1935 - 2022
Dr. Edward Lawrence Oke was born in Hanna, Alberta on May 7, 1935 to Harold and Mabelle Oke. He passed away on January 3, 2022 eagerly anticipating a reunion with his parents, his sister Alta Mae Hannah, infant son Brian Edward and infant granddaughter Amanda Janette, as well as many family members, fellow workers and dear friends.
Edward was a pre-schooler when his family moved to Didsbury where his father operated the International Harvester dealership. His mother spent a number of years as an elementary school teacher. Edward enjoyed Boy Scouts, playing hockey, summer Bible Camp and his woodworking shop. His daughter Laurel and seven granddaughters are proud of their individually designed cedar chests. He also enjoyed music, being a vocalist in choirs, male quartets and as a soloist, and having had several years of training, he was a good pianist. He graduated from Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury in 1957, and shortly after married fellow graduate Janette Steeves.
They left for Bethel College in Indiana where he continued his graduate work. He followed up with a Master’s degree at Goshen Seminary and later received his PhD in Higher Education Administration at Andrews University in Michigan. Edward pastored churches in Montgomery and Edmonton before being appointed as a President of MVBC in 1963. From then on, he spent his years in Christian Higher Education at Bethel College, Indiana and Rocky Mountain College in Calgary. His primary focus was New Testament and Greek. It was especially meaningful for him to help young people learn and grow in their Christian faith. He loved the interaction with his many students and they in turn, often dubbed him their favourite Prof. Teasingly, he was known as the College Cupid, as he kept a keen eye on student romances, officiating in a number of marriage unions. He was also known as the “girl-runner” opponent, being challenged by the fastest female sprint racer year by year. Even though they came prepared with proper track shoes and he came directly from his office in suit and oxfords, he never lost a race.
In the summers he loved being a part of James River Bible Camp where he taught the camping skills, he had learned from his Scout Master, Peter Walden. However, in spite of his knowledge and caution, he still bore the scar from a mishap with a hatchet that resulted in some stitches and a lot of good-natured teasing.
He will be deeply missed by his wife Janette; three sons and their spouses, Terry and Barbara, Lavon and Monica, Lorne and Deb; daughter Laurel Logan and former son-in-law Marvin Logan; sixteen grandchildren; soon to be seventeen great-grandchildren; many extended family members; and former ministering co-workers, students, and friends.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Olds & District Hospice Society for the accommodation and comfort provided. Their service to our community is above and beyond what one can express. The family also would like to thank the Seasons Encore staff and residents for their kind support and prayers.
If anyone so desires, memorial gifts may be made directly to Rocky Mountain College, Calgary, the Olds and District Hospice Society or a charity of your choice. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
