With heavy hearts we announce that heaven has gained the most generous and kind-hearted soul. Edward James Carrigan of New Glasgow passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends at the age of 74 on December 13th after a short battle with cancer.
Ed was born on September 24th, 1949, to Ronald and Eva Carrigan in Westville, NS, and spent most of his early years in Germany and Petawawa, ON for his father’s military career.
Ed started his career working for a local paint company which forever earned him the reputation of being the expert "paint guy". After the paint company shut down, he spent the remainder of his career at Canadian Tire where he retired from in 2020. He loved chatting and connecting with everyone and making their day a little brighter with his quick humour and sarcasm. He truly enjoyed going to work each day and we are sure he was the most requested and sought-after Canadian Tire employee of all time!
He met his beloved wife Dorothy in 1979 and after nearly ruining his chances after the infamous "worst first date ever" he somehow convinced her to give him another chance and certainly redeemed himself as they quickly fell in love and were married a short 3 months later, and the rest was history! They were the dynamic golf duo and especially loved travelling to Florida with family where he would get to play the "fancy" golf courses and loved every second of it.
His son Mitch and daughter Samantha were the light of his life, and he was so proud of the adults and loving parents they became. Watching Sam sing in local choirs and music festivals brought him so much joy. Her love and talent for music was certainly directly from Ed as he also loved to sing and play the guitar – while shy and humble about his talents, we would all love when he would pick up the guitar and started singing in his soft toned voice. Ed and Mitch were two peas in a pod – no matter the request, Ed was always there to help without batting an eye – whether that was dog sitting his best bud Mylee, helping to clean the garage, or of course painting, he would be there without question every single time. He truly valued the simple things in life, and quality time spent with loved ones above all else.
While Ed loved his whole family, it’s no secret that his 3 granddaughters were his absolute pride and joy who made him proud every day. Fondly known as "Pup", the pride in his eyes any time they were around was truly magical. Whether it was driving them anywhere they needed to be at moment’s notice, or watching every hockey practice and game, Pup’s #1 priority was the girls. They will all forever embody his lighthearted humour, wit, and personality and for that we are truly thankful for his overwhelming support, presence, and impact on their lives.
Ed was predeceased by his parents, Ronald, and Eva Carrigan, aunt and uncle Jim and Sarah Cunningham, sister-in-law Marie Stewart, nephew Raymond Connors and niece Heather Connors.
Ed leaves behind wife, Dorothy (Connors) Carrigan; daughter, Samantha (Chris) Greene; son, Mitchell (Nicole) Carrigan; granddaughters, Brooke, Presleigh and Lainey; brother, Bernie (Diane) Carrigan; brothers-in-law, Lauchie (Heather) Connors, Glenn (Jacqueline) Connors and Alex Stewart and many nieces and nephews.
Known for his small stature, but big heart, a close family friend recently said that Ed was "the shortest guy I have ever looked up to". We think that characterizes him perfectly and the impact he had on those who were lucky enough to know him. We love you Pup!
The family will host a meet and greet from 4-6 pm Sunday, December 17, at the Pictou County Wellness Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Pictou County Palliative Care Society or Diabetes Canada. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow