Edward John “Ed” Court

Edward John “Ed” Court was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, accountant, church volunteer, storyteller, and proud representative of the Pavilion of Scotland.

Born in Winnipeg and raised in Elmwood, Ed later made homes with his wife, Jane, in St. James, Charleswood, and Headingley. Together they built a close and loving family and shared a marriage rooted in companionship, service, and unwavering support for their children and grandchildren.

After high school, Ed attended the University of Manitoba and became a Chartered Accountant. He worked briefly with Canada Revenue before establishing his own accounting practice. In 1980, his son Jim joined him, and father and son continued working together until Ed retired in 2003.

Ed also worked at Assiniboia Downs, where he became the mutuel manager. He treasured his years at the racetrack and especially enjoyed recalling the occasion when he was introduced to Queen Elizabeth II during the 1970 Manitoba Derby.

Faith and community service were important parts of Ed’s life. He and Jane were active members of St. James United Church, where Ed supported youth sports, volunteered with the Boy Scouts, and organized variety nights that showcased the many talents within the congregation.

Ed loved cards, particularly bridge and cribbage. He passed his enjoyment of cribbage on to several of his grandchildren, just as his own father had taught him. His family fondly remembered that a losing game was often followed by Ed deciding it was time to clean his glasses.

Ed and Jane could always be counted on to attend the sporting events, dance competitions, concerts, and recitals of their children and grandchildren. That devotion eventually led them to volunteer with Folklorama’s Pavilion of Scotland.

For many years, Ed sold drink tickets at the Pavilion, becoming a familiar and welcoming presence to guests and fellow volunteers. In 2002, he proudly served as a Pavilion of Scotland ambassador. The following year, he was selected as Folklorama Ambassador General, representing the festival and its many cultural communities with enthusiasm and pride.

Ed often delighted in telling people that he had visited every Folklorama pavilion during the festival’s inaugural year in 1970—and had repeated the feat in 2003 while serving as Ambassador General.

Travel was another of Ed’s great pleasures. His journeys included family trips to Scotland, Hawaii, and Mexico, a bus tour through Europe, cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean, and many memorable road trips. He loved sharing stories of these adventures, and his family joked that the tales only grew better with every retelling.

Ed was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jane, and their son, Alan. He is lovingly remembered by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends he made through his work, church, and Folklorama.