Farrugia
Belated condolences to you, Ruth, and your family. I only just found the obituary, so I ust have missed it when I looked last month. He was a thoughtful and caring who will be greatly misses. Sincerely, Marion and Paul