We regret to advise of the death of Major Edward Walter “Ted” McConnell, CD (Ret’d) PEng, peacefully in his sleep at age 84 on 14 April 2015 in the Dr. Al Hogg Pavilion in White Rock BC following a lengthy illness. Ted was a veteran of the Second World War and served a 24-wear post-war career with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Construction Engineering officer.
Ted was born in Calgary AB and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 where he served as pilot instructor on many bases across Canada. Ted also flew coastal patrol aircraft out of Halifax NS and was there on VE Day.
Ted was demobilized in 1946. Between the end of the Second World War and the Korean War, Ted received a BSc in Mining Engineering from the University of Alberta in 1949. After graduation, he was manager of a strip mine in Coleman AB until 1950 when he re-enlisted in the RCAF in 1950 at the outbreak of the Korean War. Ted served a full career as a Base Construction Engineering officer across Canada with the RCAF until 1969 when he retired from the Canadian Forces.
Following his release from the Canadian Forces, Ted joined the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton where he taught mathematics to tradespeople in the Continuing Education Department from 1970 until 1986 when he retired at the age of 65 years.
Ted returned to Calgary in his retirement. He enjoyed gardening, curling, bridge and golf. He also volunteered for 15 years at Bethany Lifeline, demonstrating and installing lifeline units. Failing health in his early 80s prompted his move to White Rock in 2004 and ,subsequently to Surrey, to be near his sons.
Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held on 4 May 2015 at 3:00 pm in Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2350-148 St., Surrey BC.
