Edward David Rohanchuk passed away on December 28, 2025. Born on March 28, 1946, in Fort William to Michael and Mary Rohanchuk. Ed lived a life marked by responsibility, curiosity, and a deep love for the people and passions that mattered most to him.
Known simply as Ed, he loved to make people laugh. His humour ranged from classic dad jokes to flirtatious or ill-timed remarks, delivered with a grin and a clear enjoyment of the reaction it earned. It was never subtle, but it was always part of who he was.
Ed spent his working life in two meaningful careers. He began as a male nurse assistant at the psychiatric hospital, then went on to a long career at Northern Woods, where he worked for more than 25 years. His dedication and reliability were recognized with a gold watch and a dinner with the company president, reflecting the respect he earned over decades of service.
Outside of work, chess was one of Ed’s great passions. He devoted years to the Chess Federation, organizing tournaments and promoting the game in the community. He believed chess sharpened the mind and benefited people of all ages, and he worked tirelessly to share that belief. That love began in childhood after the passing of his father, when Ed went to live with his aunt and uncle, Olga and Michael Repuska. Michael became a father figure to him and introduced him to both chess and coin collecting, interests he carried throughout his life.
Ed was also an early technology enthusiast. A proud nerd before it was common, he had one of the earliest home computers and loved computer games, passing that curiosity on to his children.
Ed was married to Joy Bell, the only woman he ever married and the mother of his children. Though their marriage ended, they maintained a close, respectful, and supportive relationship throughout their lives. They continued to share holidays and family time, and after the passing of Ed’s longtime partner, Leona, he moved in with Joy, where he lived for the final year and a half of his life. Their continued mutual care stood as a meaningful example of family built on respect.
Ed also shared many important years with his partner Leona, who predeceased him. Together they built a loving home with their dogs, Austin and Peaches, who were very much family. Peaches was especially Leona’s, while Austin held a special place with Ed, joining him on walks and famously sharing steak breakfasts.
Ed is survived by his daughter Margaret Carroll, his son Michael Rohanchuk, and his grandson Samuel Towsey. He is also survived by his sister-in-heart, Linda Brescia, who was his cousin by blood but a sister by life.
He is further survived by his half-brother Howard and his wife Deborah, and their children Tyler and Jamie; his half-sister Mariann and her husband Lee, and their children Robin and Katrina; and by the children of his predeceased half-brother Ron, DJ and Levi.
Ed lived a life defined by steadiness, curiosity, and heart. He showed up for the people he loved, stayed true to what mattered to him, and never stopped trying to bring a little laughter into the room.
A cremation has taken place. A celebration of life for friends and family will be held at a future date this summer, where those who knew Ed will gather to share stories, laughter, and perhaps even one last chess game in his honour. In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted at the celebration, to be directed toward causes that mattered most to him, particularly initiatives supporting the chess community.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
