Obituary of Edward George Kettela

Kettela, Edward George

With deep sadness we announce the death of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Eddie was born in Toronto on October 29, 1940 to Ann (Czyzysyn) and Fred Kettela. He passed away surrounded by his family on March 6, 2025 at Saint John Regional Hospital.

Ed was first and foremost a family man and friend. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Susan (Robinson) Kettela, his children, Paul and his wife Angela Melvin and Mike and his wife Monique (Landry) Kettela, grandchildren Taylor and Jordan. Step children Kate and husband Tim Miller, George Burgess and Kelly Sue Burgess and step-grandchildren Josie and Alex Miller. Sister Linda Kettela and her husband Stuart Currie and Brother Fred and his wife Pat. Nieces and nephews Fred, Melissa, Derek, Alannah and Nicole and their children.

Ed came to Fredericton by train in 1960 to attend the University of New Brunswick Forestry program, graduating in 1965 with a B.ScF and in 1967 with a M.ScF. specializing in Forest Entomology.

Ed worked for the Canadian Forest Service for 43 years researching and carrying out forest pest management. He was a mentor, teacher and friend to many colleagues throughout Canada, Europe and Asia.

Over the years, Ed employed over 1400 students in pest management programs. Ed was also a leader in employing women in the Forestry sector, breaking long held traditions that excluded women from the field.

Ed authored over 100 scientific papers and received many awards from the Government of Canada, Private Industry, Research and Development in Forest Entomology and the Peoples Republic of China. In 2015 Ed was inducted into the New Brunswick Forestry Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, his brother Paul and sister Stephanie as well as his former wife and mother of his children Linda.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Ed’s Life on Thursday, March 13 2025 from 7pm to 9pm at York Funeral Home to share memories and stories of which there are many.

Please honour Ed’s life through kindness, understanding and acceptance.

Donations to the New Brunswick Nature Conservancy and to the Fredericton Homeless Shelter are welcome. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com.