Obituary for Edward William Diggins
EDWARD WILLIAM DIGGINS
Ed Diggins passed away on January 14, 2022 following a life well-lived. He was a loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Ed was born in New Glasgow, N.S. on March 15, 1955 and started his family and career in the Pictou County region. He earned his living as a mechanic and later as a real estate agent. He was good at both, but saved his passion for serving others. He served as an elected Town Councillor in Trenton, N.S., a job in which he won the confidence and trust of his neighbours. He volunteered in his church and his community, helping those in need through answering the phones in the county’s Suicide Helpline and reaching out through Prison Ministries.
It was in Trenton where Ed welcomed his first daughter, Amanda, and spent the rest of his life telling anyone who would listen how proud he was of her. Later, his family grew by choice as he met Judith, who quickly became the love of his life. Through her he gained two more daughters, Lindsay and Lisa, and loved them thoroughly.
Ed’s journey was often guided by his commitment to family. His travels took him to England for a few years, so he could help Judith care for her aging father. After that service to family, Ed and Judith settled in Eganville, Ontario to be closer to their grandchildren. Family pictures show Ed’s face lighting up at the sight of Camryn, Logan and Josh, and he took great joy in their successes.
In addition to his professional, community and family successes, Ed was also a gifted musician. He loved to both make and enjoy music. It is impossible to imagine Ed without eventually seeing him playing his guitar. His musical tastes were diverse and he loved playing in the band River's Edge, and was a vital member of the Christian music group MANNA, and he enjoyed the music of The Beatles throughout his life.
Because Ed gave so much to others, he will be truly missed by many. His memory lives on through his wife Judith; his daughters Lindsay Hayhurst (Kris Heideman), Amanda Diggins (Kelly Lamrock) and Lisa Hayhurst; his grandchildren Camryn, Logan and Josh Heideman; his brother Arnold Diggins (Laurie Ward) his sister Barb Morrow and his brother-in-law Mike Turton; his nieces Angela and Pam, his great-niece Jade, and the family dog Ellie, who knew a good human when she saw one. He is predeceased by his parents William and Norma Diggins and a baby brother, Terrance, and we trust he is seeing them again.
Due to the pandemic, a celebration of Ed’s life and impact on those who knew him will be held in Summer 2022 in Pictou County, NS. Consistent with Ed’s wishes, it will be a celebration indeed as he always put the happiness of others first. Those who wish to honour Ed’s legacy before then are encouraged to make a donation to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. One could also simply do something kind and unexpected for someone else. That would truly be in the spirit of Ed’s life of service and family. Tributes, condolences and donations can be made online at www.zohrfuneralhome.com
Ed Diggins passed away on January 14, 2022 following a life well-lived. He was a loving and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
Ed was born in New Glasgow, N.S. on March 15, 1955 and started his family and career in the Pictou County region. He earned his living as a mechanic and later as a real estate agent. He was good at both, but saved his passion for serving others. He served as an elected Town Councillor in Trenton, N.S., a job in which he won the confidence and trust of his neighbours. He volunteered in his church and his community, helping those in need through answering the phones in the county’s Suicide Helpline and reaching out through Prison Ministries.
It was in Trenton where Ed welcomed his first daughter, Amanda, and spent the rest of his life telling anyone who would listen how proud he was of her. Later, his family grew by choice as he met Judith, who quickly became the love of his life. Through her he gained two more daughters, Lindsay and Lisa, and loved them thoroughly.
Ed’s journey was often guided by his commitment to family. His travels took him to England for a few years, so he could help Judith care for her aging father. After that service to family, Ed and Judith settled in Eganville, Ontario to be closer to their grandchildren. Family pictures show Ed’s face lighting up at the sight of Camryn, Logan and Josh, and he took great joy in their successes.
In addition to his professional, community and family successes, Ed was also a gifted musician. He loved to both make and enjoy music. It is impossible to imagine Ed without eventually seeing him playing his guitar. His musical tastes were diverse and he loved playing in the band River's Edge, and was a vital member of the Christian music group MANNA, and he enjoyed the music of The Beatles throughout his life.
Because Ed gave so much to others, he will be truly missed by many. His memory lives on through his wife Judith; his daughters Lindsay Hayhurst (Kris Heideman), Amanda Diggins (Kelly Lamrock) and Lisa Hayhurst; his grandchildren Camryn, Logan and Josh Heideman; his brother Arnold Diggins (Laurie Ward) his sister Barb Morrow and his brother-in-law Mike Turton; his nieces Angela and Pam, his great-niece Jade, and the family dog Ellie, who knew a good human when she saw one. He is predeceased by his parents William and Norma Diggins and a baby brother, Terrance, and we trust he is seeing them again.
Due to the pandemic, a celebration of Ed’s life and impact on those who knew him will be held in Summer 2022 in Pictou County, NS. Consistent with Ed’s wishes, it will be a celebration indeed as he always put the happiness of others first. Those who wish to honour Ed’s legacy before then are encouraged to make a donation to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. One could also simply do something kind and unexpected for someone else. That would truly be in the spirit of Ed’s life of service and family. Tributes, condolences and donations can be made online at www.zohrfuneralhome.com