Rev. Dr. William Edgar "Ed" MULLEN

MULLEN, Rev. Dr. William Edgar ""Ed"" January 18, 1920 - July 23, 2010 Edgar passed away peacefully on July 23, 2010 at the age of 90 in the loving company of his wife Katherine Thew (Kaye) and family members, following post-surgery complications. Ed will be missed tremendously by his family and his friends, those who provided his greatest joy. Ed's entire life, both personal and career, was defined by his relationships with others. He was first, and foremost a ""people person"". His greatest celebrations were in the successes and achievements of others, his greatest happiness in the company of his family. A caring nature, unwavering faith, inquiring mind and an ability to communicate easily with others were Ed's gifts - all wrapped in a wonderful sense of humour. Born in Bassano, Alberta to Thomas and Mary Mullen, Edgar grew up farming and ranching and attended school in the communities of Makepeace and Granta. He served with the armed forces from 1941 to 1946. He and Kaye married in 1942. Once discharged, he was received as a candidate for the ministry by Central United Church in Calgary. He graduated from the University of Alberta (BA) in 1950 and St. Stephen's College (BD) in Edmonton in 1953. During these years he and Kaye served the summer student ministry at Paradise Valley, then on to Vegreville and St. Paul's in Edmonton. In 1953 Ed attended Union Seminary at Columbia University in New York, graduating with a Masters Degree in Sacred Theology, while serving as assistant minister at the Church in the Highlands (Congregational) in White Plains, NY. Ordained in 1954, Ed and family returned to St. Paul's in Edmonton for the building of a new church, followed four years later with a move to Calgary for the building of Woodcliff church. In 1962, he returned to his roots at Central United in Calgary as the founding director of the Pastoral Institute. His achievement and continuing educational pursuit were recognized by St. Stephen's College with an honorary Doctor of Divinity for pioneer work in Pastoral Counselling. Enrolled in a distance education program through San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, after many years he graduated as a Doctor of the Science of Theology. In 1979 he moved with the Pastoral Institute to St. Paul's, Calgary where he also served as minister until his retirement in 1985. It is not surprising that following ""retirement"" Ed returned to his career ""first love"", serving smaller churches where he could be close to all his parishioners. Over the next ten years he served as interim minister at Forest Lawn and Westminster United Churches in Calgary, and in Olds and Cremona. Throughout his ministry he participated fully in the governance of the United Church, serving on numerous presbytery, conference and national bodies. He was elected as President of Alberta and Northwest Conference for 1978 and, in 1982, was a candidate for Moderator of the United Church of Canada. In addition to his ministry roles and at various times Ed served as President of the Mental Health Associations in Edmonton and Calgary, and Calgary Inter-faith. In addition to his many other interesting adventures, Ed served as a consultant in the forming of the national New Democratic Party. Edgar is survived and lovingly remembered by Kaye, his wife and constant companion for over sixty-seven years; sons Steve (Ginny) and Paul (Jeanne); daughters Mary and Maggie (Randy Hval); sisters Verna (Bob) Armstrong, Rena Goring, and Dorothy Wall; grandsons Trent, Chris (Serena), Matt (Stacey) and Scott; granddaughters Natanya (Paula) and Christine (Mark); great-grandchildren Skyla, Nathan, Dylan, Saul, Ava Kaye, Jocelyn, Charlotte, special great-grandchild Jewelle; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Ed was predeceased by his brother Alvin and grandson Michael. A Memorial Service will be held at Scarboro United Church, 134 Scarboro Avenue S.W., Calgary, on Wednesday, August 4, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada or to the donor's charity of choice. To email expressions of sympathy: mountainview@arbormemorial.com, Subject heading: Ed Mullen. Arrangements entrusted to MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERAL HOME and CEMETERY, 1605 - 100 Street S.E. (17 Avenue S.E. at Garden Road), Calgary, AB, T1X 0L4. Telephone: 403-272-5555. www.mountainviewmemorial.ca