Condolence: A Tribute to Max and ‘Bet’ To is especially to Jean, Peter and Paul The recent passing of Betty Edwards marked the end of a continuum of people whom I have held very special in my life. My formative years in Gander were weaved and developed with a fabric whose thread was stitched with the warmth and grace of my parent’s friends, none of whom could rank higher than Maxie (aka ‘the Great Martin’ as my father used to call him) and ‘Bet’ . ....referred by me in my youthful days of course as Mr. and Mrs Edwards. Mind you, to my enormous pleasure, there were others as well who equally enriched my life. But this is a time to talk about Max and Betty. At a time today when people are busy texting, checking emails, mindlessly watching TV, playing video games or with vibrating cell phones strapped to their bodies for fear that they may miss something, I can grasp hold of my inner self and clutch to the truth and assurance that I grew up in a different, and dare I say, better time. That time embraced the spontaneous occasions when Max and Bet, and others. would drop by. Simply put, Max and Bet would sit around the living room, usually smoke filled in those days (the only thing I didn’t like about it all but didn’t care about either at the time) and carry on conversations about everything and nothing. No TV, no Ipads, no video games,....just conversation. Mind you, as children we would sit along the edge of all the dynamics that unfolded, saying nothing so we wouldn’t be noticed, trying desperately not to be conspicuous while at the same time sucking everything in like water buffalo under a watchful eye trying to sneak in as much water before the predatory lions noticed our presence. I loved it. Then as time marched on and I became a man, I went back to Gander to cling to those roots and people like Maxie and Bet. They were a main stay in my life in ways that they never perhaps really realised, especially after my parents passed on. My father and Maxie were the greatest of fishing buddies. One of the joys of my life was to fish with both of them. Sometimes with both and later after the passing of my father, with the Great Martin, as my father often referred to him. On one occasion, after both my parents had passed on, I spent a week in Gander during which time I fished every day with Maxie on the First Pond Bar in the Gander River. We fished in his boat where my father would normally take station at the stern, manage the engine and manoeuvre of the boat , with Maxie perched at the bow. There I was , fishing at the stern with my father’s buddy at the bow, and enjoying every minute. When my Dad and Maxie fished together there were few words ever spoken and never a cross word...never. In the days that I spent that week there were countless times when the silence was beautifully broken by Maxie spontaneously saying...’Ray! did you see that one jump!?’ or..... ‘Ray.....did you see that rise I just got!? For the entire week I was Ray.........and I loved every minute of it. When the Great Martin passed on there remained still the thread woven through my youth with Betty. I always made a point of dropping by when I went through Gander to see her and always......she was delighted to see me as I was to see her. She was one plucky feisty lady who never, in her mind, seemed to grow old. Never was she one to dwell on her afflictions or problems. Instead she prodded my presence with questions about me, my family and more about what was going on in my life. How many people at her age would travel half way around the world as she did visiting her family without trepidation as though she was just getting a taxi to go downtown. Mind you I doubt she ever took a taxi downtown....more than likely she walked with her walker! She so often spoke about my mother, both of whom were very close friends. Both were War Brides and for that reason and much more, they shared much in common. There wasn’t a time when I would visit her, long after my mother’s passing, that she wouldn’t mention my mother in some way that was drenched in kind and soft reminiscence. Betty Edwards....not much bigger than a bird in size......but gigantic in spirit, pluck and stature. A real gift in life and a treasure to remember for so many great reasons whose life should be celebrated in her passing. May she rest peacefully in God’s lap.

Condolence: To Betty's Family, my belated but very sincere sympathy to you all on Betty's passing which I just learned of today. Many pleasant memories of her from my years in Gander, she always had time for a good chat on her walks or wherever we'd meet. Rest in Peace Betty. Ida Roberts

Condolence: so sorry to hear of Betty's passing I ish I had knew I would have loved to have gone to see her

Condolence: So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was such a lovely lady. My sympathy to you and yours.

Condolence: To all the members of Betty's family With our most sincere condolences to you after hearing of the passing of Betty. A great lady, we had many conversations together. God bless you all...

Condolence: Jean and family; I just heard of Betty,s passing and am deeply saddened.She was a wonderful lady and a great neighbour to me.Sincerest condolences from the mercer family - mom, myself and my brothers.

Condolence: Paul, Peter, Kenny and Jean, Very sorry to hear about your mom's passing. We have a lot of fond memories of Betty and spending time with her over the years. Thinking of you all, Regards Eva, Janique and Corey Hobbs

Condolence: Dear Paul, Jean and family. So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was a great and interesting lady. We never passed each other without a chat. So sorry I didn't get to the funeral home or service as I was in St. John's for meetings. God Bless and remember all the wonderful memories. Dorothy Woodd

Condolence: To Edwards Family. So sorry to hear of your moms passing .Keep memories of your mom deep in your heart. Brian & Ann-Jeanette Holland

Condolence: O my goodness! Mom and I just learned of your mom's passing. We were next door neighbors on Memorial Drive for over 35 years. Enjoyed many card games and cups of tea. Max was such a gentle soul and Bet was very loyal to him. Mom says they all worried about her treking up Memorial Drive with her walker to Lakeside to visit Max, every day, summer and winter, whatever the weather. Bet was very outgoing, always beaming with a twinkle in her eye. Our family sends its sincerest sympathies.

Condolence: Jean, Paul,Peter,Kenny and families, Our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. What a lovely lady she was, and what fond memories we have of her as children growing up in Gander. God Bless. Pat and Herb Carter, Kelowna, BC

Condolence: Paul&family,We are so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

Condolence: We were so sad to hear of Betty's passing. We really enjoyed having Max and her as our next door neighbours for all those years. She was always interested in how we were and our kids were doing, and especially having Dizzy drop over to say hi. Betty had lots of helpful advice for my faltering flower bed and took great pride in her beautiful forsythia. We will miss you Betty and will remember you fondly. Our deepest condolences.

Condolence: Kenny ,Pete,Paul and Jean.I'm deeply saddend to hear about your Mother's passing.Mrs.Edwards was one of the most colorful and caring ladies I've met. A great Mother and a force to be reckoned with when the situation called for it.Many great times were spent with Kenny at the house on Memorial Dr.,listening to music and sharing time with Max and Bett. Some of the best memories I have growing up came from the time spent there.God Bless you all.

Condolence: Pete, Kenny, Paul, Jean and the Edwards/Stacey families. My sincere sympathies on the passing of your mom. We spent many times at the kitchen table having a cuppa tea and chatting, (Max too). After I moved away, your Mom kept in touch, keeping me up to date on what the family was doing, and checking in on mine. We had great times on Memorial Drive. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time. RIP Betty. Sincerely, Stacey xo

Condolence: We didn't know Mrs. Edwards personally; however, we are friends of Jean and Peter. We know that she must have been a great mom for it is in knowing Jean and how wonderful a person that she is, which leads us to believe that Mrs. Edwards still lives. Our sincere condolences go out to Jean, Peter and the entire Edwards and Stacey families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Pat and Shirley Collins, Harbour Grace

Condolence: Jean & Family: We were so shocked Jean when you called us Saturday evening to tell us the sad news that your Mom had passed away so suddenly. It was hard to believe. We always looked forward to your Mom's visits when she came to St. John's. She was always so pleasant and always had something interesting to talk about. You all are going to miss her very much, but we know all the happy memories you all have of your Mom will see you through this sad time. Take care & God bless! Bob & Rose P.S. Jean, my sister Beth Ryan asked me to send along her sincere sympathy to you, too.

Condolence: Jean, Paul, Peter, Kenny and families: Sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. As a child growing up at 106 Memorial I have many memories of your Mom visiting my Mom for a chat, a cup of tea, or to borrow an egg. I was always intrigued by her unique accent. She was a fine lady. May your memories sustain you in the days ahead.

Condolence: Oh my dearest Jean, I am so sorry. She seemed like an eternal flame to me but as nothing is eternal the flame died in a grand manner to end a very long and grand life. I am glad that Robyn is there with you. Wouldn’t you know she had everything arranged. This is going to be very hard for you for a while, I wish I could be there to help you heal a bit. I wish you strength to get through the next few days and then even more strength after that. I will be thinking and offering up little prayers for you. Love to You Marian

Condolence: Sincere condolences to all the family on Bet's passing. I have fond memories of Bet while hanging around the Edwards' household listening to records in the basement. Bet welcomed us all. God bless during this time of sorrow.

Condolence: To Ken, Peter, Paul and Jean. I spent many years hanging around your household in my early years. I have vast memories of the good times and laughs we all had. Your mother was a sweet woman that would love to say, " Don't be so soft Kenny!" . Her voice and the many memories will be forever be etched in my mind. My thoughts are with you at this time!

Condolence: Paul and family , sorry to here of your mother's passing, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sandra and Wayne

Condolence: Jean,Paul, Peter and Kenny, We were deeply saddened to learn of your mom's passing.She was a lovely lady who touched the lives of all who knew her.RIP Betty. You will be missed Marie and Alfred

Condolence: Dear Jean & family, Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of a dear soul. Your Mother was such a lovely lady and we always had a chat whenever I saw her.Jean, it has been such a long time since I saw you and if I were home I would come and see you,but we are on vacation at present. Take good care. God bless you. Shirl

Condolence: TO Jean Paul,Peter and Kenny so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing my heartfelt condolences to all of you at this sad time a old neighbourhood friend Chris Jackman Toronto

Condolence: What a wonderful life ! There are so many happy memories growing up on Memorial Dr with all the neighbours .Every parent took care of all the kids.Christmas is my favourite memory.all 6 couples would get together for their famous Christmas party.It would take till February till they all had their turns.Mr & Mrs. Edwards usually had the last one..the Famous card games ,coming home with first prize ,or boobie.thanks for the memories Mrs.Edwards.