Edward (Ted) Peter Goulbourne

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edward “Ted”  Peter Goulbourne, born May 22nd 1943.  Ted passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 11th, 11 days before his 83rd birthday.   His family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Huntsville Hospital and Huntsville Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness.  

Born and raised in Toronto, Ted lived a life centered on love, kindness, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to the people who mattered most to him. He had a warm heart, a generous spirit and a gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued.

For 60 wonderful years, Ted shared a deep and enduring love with his beloved wife, Pam, built on commitment, humour, friendship and unwavering support. Together they created a lifetime of cherished memories and a family that was the pride and joy of his life.

Predeceased by his parents, Tom and Edith, his brothers Jimmy (Kay Mary) and Ronnie, brothers-in-law Scott, Tom, Don (Gail), his beloved daughter Laura, nephews Jeff and Donald, grandson Bobbie and son-in-law Andrew.

He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Pam, daughters Lisa (Pat) and Kerri (Rob), grandchildren Ashlie (Justin), Melissa, Jessie (Cal), Jaimee (Randy), Alix, Shelby, Cooper (Abby).  Great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Paisley, Sophie, Silas, Eddie, Abel, Desmond and Henry.  Cherished by his sister Shelley, sister-in-law Kris, many nieces, nephews, extended family members and loyal friends he deeply treasured.  

Always finding joy in even the darkest of moments, he brought light and strength to the world with a quick joke and endless laughter. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Ted was an avid football fan who rarely missed a game and loved talking sports with anyone willing to join the conversation. He was also a passionate dog lover, an ice cream connoisseur and someone perpetually fascinated by anything powered by a small engine — especially if there was a manual to read, batteries to charge or flashlights involved. He was also known as a true card shark, particularly when it came to games of 31 or Euchre, where his quick wit, competitive spirit and playful sense of humour made him your favourite (cheater?) around the card table.

Ted and Pam raised their three strong-willed and stubborn girls in Stouffville, where his patience, kindness and steady sense of humour were put to the test every day. The family spent every possible moment at the cottage just outside Port Sydney creating memories that would last a lifetime. Ted spent many years working as a printer and retired from Shorewood Packaging.  There his strong work ethic and steady nature were admired by colleagues and friends alike. 

After retiring, Ted settled permanently in Muskoka, where he spent his days surrounded by loved ones and the lake he adored. 

Whether he was 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, tinkering with pumps and motors, or figuring out how to repair something others thought impossible, Ted was happiest working with his hands and sharing what he knew. He freely gave his time, tools, skills, and patience to his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and any kid who wandered into the shed wanting to learn. If something couldn’t be fixed, Ted would often invent a solution himself (usually involving a lot of duct tape or zip ties). Many of those he taught carried those lessons into adulthood and careers working with cars, chainsaws, engines and tools of their own.

He will be remembered as a kind and patient teacher, a fiercely loyal friend, a funny storyteller, a loving husband and a steady presence in the lives of so many. His absence leaves an immeasurable void and he will be forever missed by his family, friends and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

His memory will live on in the stories shared around kitchen tables, the music played a little louder, the cards shuffled for another game of Euchre, the hum of a small engine being repaired and every scoop of ice cream enjoyed in his honour. 

In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to the Huntsville Hospice or the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. 

Our family would like to invite you to gather with us casually between 1-4 on June 27th at the Port Sydney Community Centre to celebrate a life well lived.  At Ted’s request cremation has taken place. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward (Ted) Peter Goulbourne, please visit our floral store.