Eddie Gould

July 19, 1914 — September 9, 2011

GOULD, George Edward “Eddie”

George Edward Gould born July 19, 1914 in Winnipeg, MB died of natural causes on Friday, September 9, 2011 at the age of 97 in Kelowna, BC.  Survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Gould and his two daughters Jaye Read, Lesley Powell (Ken), his son Eddie Gould (Shelby), and two grandsons Jared Powell and Lincoln Powell.  Eddie was predeceased by his grandson Kenny Powell and son-in-law Peter Read.  Eddie grew up in St. Boniface, the seventh of eight children.  He loved sports, especially hockey, baseball and rowing.  Eddie was a gifted student and excelled in math.  He was tremendously fit and athletic his entire life and if not for a twist of fate might have been an NHL player instead of a grain-man.  He had been drafted and invited to training camp by the Detroit Red Wings but in the last game of the previous season he suffered a serious eye injury.  The injury cost him most of the vision in his eye and so he made the decision to leave hockey.  He started out in 1931 as a junior at an accounting firm and at 23 joined McCabe Grain as a CA.  When executives discovered that he was an expert at converting foreign currencies and grain measurements systems, they moved him to the trading floor and he began his career in the grain trade.  He moved on to senior positions with McCabe Grain, National Grain and finally to Cargill Grain Limited where he became a Senior Vice President.  After retiring, Eddie worked on projects, including as consultant to the federal government on the building of the Prince Rupert grain terminal.  In our lifetime we meet thousands of people, some we forget in time, while others we never forget.  Eddie Gould was someone you would never forget.  He made as instant connection with those he met and his affection was echoed by the reverence of his family and friends.  Eddie loved coaching amateur hockey in his community and enjoyed watching his favorite boxers, baseball teams and hockey teams whenever he could.  More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his family.  He loved spending summers with his family at Falcon Lake, Manitoba.  Eddie also loved spending time Betty at his winter home in Fountain Hills, Arizona.  Eddie Gould personified what it meant to be hard working and honest.  He was meticulous in every aspect of his life; it was a reflection of his character.  Eddie was an amazing person, highly respected by his peers.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known for his razor sharp wit.  He was our husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He will be greatly missed.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kelowna General Hospital foundation, 2268 Pandosy St., Kelowna, BC  V1Y 1T2.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.