McKinstry: Edward Linn, May 17, 1925 – February 14, 2019

Edward Linn McKinstry was born May 17, 1925 in Oyen to Gilbert and Evaline McKinstry — a brother for sister Harriet.

Edward attended Fairacres School and Camrose Lutheran College for two years. Because he helped with maintenance, he had a private room near the furnace and did not live in the dormitory. Letters home were said to be frequent and entertaining.

A neighbour and friend described Edward as a ‘genius’ because he received the Governor General’s medal for high marks in Grade IX.

The same friends described the choices for Edward at that time as being between a ‘rock and a hard place.’ His parents were elderly horse farmers on non-productive dry land. Edward worked on the Ernie Warwick farm — acquired a tractor and eventually grew crops on the homestead.

Edward had mechanical skill and built a ‘put put’ tractor that two generations of kids have used since. Two Fordston Major tractors were put together and driven as one to create more power. Edward was relieved to be rid of his Dad’s horses — and was able to handle old machinery to his own advantage for many years. Now the tractors are huge — with cabins, air-conditioning and radio.

Edward was ‘Unc’ to his sister’s children Mae, Harold and Vi Austen. His mother said, “Harold had no father, Edward had no son, I am glad they had each other.”

Edward married Alberta Snell December 5, 1964. Three children blessed their marriage and soon Edward was Daddy to three more children — who were underfoot more than the first family were. David claimed the land — as far as the eye could see — was HIS at the age of ten. Three children now claim a piece of the land as theirs. Edward commuted almost daily from Oyen Lodge to the farm to see what the boys — or the cows were doing. There was always something that needed ‘fixing’ especially old machinery — and sometimes it is the new stuff that needs ‘fixing’.

There was a mountain of paper work to fix too.

The farm and rural life-style has been a way of life for Edward. His legacy is that future generations will appreciate, enjoy and value this land!

Edward enjoyed curling, was a member and participated in the Royal Canadian Legion, Oyen and District Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, Agricultural Society, United Church. Whenever the call came to volunteer with building and renovations with these community organizations he was there to help.

Edward is survived by wife Alberta; three children David (Kathryn), Eva Linn (Philip), Gerald (Diane), four grandchildren Kaleigh, Kassandra, Christopher and Kerry, nieces Mae (Carl deceased) Mock and Vi (Jim) Compeau and nephew Harold (Joan) Austen.

Edward was predeceased by parents Gilbert and Evaline McKinstry, sister Harriet, brother-in-law Harry Austen.

A celebration of life will be held at the Oyen Legion Saturday, April 20 at 2:00 p.m.