We Remember
Rektor, Edward George
January 7, 1940 — October 4, 2012
Of West Kelowna, BC – Born January 07, 1940 in his parents’ home in Gerald, Saskatchewan. Beloved husband of Theresa (nee McDonnell), called home into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, October 4, 2012. Memorial service will be on Friday, October 12, 2012, at 1:30 pm at Lakeview Heights Baptist Church, West Kelowna.
Ed was the seventh of eleven children of Frank and Amelia Rektor. He is predeceased by his father and mother and oldest brother Frank. He is survived by his loving, caring wife of 53 years, Theresa Rektor (nee McDonnell); daughter Laurie Ann Rektor and husband Gord Aitken, grand children Emma and Hannah, of Ottawa, Ontario; son Christopher Rektor and wife Susan, grand children Naomi, James and Victoria, of West Kelowna, BC; son Joseph Rektor and wife Anita, grand children Janelle and Melissa of Prince Rupert, BC; daughter Min Mary Frances Knight and husband Rob Knight, grand children Sarah, Jennifer and Stephanie, of West Kelowna, BC; and son Matthew Rektor and wife Vanessa, grand children Emily and Kathryn, of North Delta, BC. Also survived by nine brothers and sisters as follow: Amy of Waterloo, Ontario; Carl of North Vancouver, BC; Joseph (Ruth) of New Hamburg, Ontario; Anne of Kitchener, Ontario; Stanley (Marlene) of Waterloo, Ontario; Marion of Kitchener, Ontario; Lillian (Bruno) of Sudbury, Ontario; Larry (LeeAnn) of Wellesley, Ontario and Joyce of Milton, Ontario, plus many, many nieces and nephews from both the Rektor and McDonnell families.
Ed desired to include his own thoughts and reflections on his life:
January 07, 1940 was a very cold winter morning on the prairies, so I had been told but did not remember much. We lived in Gerald until 1941, and then moved to Port Arthur, Ontario. In 1945 the family relocated to Kitchener, Ontario where his dad was employed as a skilled tool and die maker for his entire life. We enjoyed many good times with other Czech relatives and friends in Kitchener.
After a 3-year courtship with Theresa McDonnell, the love of my life, we married on May 16, 1959. We both love children, having babysat many nieces and nephews during our courtship and always said we wanted to have 12 children (I was from a family of 11 and Theresa a family of 7). Bottom line is that after having 5 children we decided that 12 might not be such a good idea, however, we do have 12 grandchildren.
An avid court handball player since age 25, and also played squash and for many years ran 3 miles per day. In 1986 we hosted the World Court Handball Championships in Kelowna attracting over 450 players (from seven countries) plus spouses and children. We used 16 indoor courts at two clubs. My wife Theresa, son Christopher and daughter Min contributed most of their week to this endeavor. On June 25, 1987, our youngest son Matthew and I (on a bicycle custom-built by son Joseph from recycled parts) set out on our 4,000 kilometer 10-speed bicycle ride from Kelowna, BC to Kitchener, Ontario, a trip that Matt and I forever cherish. We were accompanied by Theresa and Christopher driving our 1970 VW Van. No cell phones or long-range Walkie-Talkies in those days so we carefully marked two sets of maps determining our routing for the day and met up each night for camping.
After a 15 year career in advertising with the Kitchener Waterloo daily newspaper, I chose to enter real estate in February 1971 and immediately became keenly interested in self-education including achieving my Broker’s license and later, an FRI degree awarded to me in 1976 in Quebec City. Real Estate Education intrigued me and I began instructing the 150 hour pre-licensing course for Ontario Real Estate Association from 1974 or 1975 until relocating to BC in 1979. I started with British Columbia Real Estate Association as an instructor in 1985. I have always found teaching real estate as one of my most personally satisfying real estate experiences, because I thoroughly enjoyed helping Realtors to get started in their new careers.
Owned and operated Rektor Realty Inc. and Twin City Realty Inc in Kitchener Waterloo, owned and operated Bestco Real Estate Inc in Kelowna and worked with various real estate firms in Kelowna, lastly with Realty Executives of Kelowna.
My greatest life-altering experience occurred in 1980, when as a very arrogant and self-centred individual found my life spinning out of control. A Bible verse that I had been aware of for many years, kept cropping up into my brain even though I tried to suppress it because I was having so much (fun?), finally hit me between the eyes like a 2 by 4.
That verse is “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36 NASB
It was then I turned my life over to Jesus Christ and accepted Him as my Lord and Savior and repented of my sinful life. He never promised a smooth path from thereon, but life has been so much more meaningful since then. I have served on several church boards, and found myself devoting increasingly more time to church work than even my real estate career, but have never regretted that decision. Theresa and I thrived on family gatherings which include 24 of us for any fully attended function such as many Christmas and Easter meals together, other special family functions and including our 50th Anniversary in 2009.
My fervent prayer is that unsaved relatives and friends would get to know Jesus through his Holy Word, the Bible, and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, repent of their sins and receive eternal glory with our God and Creator. Jesus put it succinctly in John 14, verse 6: “Jesus said to him (Thomas), I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” NASB
Service
Friday, October 12, 2012, at 1:30 pm
Location
Lakeview Heights Baptist Church
Our deepest sympathy to you Theresa and family. Ed has left an empty space in your lives but he has reached a greater reward .
May the Lord give you peace beyond human understanding. – Dave and Ann
To Laurie and family:
So many of us are thinking of you and are with you in spirit as you face the loss of your beloved father. I am sure your love and devotion was a great comfort to him and gave him much peace. Wishing you all strength to deal with your great loss. We are standing with you.
Linda Merali
Dear Theresa, we are so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing, but rejoice in his home-going as he is now with the Lord whom he so faithfully served. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and may God give you much peace and comfort in the days ahead.
With all our love,
Hiko, Ethel and Faith Kinoshita
DEEPLY SADDENED…SINCERE SYMPATHY TO THERESA AND FAMILY.
Jim Boland Waterloo
Dear Aunt Theresa
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Eddy’s passing. We have some wonderful memories of growing up. It was Uncle Eddy who first shared ” The Wonderful World of Disney” to our family on a Sunday evening in the family room on Lydia Street. To this day I am a big “Disney” fan.
As you grieve, know that we are remembering Uncle Eddy with fondness.
Bridget and Family
Bruce and I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences from all of the family of Emil and Anne Rose Rektor. We will be praying for strenght and guidance for the whole family.
Theresa – so sorry to hear about Ed. Have so many good memories from Lyle Place,many pics of our kids, Jennifer & Pam.
Theresa & Family:
We share in your sorrow and we will pray for you and your family.
Love,
Louis & Janice Paleczny & Family
We were so shocked to read the obituary in the Courier this morning! Ed sold my townhouse for me in the mid-1990’s and he was always a familiar sight in Lakeview Heights. We also always enjoyed his letters to the Editor and always agree with him. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Joe: To you and all the family our sincere condolonces on the passing of your father.
God Bless.
Dear Tereas & Family,
My deepest sympathy.After all these years I still cherish memories of Eddie & the whole Rector family,living down the block on Wilhelm St.,being school mates at Sacred Heart,& getting goodies from the family garden.I am so sorry for your loss.
Gary
Sincere sympathy to Theresa and family. Eddy was a classmate and good buddy of mine in the mid 50’s at St Jerome’s High in Kitchener. God Bless. May he rest in peace!
Our deep sympathy to Ed’s family.
Theresa and Family
I am so glad that Ed and I were able to keep in touch via Skype these last few months.We shared many moments over our 50 years of friendship.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathies to your entire family from your neighbours across the street on Lydia from ’68-’72.. The Schmelefske’s.
Our love and prayers are with you during this difficult time Theresa.
I will miss those morning discussions over breakfast at A&W! Ed, thank-you for the words of advice and support. Rest in peace with our Lord Jesus my good friend.
Dear Marlene and Family,
I am so sorry to read about Ed’s passing. I remember him the days he worked at the Record. God bless all of you.
Sandi Farwell
I am so sorry, I meant Theresa and Family.
Sandi Farwell
Jocelyne and I would like to offer our condolences to Theresa and the family. Ed was a good friend and an inspiration. I will miss his wry sense of humour.
Adieu, mon ami.
Jocelyne and Steve
I remember Ed as a great friend, teacher, athlete and family man. Even though I haven’t seen Ed for a few years, I will always remember and be thankful for the business advice and friendship that he extended me when I first came to Kitchener. I am honoured to call Eddie my friend. I express my deepest sympathy to Theresa and the family — we’ll miss you Ed. Richard
To Eddys family & friends. Sorry to hear of Ed,s passing. As a former fellow R.E Broker in K.W.I got to know Ed. quite well. In those years all the Brokers knew each other on a personal basis. Contacted & spoke to Ed. once,when in Kelowna some years ago. Glad to hear Ed lived a happy spiritual life with Theresa in Kelowna.I have moved with my wife Glad, to Vancouver Island several years ago.Regards to the Recktor Family
Dear Teresa and family,
We were very saddened to read of Ed’s passing and send our deepest condolences. West Kelowna’s gain was definitely our loss and we’re thinking of you fondly at this sad time. God Bless all of you. Gerry and Marie
I had the pleasure of getting to know Ed as we both taught the Post-Licensing course for new realtors-Ed in the Okanagan and I in Victoria-we got to know each other at our Joint Seminars over the years.
I always found Ed to be a real gentleman and enjoyed his company-I am sure he will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
My sincere condolences to his family.
May Gods’ richest blessing fill your hearts and minds during this sad time for you.
Dale Briggs, Victoria
Joe,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We will be praying for your family during this difficult time.
Theresa and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you walk through this valley of grief. May the Lord surround you with comfort and be your strength. I am so thankful that we don’t mourn as those without hope.
I will continue to lift you all up … Karen Hansen
Dear Theresa,
Passing along my warmfelt condolences to you and your family in this difficult time. I do not know the details of his passing, and only learned it through the local Newspaper, but I do know how much Ed had an effect on Andrew and I many years ago. His voice, inspiration and words continue to carry with me throughout my lifetime. Also, “Thank-you” to you and Ed, for raising such a great family that we had the pleasure of being a part of, especially Joe and Anita.
Sadly,
Koriena Budd (nee Ross)
Added note: What a great picture
Dear Theresa and family. We were sorry to hear about Ed’s passing. I didn’t know you were out west. I remember our grade school days with fond memories. God Bless you all Kathleen “Schmuck” Potje
Theresa & family:
May God comfort and sustain you through this difficult time. Due to a previous appointment we regret that we will not be able to attend on Friday. Sincere love & condolences, Reg & Ali
Dear Theresa & family!
Our deepest sympathy to you all. We will miss Ed’s phone calls on our birthday’s and anniversaries. We had the pleasure to know Ed & his family since 1989 when I, Ladi, have met Ed at Re/Max Conference in Ottawa, where we lived at the time. Ed was instrumental to our move to Kelowna year later. Ed & the family became good friends and inspiration. We will miss Ed’s caring personality. Ladi & Vlasta from Langley, BC
Dear Theresa,
Our deepest sympathies are sent to you and you family.
Ed will be remembered by us as a kind & gentle man. We send our condolences & hope you take comfort & strength in the caring of friends.
He will be missed.
Germano & Chris Goncalves
Our deepest condolences, we will always remember Ed and will pray for your family during this difficult time.
Dearest Aunt Theresa:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and indeed, with all Rektor family members.
Sincerely, Brian & Anne Rector
Dearest Aunt Theresa,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and all Rektor family members.
Sincerely,
Brian& Anne Rector.
Aunt Theresa and family, our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Uncle Ed will be missed.
The Merkley family.
Dear Theresa and family,
even though I’m far away, I share the sorrow of your loss.
Ed has been my teacher and mentor in the real estate business before we became friends.
He shared his knowledge and time so generously, that I will always think of him with deep gratitude. His integrity, his professionality and thorough knowledge make him an example for every business person.
Ed and Theresa invited me into their home and their church and I feel priviledged to call such kind and gracious people my friends.
Ed made this world a better place and I will always miss him.
Doris Schreiber
Tenerife
Dear Aunt Theresa and family, I have been so sad to hear about Uncle Ed. My thought and love are with you. I hope this sad ocassion will also be an opportunity to reflect and celebrate what a warm and wonderful man uncle Ed was. He will be missed.
Sending my love from New York,
Laura
Theresa…and family
Sad to hear of Eddy’s passing.
It was good to read Eddy’s ‘Thoughts and Reflections’ and have this to fill in the blanks of the so many years that have passed by since last seeing you two. Remember our visit with you in your first apartment on Pandora St.; moving on to Lyle Crescent…and all the Record years we chummed around together.
Blessings,
Larry (Marg) Shantz