Edwin “EJ” Joseph Hochstein

Edwin Hochstein

April 4, 1936 – February 25, 2025

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Edwin “EJ” Joseph Hochstein.  Edwin was born in Pincher Creek, April 4, 1936, to Marcel and Pearl (Jack) Hochstein and was the eldest of four sons. He was raised on the family farm in the Kerr District, MD of Pincher Creek.

His early education was at the Robert Kerr School, then sent to the Kermaria Convent School at St. Michael’s, then on to the Seminary in Edmonton, which he referred as being “sent to work at the Potato Farm”. After the Seminary, he attended Olds College where he studied Agriculture.  While at Olds College he played in the band known as Louie Lipshit and the Ruptured Hawaiians. Even though he couldn’t read a note of music, he played the piano and was also on the College basketball team.

In the early years EJ was proud of working for W.A. Cook and Sons Construction during the building of the Gulf Plant and building roads.  He married Florence (Pat) Copeland in April 1957. It was his passion for agriculture that led him back to full time farming.  They settled onto the Slater farm on Kerr Road, where they raised their three boys: Greg (Caren), Marcel (Linda) and Jerry (Pam).  Edwin’s 4-H Beef successes and being known for having a good eye for cattle, lead him to be a 4-H Leader for many years and a Judge at the annual 4-H Achievement Days.  Edwin also coached St Michael’s Boys Basketball during the ‘60’s, still giving the grandsons tips some 50 years later. Later he joined the C.A.S.A.L. team through the ‘90’s as their President.  Getting his Realtor license and working with Property Management was a different avenue, and a good challenge for this farm boy. Retirement allowed Edwin some volunteer time, where he spent many hours on the road with the Legion Bus and logged many miles with the Pincher Creek Care Bears.

Edwin and Pat’s life was the farm and ranch.  He was a great steward of the land, and cattle. He always said, “hang onto that cow’s tail, she’ll take you through all sorts of shit!”  Well, maybe it was Grampa Marcel that said that, but the family stands by it.  In the 80’s, when his oldest son Greg came to help with the farm work, it freed up some time for Pat and Edwin.  They loved to go sledding in the mountains.  No matter a short run or overnighters, they enjoyed the mountains, and adventures with their friends; many non-experienced riders often joined the group. He also had a joy for waterskiing with family and friends. It is nice to hear how many people's lives he has touched.

Edwin leaves behind his wife Pat/Trish of 68 years, three sons, 6 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Rd NE #200, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5, or Pincher Creek Care Bears, Box 44, Pincher Creek, AB T0K1W0.

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