Obituary of Edward Oracheski

Edward (Ed) Oracheski passed away at age 90 on April 22, 2026, in Ottawa.

Ed was born October 25, 1935, in Viking, Alberta, to Polish immigrants, William and Louise Oracheski. He was the 10th of 12 children.

Ed is survived by his daughter Beth McBurney (nee Oracheski) of Bloomington, Illinois, and son Ian Oracheski (Joan) of Munster, Ontario; his 5 grandchildren, Ryan (Julia), Jake, Sarah, Maddie, Logan; and one great-grandson Nathan. He is also survived by his siblings, Andy Stewart, Evelyn Patterson, Kenneth Oracheski, and Margaret Archibald.

Ed was predeceased by his wife, Morag Oracheski (nee Carruthers) and 7 of his siblings Frances Matthew, Joseph Oracheski, Alfred Oracheski, Stanley Oracheski, Louis Oracheski, Michael Oracheski, and Emmie Owen.

Ed will be fondly remembered as the best storyteller, and he likely told you that story a few times. His smart wit and ability to make a joke in any situation will be missed.

Ed was raised on the family farm in Alberta but moved east as a young man. He joined the Air Force and was trained as flight navigator. He was set up on a blind date with Morag, and they wed on September 3, 1960. Ed completed his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at Carleton University at night school while working full time. He and Morag settled in Leslie Park where he spent hours gardening, raising beautiful rose bushes and an extensive vegetable garden, and making his own wine.

Ed had a love of rock collecting. During many family road and camping trips to Alberta and the Rocky Mountains the family got used to stopping along the highway to collect hundreds of pounds of rocks to bring back home. They later purchased a trailer and enjoyed many summers at camp in Gracefield. In the winter he was an avid curler.

Ed worked for the Canadian Government in the Department of Public Works, but despite being placed on a medical disability in his mid 40s, he remained busy. He was an active volunteer with various charities, always willing to collect door to door, of course telling stories along the way. He was an excellent bridge player and enjoyed being a member of the retired ladies bridge club in Leslie Park.

He remained active and enjoyed walking well into his 80s and was often spotted at Bayshore and in Bells Corners chatting with the store staff. You could also find him occasionally sampling at Costco, telling the workers who stopped him on his way in "I'm considering joining but I want to see if it's worth buying a membership."

Ed was also an accomplished guitar player and loved to sing, his favourite song being "Old Shep." Ed often entertained the residents of his Assisted Living with songs, and with that twinkle in his eye, put out a tip jar.

Ed dearly loved his children and grandchildren, often sitting and playing a song or reading to them, or doing a word puzzle with them. His family knows he is now happily reunited with his wife, where we are sure he will have plenty of stories to tell her, especially about their grandchildren and the legacy they created. He will be greatly missed.

A small service will be scheduled at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family would like to thank the many workers at Kanata Symphony (now Kanata Ridge) for their kindness and care with Ed over the past few years..