ALFORD, EdwinMarch 6, 1932 – March 23, 2017On March 23, 2017, Edwin Alford passed away in Saskatoon City Hospital, at age 85, with his son Jeff by his side. Ed was born on March 6, 1932 in Swan River, Manitoba. He was the sixth of nine children born to Bill and Maggie Alford, who farmed a few miles west of town. He grew up working on the farm, later supplemented by work in town. In 1958, Ed moved to Winnipeg and married Betty Caughlin; they were married for 24 years. Daughters Janet Anne and Joy Marie were born during the family's seven years in Winnipeg. Son Jeffrey Edwin was born during the family's two years in Brandon. In 1962, having worked with Manitoba Pool Grain Elevators and the Post Office, Ed joined General Motors Acceptance Corporation. He would work with GMAC in various roles for the rest of his career. The company transferred him from Winnipeg to Brandon (1965) to Regina (1967) to Saskatoon (1975). He worked intensively with a wide network of GM dealers, and always appreciated a well-run operation. Although the family was city- based, Ed had a passion for farming and Swan River was never far away. He owned farmland in the Swan Valley for many years. He and his family drove "home" several times a year, and remained close to the extended family. Ed was a news aficionado, always well- informed and ready to share an opinion. His city attire was a well-cut suit, a crisp white shirt, and a spotless car. His son Jeff was his lifelong friend. Ed was absolutely delighted to become a grandfather, first to Joy's children Ben and Emily in Calgary, then to Jeff's daughter Aaliyah in Saskatoon. Aaliyah was the bright light in his life for the past six years. Ed received devoted care in The Arbor at Stonebridge Crossing for the last year of his life, and in Saskatoon City Hospital (TCU Ward 6300) during the last two weeks of his life. The family offers deepest gratitude. Ed is survived by his children Janet, Joy, and Jeff; grandchildren Ben Magyar, Emily Magyar, and Aaliyah Alford; sons-in-law Ross Gilchrist and Dan Magyar; siblings Laura Poole, Marjorie Hart, Alvin Alford, and Dorothy Foster; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by siblings Harold Alford, Roy Alford, Lillian Hitman, and Gordon Alford. He will be missed. A private memorial service for family will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home. Donations in Ed's memory will be gratefully received by the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation (1900 – 701 Queen St, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0M7).