Obituary of Edward John Spruin

Edward John Spruin, of Halifax passed away peacefully on April 26th surrounded by his loving family at the QEII Health Sciences Centre at the age of 86. Born in Windsor, NS he was the youngest child of Gordon and Estella Frizzell (Lynch). Due to tragic circumstances subsequent to his birth in 1938, Ed was raised from infancy by his other loving parents-Jack and Ethel Spruin (Lynch). For his entire existence Ed was one of the most famous yet lowest paid celebrities HRM will ever know. Professionally, Ed’s career began at an early age with many part time jobs followed by his role as Assistant District Treasury Officer with the National Harbours Board where he unknowingly met his future wife. This was followed by 20+ years as an Auditor with the NS Department of Finance. Concurrently, Ed always had a second full time job as a self-employed Accountant/Bookkeeper going above and beyond to service a vast number of people as well as small to medium sized businesses throughout the city. Ed continued to provide his acute skills to a selection of long-standing clients right up until last week. His energy and personal commitment to always “be productive” lasted until his passing; therefore, Ed never really retired. He was one of the last people on the Atlantic coast doing taxes and ledgers 100% by hand on actual paper. He was known by his family as the Michael Jordan of the adding machine. Ed may very well have been a case study leading to society’s desire to go “paperless”. Ed was no handy man. The only tools he ever had that he knew how to fix things with were his pencil and eraser. Ed’s main purpose in life was to be an entirely devoted, dedicated, and selfless husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and neighbor. His absence will leave behind a huge void for all who knew him. He was an ambassador of fun and unique adventures, flying solo or with all of us, crossing rewarding boundaries most people could never facilitate. He was an absolute magnet to all kids and animals which he absorbed through to his heart. Ed enhanced and touched the lives of nearly everyone he came across during his life’s journey apart from the CRA, Parking Enforcement Officers, and Referees & Umpires. His wit, one of a kind mannerisms and personality were unparalleled, such examples are: Ed’s love of humour continuously propelled him to be the joker amongst his family, friends and peers. This began early in his life as a pre-teen Altar Boy when he would hold his breath to make his face turn red in the choir pit, trying to distract or get a laugh from his fellow choir mates until the day that his methods failed when he passed out and dropped down to the level below during a service. His infectious humour lasted through to the QEII until mere moments before he began his next journey of existence. Ed also loved the casinos, playing cards and horse race betting. He could shuffle a deck of cards like a magician. He loved to be at the table playing rummy 500 with his best friend, “Uncle Earle”. Their games were legendary. Ed’s love for horse racing was also evident as his children can recall fond memories of Sackville Downs, French fries with gravy, and a dirt floor littered with discarded bet tickets. An avid sports fan, Ed, once took his sons to a Nova Scotia Voyageurs game at the Metro Centre in the early 80’s. Following the game, they returned to Ed’s car to find a Commissionaire in the process of issuing a parking ticket. Ed told his sons to get into the car as he did, and he started the car. The Commissionaire was not done writing the ticket so he leaned up against the hood of the vehicle and told Ed if he did not turn off the engine, he would be in court by 9AM the next morning. Ed quickly replied to the Commissionaire “if you don’t get off my car you will be in the morgue by 9PM tonight” and took off. We cannot find the appropriate witnesses to state how or what Ed told them to breach barriers of the common people to access numerous extremely secure, high profile, special events and places such as; NHL dressing rooms, gaining backstage access to concerts and acquiring celebrity autographs for his loved ones. Ed is survived by his extraordinarily dedicated and adoring wife Elizabeth Anne (Backewich) without whom he would never have had the opportunity to live his long and prosperous life. They enjoyed nearly 57 years of marriage which was founded entirely upon the vows they made to each other in 1967. In addition to numerous nieces, nephews, brother and sister in laws, he is also survived by his loving children; sons Stephen, James, and daughter Shannon “Button”, daughter in-laws Tara Walkden, Cindy Corriveau, and Teena Peckford, sister Marilyn & brother in law George Morrison, sister in law Mary Frizzell and his ultimate pride and joy, grandson & granddaughter, Joshua and Georgia Spruin. It comes as no surprise Ed, “Dad”, or “Grampy”, had the most profound impact upon his children and grandchildren, continuously showing how much they meant to him in un-measurable ways. All of Ed’s family members would attest that there are no words to describe the role he played in their lives. Ed is predeceased by all four of his loving parents, brothers Gordon, Fred, Jake, Buddy, William and sisters Betty-Ann, Jacqueline, Mary, and Elizabeth. A heartfelt and sincere thank you and salute from Ed and his family is directed to the personable and talented professionals who have helped us through this arduous time. Special mention goes out to Quinn of the EHS team, the ER doctors and nursing staff of the Halifax Infirmary, along with T.J. Tracey Crematorium. Our family wishes for those reading to acknowledge how greatly undervalued these roles in society are during the most difficult of times we all can face. Edward J. Spruin was in no other words a very memorable man amongst men. He will be deeply missed by all of us until we have the pleasure to see him again. As per his wishes, no funeral service or gatherings will be arranged. The family invites anyone reading this obituary to use the online comments section to share any thoughts and fond memories they may have of Ed’s uniquely inspirational character. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choosing.