Obituary of Edmond William Surette

Edmond (Ed) Surette of Cherryfield passed away in the comfort of his own home with beloved dog Jake and niece Kathy at his side on Friday, Nov 27th. Ed was a man that lived his life on his own terms. He was independent, stubborn and totally one of a kind. In the last three years, Ed taught us about courage, resilience and joy in the simpler things of life. Ed faced cancer as he did most things – head on and without self-pity. Special thanks is given to his niece and friend Kathy. She could not have done more for or have been kinder to him. And thank you to all Ed’s friends who came to visit. He is survived by his sisters Anne Crossman (Vince), Dian McKay (Bill) and brothers Henry (Rose) and Raymond (Ella) and many nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased by his parents the late Patrick and Viva (Melvin) Surette. He was loved; he will be missed. Honoring Ed's wishes there is no viewing or visitation at the funeral home. A Private Family interment will be held at a later date. Those desiring donations in Ed's memory may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Ed was the "baby" of five children and as such received much advice on how to live the "perfect life". He took very little of it and even when he did, he put such a unique spin on it, we could never be sure if he had taken our advice or if it was his. We shook our heads and thought we knew best. He was our "crazy" little brother. The joke, however, was on us. In the last 3 years of his life, Ed was faced with many challenges; the loss of his right hand and then a year later came cancer. Our little brother taught us, during these harder years, some very important life lessons. We learned that simple things; a beloved dog, a modest living, a sunny day, beautiful flowers or even a well ripened tomato from the garden can bring peace and happiness. Live each day to its fullest. Ed did not fight cancer as much as he just lived on in spite of it. He faced it head-on. He never asked "why me?"; never said "poor me", he just lived every moment he could. Ed loved fun and grabbed it whenever he could. I can still see him riding his 3 wheeler, beer in hand, shades on, and wearing bright pink flip-flops. He loved life. He was a passionate TV news watcher (who knew?), loved country music, sports and surprisingly, cooking shows. Ed was not perfect, he had a stubborn streak a mile wide (not easy for a little body), he was fiercely independent and had a temper that could flash hot and had a look that could cut. He was smart, funny and liked to have a "plan". He was directing our actions and giving us orders, until the end. Life was lived on his terms; never compromising who or what he was. Ed and I started a journey 2 years ago, we were to deal with his cancer and the changes it would bring to his life. It ended changing mine. I started it as a big sister caring and helping a little brother, each reverting to our childhood roles. I ended it with such a sense of pride and admiration and love for the man that was my brother. I would caution anyone who might judge a man by his rough exterior, long hair, scruffy beard that inside may beat the heart of a lion and it’s pure gold. Arrangements have been entrusted to Tuttle Brothers & Riverview Funeral Home 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview, NB (506) 857-9544 Visitation Information Cremation has taken place at TBL Crematorium, 1100 Coverdale Rd. Riverview, NB Service Information Honor Ed's wishes there is no viewing or visitation. Burial Information A Private Family Interment will take at a later date. Requested Charity Donations to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated.