Obituary of Edward John Tracy

Ed Tracy, beloved father, loving husband, brother, dedicated police officer, and passionate motorcycle & snowmobile enthusiast, passed away on March 30, 2024, at the age of 77.  Born on April 20, 1946 in Saint John, New Brunswick, he was the son of late Edward (Ned) and Ellen (Nellie) Tracy.

Ed’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to service.  As a police officer with the Saint John Police Department for over 35 years, he patrolled the streets, ensuring the safety of his community, helping countless people and developing strong bonds with his collogues.  He portrayed a strong sense of integrity, courage, and compassion which extended well beyond his duty hours.

Off-duty, Ed’s heart belonged to the open road (summer and winter) and to nature. His love for motorcycles was legendary and he was a long-time member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club.  Whether cruising across Canada with Marg and his trailer in tow or polishing his bikes outside the trailer at Pine Cone, he found solace and freedom on two wheels.  However, 2 wheels only lasted for the summer months.  In the winter, as the “bikes” were meticulously being cleaned and put away he would be getting the Arctic Cat snowmobiles ready for the winter months.  Ed was always checking the weather network to see how much snow was coming so they could get ready to go to the camp in Hammondvale, NB and cruise the winter trails.

Over the years he had many motorcycles (which he used to enter into bike shows) including a vintage BSA, Honda Gold Wings, Indian Chief Vintage and a Harley-Davidson trike and of course, only Arctic Cat’s in the winter.  I think the road will miss Ed more than Ed will miss the road.

Family meant everything to Ed.  He leaves behind his devoted wife Marg, who stood by his side through thick and thin.  Ed was a proud father to his son Jon (Shelley) Tracy, Rothesay, his stepsons Jeff (Dawn) and Danny (predeceased) Stackhouse, Martinon.  He remained a loving brother to his sister Margaret Tracy, Fredericton and niece Ashley McGrath.  He instilled in them a sense of integrity, loyalty and a strong sense of family.  Jon shared his father’s interests in motorcycles, nature and building/working with wood while Jeff shared his other interests in fast cars and racing.

Ed was as story teller and could be found telling intricate stories through family gatherings, at work with his fellow police officers or talking to his friends and family on the phone.  He loved barbecues at Pine Cone, where friends and relatives would frequently stop by to have a drink and a burger or hot dog. 

In retirement, Ed reveled in the simple pleasures: morning coffee in his chair watching his shows, sitting out in his garage listening to “Old Time” country music, cruising on his Indian or Harley Trike, watching The Curse of Oak Island (he was their biggest fan), and enjoying family dinners at Jon’s house and Jeff’s house.  His eyes sparkled when there was mention of snow, as he couldn’t wait until there was a base so he could snowmobile around the house.

Edward Tracy is survived by his wife, son, stepson, sister, and a community that mourns his loss.  Services will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home (111 Paradise Row) in Saint John on April 7, 2024.  Visitation will be between 12-3pm, service at 3:30pm with a reception to follow immediately after at Brenan’s.  For those who are unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by visiting Ed’s obituary on the Brenan’s website.  Any donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

As we bid farewell and celebrate the life that he has led, you know when you hear the roar of a Harley echoing through roads his spirit will always have the wind at his back.  Ride on, Dad!