Edward Lawrence Bader
elevated ynlA5 December 28, 1929 – April 18, 2026
elevated ynlA5 Visitation
Thursday April 23, 2026 from 4pm to 8pm
elevated ynlA5 Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated ynlA5 Funeral Mass – Chapel of St. Joseph (within the Funeral Home)
Friday April 24, 2026 at 1:30pm
elevated ynlA5 Reception (within the Funeral Home)
Friday April 24, 2026 following the Mass
elevated ynlA5 Private Cremation
elevated ynlA5 Obituary
It is with heavy hearts and a profound sense of loss we announce the peaceful passing of Professor Edward Lawrence Bader on April 18, 2026, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 96. Edward was the beloved husband of 53 years to Carole Sinclair, predeceased; loving father of Daniel (Katherine) and Beth Ann (Darren); proud grandfather of Christian, Thomas, Mary, Hayley, John and Claire; and dear brother of William, Thomas and John, all predeceased.
elevated ynlA5 Edward wore many hats throughout his career and wore them all well. Born in Atlantic City in 1929, Edward joined the Paulist Fathers as a young man, serving in several cities across North America, including as Director of the Catholic Information Centre in Toronto. After leaving the Paulists in 1972, he became a professor in the Department of Community and Family Medicine at the University of Toronto. His research focused on helping parents, especially fathers, develop the skills to help their children thrive. He served in many community roles, including as President of the Ontario Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.
elevated ynlA5 Edward will be sadly missed and held dear in the hearts of his extended family, friends and colleagues. He will be lovingly remembered and never forgotten. Your thoughts and kindness are truly appreciated during this time of sorrow.
elevated ynlA5 If desired, donations in honour of Edward can be made to the Paulist Fathers.
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
To Ed’s Family.
I worked with Ed briefly in York Region and Toronto, doing Focus on Fathers work and early literacy, and through the Family Support Institute. We worked in such diverse places and travelled to present at conferences, and were invited to speak in CBC radio together. Lots of adventures. I learned so much from Ed, not the least of which was to always be kind. I loved his stories of his incredible life. I treasure these times and am blessed to have called him colleague, friend, and mentor. Wishing you all peace.
Sending you our heartfelt sympathies and letting you know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
With love,
Paul and Dorothy
To the family,
I knew Ed from Family Services of York Region Board years ago and on other occasions. He had such a gentle spirited way of asking difficult questions. Such a positive, warm human being. The world has been a better place because of him. Sincere condolences to all his family.
Sincerely, Barbara Di Mambro-Retired Social Worker
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Ed will be missed.
I had the privilege of being part of OAMFT when Ed was President and working with him in running various training events for new therapists at the Institute of Family Living in Toronto.
Ed was always a warm, thoughtful and appreciative colleague to so many, and I am very grateful for the years of knowing him, and working alongside him.
Mark and I worked with Ed facilitating Focus on Fathers programs throughout York Region. He was truly an exceptional person who emanated the values he taught. He was kind, empathetic and approachable. I loved hearing his stories about his family and life lessons. I appreciated his validation of our challenges as parents of children with special needs as well as his confidence in us when sharing our strategies and resources. I am sad we could not make it to the visitation or funeral, but am grateful for a life well lived. I am sure he will be greatly missed. Please take comfort in knowing he made the world a better place for many families, including mine. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. .
I knew Carole and Ed as their real estate agent. Both were such wonderful , caring parents. I loved listening to Ed on CBC I learned so much from him. Sadly, I lost contact with him over the years. I never forgot him. May he and Carole rest in peace in the arms of our Lord. Roseanne Myers.