Edward Bauer

Ed passed away Wednesday, September 9th, 2026, in Salmon Arm, BC at the age of 87.

He was born on October 8th, 1938, in Yorkton, SK, the 3rd of 6 children to Nicholas and Julia Bauer: Bertha, Mervin (predeceased), Edward, Joyce, Rudy (predeceased) and Linda.

Ed was only 15 when he left the farm in Estevan, SK. He worked as a framer in Regina for 2 years before making his way to Falkland, where he worked horse logging, he went back to the farm for a visit and returned to Kamloops, with his older brother Mervin. And after the farm was sold, his whole family moved to Kamloops.

His adventurous spirit and strong family ties brought everyone together here—and that’s how the whole family came to call Kamloops home. Ed was a pioneer in sawmills and logging camps across B.C. He married Hazel Gibbs (predeceased) in Blue River, BC on December 3rd, 1960, and later settled down in Kamloops, to raise their family. Ed is survived by his 3 children and 5 grandchildren: Robert (Connie); Lee (Hailey), Richard; Brittany (Travis), Cameron, Julie (Neil); Zachery and Jordan.

Ed had a strong, confident personality and embraced life with a rough and tough, swagger. His bark was usually bigger than his bite. He kept the wood heat so high the house felt like a sauna. Barefoot and shirtless, he’d stomp around proudly bragging about the heating bill—earning the nickname “Uncle Kong.” He had such a strong work ethic and would often take on extra work during holidays and weekends. He was a Heavy-Duty equipment operator for more than 25 years at the pulp mill. But he was also a: logger, faller, miner, rancher, farmer, roofer and carpenter.

Dad was a great provider, always looking for the best possible deal. He worked hard to gather and grow fresh vegetables and farm raised animals. And then he’d happily share all of it with his friends and family and sometimes just give it away. His Campbell Creek Hobby Farm was a welcoming place for all. He hosted many large parties and events, and his generosity and hospitality made the farm the “go-to” place for community celebrations and 4-H club gatherings. When asked about the farm he quickly said, “the best part of it, was all the teenagers”. He loved teaching them and showing them what real work actually looked like. He taught them how to drive his truck and run his tractor. He showed them how to feed and care for the many different types of birds, animals and livestock on the farm. He’d always say, “Take my truck”, lending it out to anyone who needed it. Dad was like a soft-boiled egg; he was hard and strong on the outside and generous and soft on the inside.

Dad loved hunting, fishing and spending time on his boat, pulling a worm or a skier around the lake. He spent many family vacations camping and water skiing at Stump Lake and he once skied, the entire length of Kalamalka Lake (16 kms/10 miles). He was a serious competitor and took great pleasure ‘whipping you’ in a game of crib, betting you against the Canucks and telling you, all about the Blue Jays.

He was never without his cowboy hat, country music or a strong cup of mud (coffee). In fact, we used to say he was so tough … he stirred his coffee with his thumb!

Dad will be missed by all who knew and loved him, and he will be remembered fondly, for his unmistakable, colourful cowboy spirit.

We love you, Dad!

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The family would like to acknowledge the care that dad received from all the staff at the Good Samaritan – Hillside Village Care Home in Salmon Arm who treated him like family while he was in their care.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

There will not be a service, and the family encourages anyone to comment and share your thoughts and stories about who Ed was to you on the website

Arrangements entrusted to

Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324

Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services: