Edward “Ted” Burkholder
Born in Kitchener-Waterloo on November 12, 1939.
Passed peacefully at home on August 5, 2025.
Cherished husband and best friend of Diane to whom he married 60 years ago at St. Mary’s RC Church in Kitchener.
Survived by his children Heather (Peter) Jennings and Laura (Chuck) Murney, his beloved grandchildren Sarah, John, Chris, Madison, and Shaldon. Also survived by his brother Chuck (Doris), sister-in-law Linda, and his nieces and nephews with whom he had many fond memories. He was the youngest of six children and is predeceased by his mother Isobel, father Stewart, step-father Noah, elder siblings Stuart (Shirley, Marnie), Betty (Carl), Donna (Ted), and Shirley (George) and his parent in-laws John and Beatrice, and brother-in-law Norm.
Ted was raised in Kitchener-Waterloo. He had a true love of the outdoors and worked at camps during his youth in Dorset. He was an adventurer at heart exploring northern Ontario and subsequently banned from renting canoes after one too many missed portages down the French and Petawawa Rivers. At 18 he joined the Navy Reserve on the HMCS Star based in Hamilton.
Ted worked at the County Court Registry Office until 1965. He then became a Title Searcher/Law Clerk for a local law firm for 40 years until his retirement. He was a friendly and familiar figure running to the court house on Frederick St. His counsel was often sought during difficult land and estate transactions with his strong work ethic and regional map expertise.
A member of the Twin City Harmonizers for 25 years, Ted was passionate about music. He also loved classical and 50’s genres and was skilled at harmonica and spoons.
Ted was an avid golfer, and enjoyed years of softball and hockey. He was a goalie for the local Junior C hockey team with notoriety for being the most penalized player in the league. He was a big fan of the Montreal Canadians!
Ted learned to ski in his late 30’s and was a long-time member of the Chicopee Ski Club. He quickly became an ‘accomplished’ (fast) skier and an enthusiastic participant in the adult race program, speed events, end of season downhill canoe races, and outdoor winter barbeques. The family enjoyed ski trips across Ontario, Quebec, U.S., and in the Canadian Rockies in Banff and Lake Louise. He and Diane skied the Pitztal Glacier in Austria to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. He shared his talents to assist others as a volunteer ski instructor with Waterloo Region Track 3 adaptive sports for youth for many years at Chicopee.
Ted enjoyed many adventures with family and friends across Canada, U.S., U.K., Cuba, Japan, and China. He also loved being home and truly enjoyed the quiet moments in the backyard calling the jays and cardinals, feeding the songbirds, fighting the squirrels and watching spectacular aurora, satellites, and stars in the night sky.
A stroke survivor in 2008, he spent 10 months in rehabilitation and lived thereafter with partial paralysis and expressive aphasia. Ted’s mind stayed sharp and he was a very social person who never forgot a face. Though his words to communicate were limited, he could sing his favourite songs. He maintained his wit and humor, able to let you know what he really thought with the raise of an eyebrow, and showed love and gratitude with a fist bump. His biggest joy in life was being with family and friends. He was a constant cheerleader of dreams and continued attending as many events as he could to support all of his grandchildren in their endeavors.
Ted fought his health issues bravely. His unconditional love will never be forgotten.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the Paramed Personal Support Workers who provided exceptional care over the years with very special acknowledgements to Diane F., Deji, Hilda, and Adeola. The senior’s day program at Winston Park was a tremendous benefit to Ted and we sincerely appreciated their dedication to improving the quality of life for others. Thank you to the K-W Palliative Care team and Dr. Lana Tan for their outstanding support.
A gathering for camaraderie and a toast in Ted’s memory will be announced at a later date.
If desired, donations may be made in Ted’s memory to the K-W Senior’s Day Program, Waterloo Region Track 3 Ski School, or a charity of your choice and may be facilitated through the Henry Walser Funeral Home.