Edward R. Sehn
June 7, 1936 – May 18, 2026

Eddy Sehn “Ed” passed away peacefully at the Rocky Mountain House Health Care Centre, with his wife, Sandra, at his side. He was 89 years old.

Ed was born in Fox Valley, Sask., son of Magdelena and John Timothy Sehn. He was raised on the family farm and from an early age displayed an inventive and mechanical aptitude, including a tenacious attitude to work hard. From the early age of 12, Ed alongside his brother Tommy (who was nine) played in a family band — they played saxophones and accompanied their parents. From then on, his love of music and various instruments grew.

Ed came to the Central Alberta/Rocky area as a young man looking for work and a new life. It was here he first married and was blessed with six children. He was a hard worker and, like many at the time, got his start working on the rigs. He quickly identified that his interest was welding. He owned and operated Eddy’s Welding Ltd., and later, Eddy Sehn Oilfield Consulting Supervision and Inspection Ltd. Companies.

Always preferring hands on to paperwork, he was the typical entrepreneur and CEO, thinking of the next and newer way. He enjoyed working for all his customers and performed jobs ranging from the complexity of gigantic oil plants to artistic creations. His unique way to troubleshoot and design solutions for complicated situations is well known. There were countless welders he mentored and trained — and he was proud of each and every one for their accomplishments. They were special people to him and he never forgot them. He was an equal opportunity employer ahead of his time.

When Ed married Sandra, a whole new life journey began. It still included demanding work with his welding business, added a farming enterprise and an additional two daughters to love. Being from farm heritage, he adapted and was able to mix his artistry and his ability to fix anything, not to mention his love of farm equipment, into a second full time career. His innovative design ideas are also part of his legacy as his quality workmanship ensured they would last forever. Elk were his favourite farm animals and Shredder was his favourite dog.
His passion for music remained throughout his life. Highlights include a record produced with his children and good friend, called the “Sehnsations” which is a collector item now. He played and sang for many dances, community events, weddings, festivals, church choirs, ad hoc Christmas carol moments and of course the “weekend gatherings” at the farm with brothers and sisters and friends all playing together. Ed was also thrilled to accompany legend Frank Yankovic in Kimberley, B.C. — truly the event of a lifetime to play with his musical idol.
He was an incredible musician who made every event personal for the people he was playing for; that being said, he played several different instruments very well, with the accordion being his favourite. He appreciated every person that he played with and made unforgettable friendships to last a lifetime. The 8 a.m. rendition of Happy Birthday — live version — will also be a cherished memory for any of us who had the privilege to get that wake-up call.

He had an adventurous flare for doing different activities; he rode motorcycles including racing and stunting. He achieved a red belt in Karate, and he loved flying his airplanes. Ed was never idle.

Ed was a community builder and leader, an icon really, collaborating with the Knights of Columbus and instrumental in building the Catholic Church, and St. Matthew School. If ever asked about any of his contributions he would say it was an HONOUR. He was also a member of the Rocky Lions Club, even “Lion of the Year.”

He was involved with real estate and travelled to many countries in Europe, as well as Hawaii, Indonesia, Qatar to name a few. In later years, an important destination in winter, Westwind RV and Golf Resort in Yuma, Arizona, became the place to gather, play, and enjoy good friends. All special. Later years in Rocky, he was early to rise and enjoyed driving into town to have coffee and visit with his friends at A&W.

Words just are not enough; we take comfort that God will look after him now. Ed lived well, worked hard, loved deeply and played music joyfully.

Ed is survived by his wife, Sandra; six children – Joanne Coley (Rene), Jeanette Locke (Kendall), Gerry Sehn (Roberta), Robert Sehn (Kelly), Melanie Sehn and Cara Taylor (Stan) – and families, who combined have 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two stepdaughters, Sue-Ann Luckfassel (Fino) and Sharyle Sieben (Leon) and four grandchildren. Ed has eight surviving siblings today: Tommy (Marlene), Anabelle (Fred), Richard (Lois), Johnny (Rosie), Mary, Rosie (Doug), Tim and Patty (Gene).

He was predeceased by brothers Matthew and Freddy, and his mother and father.

A funeral mass for Edward “Eddy” Sehn will be held at the St. Matthew Catholic Church, Rocky Mountain House, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@StMatthewParish/streams.

Private inurnment at Pine Grove Cemetery, will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rocky Health Foundation.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.