CENTRE ISLAND, Toronto, 1954

Edward was working as a journalist in Toronto for the wire services. He had the opportunity to rent a coach house on Centre Island in the summer of 54 with a friend. My mother, Johanna Elizabeth Schmeidl, had arrived from London, England and rented rooms in the adjoining house with her friend, Marianna. Joan intended only to visit Canada, but was introduced to my father at a party and they soon fell in love. She made a trip to Winnipeg to meet Ed's parents, then returned to England to break off a prior engagement !

Ralph Easton Hammond in Winnipeg, 1954, shortly before his death.

He did not live to see Edward marry, but he did meet Johanna, Ed's future wife, during her visit to Winnipeg.