Obituary of Edward William Conley

Edward “Gadee” William Conley passed away peacefully, with family by his side at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, April 28, 2025 at the age of 69 years.

Ed was born on New Year’s Day 1956 to Vel and Dave Conley.  Growing up Ed lived in Brandon and Alexander.  He met and married June Lepine in 1976 and together they had four children.  As a teenager Ed loved the time he spent in Sandy Lake where he learned to fish, roller skate and made life-long friends.  Ed loved nature and animals, with a particular passion for his "fowl" friends.  He raised pheasants, chickens and ducks and loved to show them at Country Fairs.   

Ed worked for both CN and CP Rail.  When he left Alexander he headed east to Ontario where he found work as an industrial painter.  Around 2003, Ed moved west to Vancouver where his son David joined him and they worked for one of the largest painting contractors in BC (MNL painting).  For a time Ed had his own company.  Ed loved his time in British Columbia and the friends he made there. 

He was an avid gardener, loved to fish and was an amazing baker, his butter tarts and cinnamon buns were legendary!  

Ed was kind, generous and always found the good in other people and had a great sense of humor.  His friend Daphne said in all the time she knew Ed he never said an unkind word about anyone.  

Winter or summer Ed's standard wardrobe was blue jeans, a long sleeve shirt and a ball cap!  Ed enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.... sharing a cool one and swapping stories with family and friends.

Two years ago, as Ed's health deteriorated, he returned to Brandon to live with his son David where he enjoyed the love and support of his family.

The past 2 years found Ed enjoying family dinners, BBQ's, rides in the country with his brother, campfires and even a camping trip to The Pas with some of his children and grandchildren.....a multitude of memories for his children, grandchildren and siblings to hold dear.  Ed cherished these times. 

Ed was predeceased by his parents, Velma and David and brother, Terry. Ed will be lovingly remembered by his children Doss (Colleen), David, O’Jay (Michelle) and Zoe (Jeff) Hansford; grandchildren Taylor, Thea, Kadence, Keaston, Logan, Deklan, Zandria and Xzavier and siblings Lois Riley (Lorne), Linda Lee (Vern), Cecil Conley (Marion) and Dayle Kristolavich (Larry).  The family will honour Ed’s memory privately. Donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the Neepawa Bird Sanctuary, Park Lake Dr. Neepawa, MB R1N 3Z4. Complete obituary information to follow.