William "Jae" Eadie

William Jae “Jae” Eadie was a devoted husband and father, respected civic leader, insurance professional, proud Scotsman, and lifelong Winnipegger whose service reached from his St. James neighbourhood to communities across Canada.

Born, raised, and educated in Winnipeg, Jae began his professional life in the property-insurance industry. He worked as an underwriter before becoming a partner in a general insurance agency, building a reputation for sound judgment, integrity, and concern for others.

In 1980, Jae was elected to Winnipeg City Council as the representative for his home community of St. James. He remained in municipal office for 26 years, making him one of the city’s longest-serving councillors.

During his years at City Hall, Jae served as Deputy Mayor, became the first Speaker of Winnipeg City Council, and chaired most of council’s standing policy committees. He developed particular expertise in governance, intergovernmental relations, and municipal policy.

Jae played an important role in transforming the former City of Winnipeg Act into the modern Winnipeg Charter. He also contributed to reforms that strengthened Manitoba’s municipal election system and improved the operation of local government.

His influence extended well beyond Winnipeg. Jae served as president of the Manitoba Association of Urban Municipalities and later as a board member of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities.

At the national level, he served on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, chaired important committees dealing with infrastructure and municipal finance, and held several vice-presidential positions. In 1997, he was elected president of the Federation, becoming the first Manitoban in 23 years to hold that national office.

In recognition of his distinguished contribution to municipal government, Jae received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013.

His commitment to Winnipeg was also recognized closer to home. In 2011, a public green space in St. James was renamed Jae Eadie Park, creating a permanent reminder of his decades of service to the neighbourhood and city he loved.

Jae was deeply proud of his Scottish ancestry. His maternal and paternal grandparents had emigrated from Scotland, and he maintained a strong connection to that heritage throughout his life.

He joined the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg in 1984, later served on its Board of Managers, and became president of the Society for the 2018–2019 term. Through that involvement, he helped preserve Scottish fellowship, history, and culture within Winnipeg.

Jae was also a supporter of wildlife and conservation organizations, including Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Manitoba Wildlife Federation.

In retirement, he enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, snowshoeing, and pickleball. His greatest pleasure, however, was spending time with Rhoda, their daughter Donna, and family at their cottage in Whiteshell Provincial Park.

Jae was remembered as principled, courageous, loyal, and unfailingly gentlemanly—a person who supported others, upheld his beliefs, and worked consistently for the betterment of his community.