18 Dec 1935 – 14 Jan 2021
Edward “Ted” MacDonald Strain, P. Eng., died on January 14, 2021, age 85, at Brampton Civic Hospital following a brief illness. Predeceased by his wife Janice (McEwan) Strain, son James Fraser (“Jamie”) and parents David and Myrtle Strain. Survived by his children Bob (Margaret), Valerie (Ric), Tom (Rachel) and Marilyn. Ted had a special relationship with each of his grandchildren, their partners and his great grandchildren. Ted is also survived by his brother Harly, the 4Ds, and his best friend Bernie Homonick.
Ted was a physicist, an engineer and a philosopher. His remarkable intellect and far-ranging curiosity ensured he always had many projects on the go. A true Renaissance man, he was a data communications pioneer, sailor, genealogist, app developer, canoe-tripper, gourmand, military pilot, entrepreneur, news junkie, seanchaí, scotch drinker, sports fan, business leader, hockey referee, inventor, portfolio watcher, guitar-playing singer of folk songs, bannock baker, reader, catamaran designer, athlete, fixer of small appliances, gardener, painter, all-round tinkerer and more. He will be missed.
Donations can be made to the Cryonics Institute (cryonics.org) or Heart & Stroke (heartandstroke.ca).
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Garry Paget
To the Strain Family,
While I never met Ted personally, I became aware of him through my friend John Macfie and seeing Ted’s steel hulled sailboat in its cradle, along Airport Road, as I drove by. John spoke to me of Ted’s interesting life both in his column and in person. Please accept my condolences and allow me to add a photo that some family members and friends may not be aware of. http://s3.cottagecountrynow.ca/special/parrysound/data/pdfs/435/02.pdf
Garry
Ron and Tina Shaw
So sorry to hear about Ted.
I think we were surprised because Ted seemed to have energy that would go on forever. Our hearts go out to all.
Take care of each other.
Ron and Tina Shaw.
Heather. Sheehan
We were fortunate to be neighbors of the Jan and Ted Strain family. Now we’ve lost the Patriarch. “Character”. Ted. Special love and thoughts to you all. Heather. for the Sheehan family.
Pat Gates
My condolences to you all Marilyn, Tom, Val and Bob. I enjoyed many of the ‘discussions’ I had with your Dad – from sailing to wine making. My thoughts and love are with you all. Pat.
Bill Barber
Bill and Linda Barber
Sorry to hear of yours loss. I have great memories of Ted refereeing hockey I still want to live on a property he raised the family on north of Bolton
Best wishes
Judy Anderson
To Tom, Siblings and Families
Sorry to hear.
MY CONDOLENCES
Judy Anderson
(Glens Mother)
Joyce Grant
His intellect, curiosity and ability reached so many people, in so many different fields. May we all be able to say that we lived our lives so thoroughly and so well.
I’m thinking of you all. xo
Karen
To Val and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Ted really was a renaissance man! He had an interesting and full life!
Hugs to you all, Karen
The Hicks family(Diane Strain)
Thinking of all of you. Uncle Ted was one of the most interesting and frustrating, men I have ever known in my life,but we sure had some great family times. We only need to look at his CDs he made us to see love and happiness. Puff the Magic Dragon is still one of my favourite songs. Wish we could be there to give everyone hugs.
Lynda Hamilton and Petlyn Farm friends
Our condolences to Ted’s family and friends, of which he had many. We got to know Ted through his astute arranging for a meeting of the Innis Lake Road neighbours. We did not know many of the neighbours and Ted got us all involved in some issues that we needed to be aware of. With many thanks to Ted, he opened the doors to getting to know him as well as neighbours becoming familiar with each other though his contact with everyone, urging us all on to the next issue to be resolved. Unfortunately he will not be here in person to guide us as we look into the solving our next challenge. We are hopeful he is watching closely to spur us on. We will miss his guidance and enthusiasm. Reading his obituary, we only wish we had had the time to know him better. What an extraordinary life.
Debi & Mark
Deepest heartfelt condolences to you all. Your Dad was a fascinating man who never hesitated to speak his mind, often with a glint in his eye! One of my fondest memories of Uncle Ted was at camp when all us kids were tucked in bed and he would serenade us on his guitar and sing songs until we all fell asleep. He will be missed and remembered!! Lots of love
Paul And Annie Mackey
Val and Ric and the Strain Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Your father always brought spirits up in any family gathering. So many stories that we didn’t get to hear. He loved his family, enjoyed beach breakfasts and weddings. May good memories fill your days.
Andrew Pearce
Val, Tom and the Strain Family,
I am very sorry of your loss. I got to know your father during our trip to Pangnirtung back in 1976. I was recently given a copy of the video that your father made of our Pang trip, which brought back so many great memories. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to thank him for doing that. By all accounts, your father was an incredible man. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Bill Mueller
Bob and family. So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Condolences to you and your family.
Bill Mueller
Abbotsford, B.C.
Alan & Sylvia Jackson
March 1st and I just heard. He was very much respected. He built ESE from the ground up to Motorola Information Systems , On and upwards to 700 employees. He enabled people careers. I could go on, so many great stories. I was there for the ride.
My condolences to the family
Alan Jackson
former financial Controller