EDWARD (ED) CHARLES MANDRAKE C.D,(October 1. 1938-May 2, 2010)
EDWARD (ED) CHARLES MANDRAKE C.D., embarked on his final journey of life on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at the Victoria Hospital at age 71 years. Leaving behind his friend, partner, soul mate, and wife- Marie after 51 years of marriage. Remaining to forever cherish Ed's memory are his loving wife, Marie; daughter Karen (Shawn); grandson Taylor; granddaughters Lea and Ashley; his mother Tinna; sister Diana; numerous uncles; aunts; nephews; nieces; sisters-in-law Nellie, Lucy and Belle (Hank).He was predeceased by his father, Walter; loving sister Alesia Johansson; both grandparents; numerous uncles and aunts (especially Uncle Peter and Aunt Emily). Ed's most memorable moments were when he married Marie Wiwchar May 19, 1958; joined The Royal Canadian Army Service Corps-(Transport) in 1956(and qualified as an Airborne soldier in 1961) and the birth of his daughter Karen in 1963. He was elected to the Red River College Student Council in 1988 and was awarded the student council Honorarium ring. In 1988 Ed was elected to the Manitoba Legislature as a member of Assiniboia Constituency. He was an avid volunteer for Big Brothers, Scout Master in Brandon and 1st Soest Group in Germany (where he was known as "Hawk Eye"). Ed's greatest joy was talking to students at various schools during Remembrance Day. He volunteered at the Kit Shop HQ/Canadian Air Division. He was a Past Master of Masonic St. James Lodge #121. Ed was also treasurer for the Former Manitoba Members of the Legislative Assembly Association. On Friday, May 7, 2010, Ed's Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m. in the St. Andrews Anglican Church, 2700 Portage Avenue, with Rev. Ian Mills, presider. Honorary pall bearers were Chief Ray Walker and P.O. Donna Pelchat. The family expressed heartfelt thanks to all the doctors and staff on the 4th and 5th floors of the Victoria General Hospital.
Edward Charles Mandrake was born October 1, 1938 in Ethelbert, Manitoba and was also a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1988 to 1990, representing the west-end Winnipeg riding of Assiniboia for the Manitoba Liberal Party.
Ed Mandrake was educated at the Red River Community College, after being honourably released from the Canadian Armed Forces with the rank of Warrant Officer in 1968, receiving a certificate in Motor Vehicle work. He worked in vehicle body repair before entering politics. Ed Mandrake also served with the Canadian Army from 1956 until 1968(for twelve and a half years, holding administrative posts in Canada and Europe). Sgt Ed Mandrake was at Fort Henry at Soest, Germany from 1963 until 1966 as Chief Clerk and Admin Assistant with HQ CBUE and 4CIBG. He lived at 21 Am Heidberg Strasse, Voellinghause, Germany. Ed "Hawk Eye" Mandrake was a Scouter and Scoutmaster of the 1st Soest Scout Troop.
Ed Mandrake first ran for office in the 1988 provincial election, and defeated incumbent Progressive Conservative Ric Nordman by 187 votes in Assiniboia. The Liberals increased their parliamentary representation from one seat to twenty in this election, and Mandrake sat as a member of the official opposition. Liberal support trailed off in the provincial election of 1990, and he was defeated by PC candidate Linda McIntosh. He has not sought a return to political office since this time.
Ed Mandrake later joined the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. In 2003, he signed a petition opposing the party's merger with the Canadian Alliance.
EDWARD CHARLES MANDRAKE died Sunday 2 May 2010.