Edward Joseph Rottaire, 83, of Drumheller, Alberta passed away October 14, 2026.
Born on February 8, 1943 in Vancouver, British Columbia, he was the son of the late Hectorine Rottaire (nee Handfield) and Nickolas Rottaire.
Ed was married to Marry Rottaire (nee Brownlee) for 43 years, after tying the knot at the young ages of 23 and 18, respectively. Together, they moved from Vancouver to Calgary, Alberta, where they raised their two sons, Ronald Edward and Kenneth Joseph. Known affectionately as "Grandpa Trapper" by his grandchildren, Ed leaves behind a legacy of endless memories from their formative years. Whether it was camping across Alberta and B.C., exploring the coast, travelling to Croatia, dreaming of the Galapagos, or yearning for a final adventure on a sailboat, Ed's life was defined by a lifetime of adventure-a journey he embraced right up until the end.
After retiring as a heavy duty mechanic with the City of Calgary they moved to Drumheller in the early 2000's, Ed was deeply invested in the community. He was a member of the Freemasons, serving as Master and later as Secretary of the Lodge for many years. Later, he serviced on the board for the St. Dismas Prison Ministry Society and was a dedicated volunteer in numerous church initiatives.
Following Mary's passing, Ed was blessed to find love a second time and married Madeline (Davies) in 2011, expanding his heart and family even further. through his marriage with Madeline he joined her extended family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was surrounded by love and joy as Madeline gracefully embraced him into her family. together they travelled near and far, from a cruise to a camping trailer. though they differed on which hockey team to cheer for they were united with their love for God.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Hectorine and Nickolas Rottaire; his wife, Marry Rottaire (2009); and his two sons, ronald Rottaire (2011) and Kenneth Rottaire (2021).
Ed is survived by his wife Madeline Rottaire; his grandchildren, Taryn (Chris) Klein, Kristyn Rottaire, and Ryan Rottaire; his gread-grandchildren Ryla and Kenley Klein; as well as cherished children (5) grandchjildren (13), and many great-grandchildren of Madeline's family.
A Prayer Mass will be held on November 6, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, 151 3rd Street West, Drumheller. the Funeral Mass will follow on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11:00 A.M., with a gathering to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed's memory can be made to the renovation fund of the St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church in Drumheller.