MCQUAID, Basil “Edward”, Captain, CD (Ret’d)

It is with deep sadness that the family of Basil Edward McQuaid of Dartmouth, NS announces his passing on February 8, 2021, age 78, in Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building. Born on August 25, 1942 in Moncton, NB, he was the loving son of the late Basil and Gertrude (Watts) McQuaid and grew up in Donaldston, PEI. He joined the RCAF in 1962 and had multiple postings and assignments, including a six-month tour with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Golan Heights. Ed retired in 1996 and began his second career in 1997 as the Director of Facilities for the Sacred Heart School of Halifax, retiring in 2012. Ed was a loving husband and a devoted father. He is survived by his wife Phyllis (Smith), daughter Marina and sons Jeffery (Janice) and Jason (Katherine). He was the proud and loving grandfather of Brendan and Rylan and enjoyed attending their sporting events, especially their hockey games. Douglas and Kate Stewart-Good were also special to him. He was a loving big brother to his sisters Phyllis (the late Brian) Lewis, Pearle (Brian MacRae), Theresa (Mike) Avery, all of PEI, and brother Allan (Toronto). He was predeceased by his sister Evelyn Wolfe (Kenny Evans), brothers Peter and Gary, aunt and godmother Pearl Giggey, and many other aunts and uncles. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He maintained friendships with his many PEI cousins, and was especially close to Buck Watts (Margie) and Leo Sheehan (Judy). Ed was a dearly loved member of the Smith Family and is survived by his in-laws, Sister Bernice Smith, CSM, Lori (the late Barry) Birt, and Gerry (Fran) Andrew, all of PEI and Neil (the late Edna) MacDonald of Canton, MA, USA and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law Catherine and Larry Smith, in-laws Bert and Eileen Smith, Lucy and Bernie Doyle, Mary and Terry Reilly, Reg and Mary C. Smith, Emma and Mel Dalton, Anne and Jim Latimer, Marion and Jack Gilbert, Kay and Joseph (Bud) MacKinnon, and Pat and Marion Smith. Eddy, as he was known in PEI, was a proud Islander and loved to spend time at the “Old Place” overlooking beautiful Tracadie Bay on the Blooming Point Road. He and Phyllis spent many wonderful summers there with family and friends. He loved visiting Tracadie Harbour and going lobster fishing on Buck’s boat fulfilling his duties as the “Rope Man” and he enjoyed attending the horse races. Ed is resting at the A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, in Dartmouth, NS, with visitation on Monday, Feb. 15th from 6-8pm. Visitation is open to the public. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Dartmouth on Tuesday, Feb. 16th at 11am. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the funeral is by invitation only but will be available online for those who would like to attend virtually. Please visit: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com for the livestream details or to leave memories and condolences for the family. A Celebration of Life will be held on PEI at a later date. Thank you to Camp Hill 5 V West staff for their care and kindness to Ed over the past year. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory can be made to Chalice or a charity of your choice.