Ed Ellinger

Edgar Erwin “Ed” Ellinger was born on September 6, 1955, in La Tuque, Quebec, and spent his early childhood in Elliot Lake, Ontario. In 1961, his family moved to Esterhazy, Saskatchewan, where he completed his elementary and high school education. He was active in the Boy Scout movement throughout his childhood and into his adult years, which sparked his lifelong love of adventure and the outdoors.

After high school, Ed attended the University of Saskatchewan for a year before returning to Esterhazy, where he worked for International Minerals and Chemical Corporation (IMC) for two and a half years. Ever in search of adventure, he then set out to expand his horizons – first moving north to work for Cassiar Asbestos in the Yukon until the mine closed, then travelling through Southeast Asia. He returned to Canada to work for Utah Mines’ Island Copper Division on Vancouver Island, but the travel bug soon struck again, and he spent four years working in oil exploration and seismic surveying overseas, mainly in the Philippines and Indonesia. When the overseas economy declined, Ed came home to Esterhazy, where he worked for several years as a mechanical draftsperson with Metal Fab before completing his working career in the engineering and drafting department at IMC, now Mosaic.

After returning to Esterhazy, Ed met his future wife, Cindy Hemming. They married on June 16, 1989, and together raised two sons, Curtis and Tavis. Ed and Cindy purchased an acreage outside of Esterhazy, where they made their home for 36 enjoyable years. The wildlife and birds that visited the acreage were a highlight of each and every day.

Ed had a deep love and knowledge of music. He built an extensive collection of recorded music, took a keen interest in following many artists and their bands, and saw many of them live in concert. He was always happy to share what he’d been listening to. He was equally fascinated by computers and technology, always learning and keeping up with the latest advancements. Woodworking was a passion passed down from his father, and Ed enjoyed designing and building many projects over the years. He also loved spending time outdoors in the fresh air, often cutting firewood on the acreage.

Ed and Cindy shared a love of travel, taking road trips to attractions throughout Saskatchewan and especially treasuring their time at Manitou Beach near Watrous. Before Ed’s health declined, they made a memorable month-long trip through Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, and over to Vancouver Island, before returning home.

In recent years, Ed was blessed with two grandchildren following the marriage of Tavis and Justine (née Dewhurst). Scarlett and Oliver brightened Ed’s life beyond measure.

Ed passed away peacefully in hospital on the morning of July 7, 2026, at the age of 70, after a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.

Ed is survived by his wife, Cindy Ellinger; his sons, Curtis Hemming (Jane) and Tavis Ellinger (Justine); his grandchildren, Scarlett and Oliver Ellinger; his sister, Eileen Higgins; his brothers-in-law, Greg, Ray, and Garth Hemming; his sister-in-law, Connie Leask (Dennis); and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Erwin and Heidi Ellinger; his parents-in-law, Arnold and Katherine Hemming; his brother-in-law, Kerry Higgins; his sister-in-law, Angela Hemming; and his nephews, Kyle and Aaron Hemming.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ed’s memory to TeleMiracle, a cause he cared about deeply.