Edward Raymond Sodergren, resident of Sexsmith, AB, formerly of Athabasca, AB, passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at his family farm near Webster, AB, at the age of 74 years.

Edward, son of Harry and Clara Sodergren, was born on October 19, 1946, and was raised on the family farm at Athabasca. He went to school at Lahaieville and Athabasca in his younger years before moving with his family to Teepee Creek, AB, and finishing school in Sexsmith. It was during English class that he met his wife of 47 years, Linda Sodergren. Together they attended junior college in 1968 and then the University of Alberta, where he obtained his degree in 1972. Ed put his degree to good use by teaching and coaching junior high at Montrose in Grande Prairie.

Ed spent time trail riding in the Rocky Mountains in the 70’s with his wife, brother in-law Danny Rockarts and friend John Weber. He put his adventurous spirit on hold to start a family in 1977, and had three children. He then started building Spruce Meadows Golf and Country Club, which became an everlasting part of their lives. Ed worked in Canada as a mud engineer in the 80’s, a profession that eventually took him overseas. In 2005, he pursued a mulching business with his two sons before retirement in 2013. If you were to ask friends what best describes Edward, they would say he was a storyteller, honest, generous, protective, fierce, and determined.

Edward read every western novel twice or more, loved an adventure and challenge, was an avid sports fan, and a cowboy at heart.

He is survived by his children: Rocky (Courtney) Sodergren, Trevor (Jessica) Sodergren, Heather (Trevor) Buchanan; grandchildren: Katelyn, Gabrielle, Claire, Brady, Daniel, and Scarlett Sodergren; siblings: Audrey Beeston, Glen (Donna) Sodergren, Edgar Mullaney, Jim (Marion) Sodergren, Joan (Gerry) Rickert; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Harry and Clara Sodergren; wife Linda Sodergren; sister Louise Mullaney; as well as brothers in-law Danny Rockarts and Sterling Beeston.

A Viewing will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2021, at 10:00am, a Celebration of Edward’s Life to follow at 11:00am, at Oliver’s Funeral Home, with an interment at Emerson Trail Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Oliver’s (10005 107 Ave., Grande Prairie).

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Edward’s memory to the Parkinson Association of Alberta (102 5636, Burbank Cres. SE, Calgary, AB, T2H 1Z6).