Obituary of Dr. Edward Harold Scissons

Dr. Edward H. Scissons
August 29th, 1946 - October 5, 2019

“Be productive.”

These were the two words that Dr. Edward H. Scissons lived by every day, up until his peaceful passing on October 5, 2019 surrounded by family at his bedside. Thus, bringing to an end 73-years of extraordinary life filled with countless memories, experiences and accomplishments (not to mention the first and only time Ed would ever stand still).

Born in Saskatoon on August 29, 1946, Ed Scissons called the Saskatchewan prairies home for all of his life. There was no place he’d rather be than looking out at the endless horizon of wheat fields and pastures on Route #766 right before the paved road turns to gravel; the familiar rumble beneath the tires signaling only 10 more minutes to the family farm in the R.M. of Montrose, south of Pike Lake. He would be the first to tell you this. Over and over again.

Spending time with family and bringing people together was very important to Ed, whether it was Thanksgiving hunts & dinners at O’Malley Farms, Christmases at Caswell Hill, or birthday dinners at the Granada House restaurant on 22nd Street. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Dr. Karen Dellow, two sons, Patrick (Sandi) and Michael (Ashley), granddaughters, Samantha, Fiona & Maeve and grandson, Thomas. Edward’s sisters, Marilynn (Dave) and Lorraine (Keith) and the entire “Edmonton Crew” make up a loving extended family that stayed close and connected to him for his entire life.

Professionally, Dr. Edward H. Scissons held many titles and interests throughout his life. Industrial psychologist. University professor. Published author. Photographer. Farmer. Ham radio operator. Even hostage negotiator. Ed lived with a constant curiosity to try new things.

“Always remember where you came from,” he would say.  In the mid-1990s Edward put those words to practice, donating 160-acres of land within the RM of Eagle Creek to create the Ed and May Scissons Environmental Education Centre in memory of his parents, Ed (Sr.) and May Scissons. To this day, this one-of-a-kind property is a valuable component for the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools environmental studies programs.

In 2006, Edward would come face to face with Parkinson’s disease. For 13 years, this incessant, debilitating illness would challenge his life philosophy and very being, both physically and mentally. But Ed never wavered, pushing his independent spirit tirelessly forward, wandering dirt roads, eating ice cream and falling into uncontrollable fits of laughter with his sons on their annual “Dad n’ Lad” road trip adventures. Ed believed that, even if death was unavoidable, continuing to live large and stay active was how he was going to conquer the disease.

Edward Harold Scissons. His was a productive life…a great life…by every known measure. We will miss him so very much.

Funeral Details:
Friday October 18, 2019.
7 pm – Vigil of Prayer St. Mary’s Parish, 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon, SK.
Saturday October 19, 2019.
3pm - Mass of the Resurrection St. Mary’s Parish, 211 Avenue O South, Saskatoon, SK.
5pm - Farewell to the “Big Guy” Social, STM College, Shannon Library, U of S Campus.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the newly established Edward Scissons Community Outreach Fund c/o St. Mary’s Parish and their family support services for the needy.