Edward W. McDorman, 87, of Wolcott, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Rochester General Hospital (RGH) surrounded by his family. He was born in Wolcott, New York March 30th, 1936, son of the late Harold W. McDorman, and Marion McDorman Conklin. He had two careers. The first was at XEROX in Webster with much of his time spent in Henrietta that lasted over 30 years and the second was as a school bus driver for the Red Creek School district. Together, Edward achieved an enviable record of 53 years of dedicated devotion to his life's work. He enjoyed hunting, painting, hiking, camping, canoeing, and travelling, but most of all spending time with his family.

He was known to take his family and the dogs for walks at Brown Camp and was famous for his pancake breakfasts, popcorn, and milkshakes. He taught his children, grandchildren, nephews, and nieces how to play pool and ping pong and then beat them all at it. His physical strength was legendary within the family routinely lifting heavy things in one hand that no one else could pick up with two. Anyone who had ever shook his left hand could attest to his incredible strength. He was a gentle soul most of the time and had a love for all animals big and small.

He loved to tell stories and jokes and made his family laugh until they cried. Edward was not afraid of anything and showed his emotions on his sleeve. His house was home to all and he made everyone feel like they were part of the family. For many, their first cup of coffee, game of pitch, and so much more happened around the kitchen table. Edward brought the house alive with his energy and joy for life. His love for canoeing, hiking, and camping was often shared with his children and grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends alike.

Due to his lasting example and encouragement, the family tradition was born where his family and friends participated in the annual fall Adirondack Canoe Classic race. Edward could always be found either participating as a paddler or as a pit crew member serving hot food and encouraging his family who were engaged in the battle to paddle the long 90 miles from Old Forge to Saranac Lake.

Edward joined the United States Army when he was 17 and served in Texas, New Mexico, Kentucky, and Germany. While serving in Germany, a decision he made to take leave one weekend, travel to Copenhagen, Denmark changed his life forever. While there, he met and later married his future bride, Kirsten. Together, they lived a wonderful life in Wolcott where they raised their children and served as the pillar for their family for over 64 years.

He is predeceased by his wife, Kirsten McDorman (2022) and their son, Oran McDorman (1963), brother, Donald (Jewell) McDorman (1998), and sisters, Thelma (Floyd) Scott (2006), Patricia (William) Reed (2020).

He is survived by his daughter, Kathryn (Eric) Welkley of North Rose, sons, Michael (Jan) McDorman of Wolcott, and Kenneth (Lynn) McDorman of Huron, grandchildren, Kelly (Steven) Jackson, Matthew (Kate) McDorman, Edward J. (Emily) Welkley, Lindsey Welkley (Elijah), Laura (Josh) Andrus, Peter McDorman, Cody Welkley, John McDorman, and Nathan McDorman, great grandchildren, Madeline Welkley, Taylor Thompson, Logan Andrus and Milena McDorman as well as many nieces and nephews, both in Denmark and here in the United States.

There are no calling hours, however a celebration of life service will take place at the Faith United Methodist Church on Oswego Street, Wolcott at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August, 19,   Internment of both Edward and Kirsten will follow at the Rose Cemetery in North Rose. For those wishing to make contributions in Edward's name they may do so to the Humane Society of Wayne County, 1475 County House Rd., Lyons, NY 14489, or the Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Fairport, NY 14450. Arrangements are in the care of the Farnsworth-Keysor Funeral Home, North Rose. www.catoredcreek.com