November 29, 1944 – April 19, 2024
MEI Class of 1963 (Senior Matriculation)
Ed attended MEI, the school just up the road from his home, Gr. 7-13 distinguishing himself academically and athletically. He excelled in soccer (goalie), softball (pitcher), track and field (high-jump) and basketball. He was Valedictorian of his 1962 graduating class and served as the Student Council President in Gr. 13 the following year.
Ed was named to the BC High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament 1st All Stars in 1961, 62 and 63 with his team winning the BC Championship in 1963. Though he did not apply for scholarships, Ed received offers from several USA schools who had noticed him from the extensive press coverage he was getting. He settled on a full-ride basketball scholarship at Seattle Pacific University, 1963-64. He enjoyed this year immensely but when pressed to join their track team and stay year round in Seattle he decided to switch to UBC.
Ed graduated with a Law Degree in 1971 and soon established a law firm with a classmate. The firm expanded over the years and eventually joined the national firm of Lang Mitchener. In 1993 Ed went into sole practice specializing in Corporate Law and working on behalf of several First Nations. He championed their causes of wrongful relocation and timber/ mining infringements for 31 years. He was finalizing a last claim when he was called home.
He was a valued member of the Killarney Park MB Church Board for a number of years; the Anabaptist Foundation; president of the Canadian Music Centre and long time member of the BC Chapter. He loved history, geography, world affairs, golf, travelling and was a voracious reader.
Ed married his high school sweetheart, Ingrid Sawatzky (‘62), in 1968. He was the proud father of son Edward J., daughter Lauren Headley (Jonathan) and cherished his five grandchildren, Madi, Elijah, Gabriel, Maelle and Miriam.
Ed will be remembered as someone with intelligence, wit, and compassion. He always had time to discuss an issue of merit and was a measured sounding board. Above all he loved God and sought to live a life that would honour Him.
MEI BASKETBALL PLAYER ED SUDERMAN DELIVERED IN THE CLUTCH
Submitted to June 2024 issue of MEI Connections Magazine
by VERN GIESBRECHT, MEI Class of 1962 (Jr Matriculation) & 1963 (Sr Matriculation)
Ed Suderman was a clutch player who came through when it mattered.
In the Fraser Valley final against Abbotsford in 1962, he scored with 30 seconds left to give MEI its first Valley Championship. Against Lord Byng in the BC tournament, he grabbed a rebound and raced up court for the winning basket just before time expired.
In the 1963 season, when MEI won 25 straight games, Suderman had some truly memorable
performances: outscoring the whole Mission team with 41 points in an 81-34 victory and counting 39 points as MEI trounced Abbotsford by 25 in the Snowball Tournament.
Despite a sprained and heavily taped ankle, Ed swished in three baseline jump shots in a row in the championship game against Alberni as MEI pulled away in the final quarter to win by 18. He finished with 18 points and nine rebounds.
A three-time first team all-star, named by the Vancouver Province as one of the top 25 players in provincial tournament history, Ed was modest about his accomplishments and was quick to credit his teammates’ contributions to the team’s success.
Coach Jake Braun once said, “Ed was one of the best I’ve seen, in ability, attitude and leadership.”
