Chris Clegg
South Peace News
A man who served the Joussard ward in the M.D. of Big Lakes (now Big Lakes County) from 2013-17 died July 22.
Edward Podollan was 72.
His obituary cites that Podollan died unexpectantly as he was walking back to his tractor to continue discing freshly broken pasture on his certified organic Cupar Creek Farm in Manitoba.
Podollan was born Oct. 20, 1951 in Yorkton, SK to Stella and Peter Podollan. He was a much-loved brother to Natalie Zelaney, twin brother David Podollan, Adele Wright and Vernon Podollan. He attended school in Wroxton, SK but quit at age 15 to work on the family farm. He later worked at Sobe Lake and Lynn Lake in the mines and on construction sites around northern Alberta.
Podollan later attended auction school and conducted his first auction in 1971. He auctioned cattle and farm equipment for many years and became owner of Podollan Auctions. He also worked for his brother, Dave, in Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie building hotels and condominiums, and sold farm equipment for John Deere and Gabors. He also sold Watkins products.
On June 17, 1972, Edward married Shirley Shewchuk. They were married for 52 years and raised two children: Alexander and Christina. Alexander provided Ed with three grandchildren.
In 1977, he moved to Alberta with his wife, Shirley, to work. He started Angels EMS and supplied emergency medical services to rig sites in Alberta and Manitoba. The couple also owned and operated residential rental properties.
Podollan won a seat on the M.D. council Oct. 21, 2013. He received 108 votes in defeating Cathy Wilcox (58) and Guy L’Heureux (56). He lost his seat after serving for four years in the Oct. 18, 2017 election. He was defeated by Richard Simard (106 votes). Podollan received 46 votes and Angela Paul 37 votes.
In April 2023, he moved back to the Manitoba farm to begin farming again.
The funeral for Ed Podollan was held Aug. 9 at the family farm in the Roblin District in Manitoba.
Interment followed at Castleavery Cemetery in Manitoba.
Flags at Big Lakes County were lowered to half-mast until Aug. 12 in his memory.