HAGERSVILLE—The town of Hagersville is mourning the loss of a true community champion, Charles Edward ‘Ed’ McCarthy, who passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Born in Hagersville, McCarthy practised law in town for 61 years, with 45 years at his practice McCarthy and Fowler. Long-time business partner Michael Fowler recalled starting with Ed shortly after graduating law school in 1980.
“He was probably the hardest working man I ever met,” said Fowler. “I don’t think we ever had an argument or dispute between us. He was just a really fine man.”
Fowler said McCarthy always valued taking the time to get the right answer, rather than the quickest, in his work. Dianne Dykstra, a law clerk who worked with McCarthy for 25 years, agreed.
“He would go to great lengths to find the right solution for each matter. He cared about his clients, and he always took the extra mile,” said Dykstra.
Focused primarily on real estate law, wills and estates, and corporate law, McCarthy was often requested for complex matters.
“His colleagues knew he was the right person to refer their clients to when they did not have the knowledge to do so themselves,” said Dykstra.
Long-time friend Warren Burger said McCarthy was both respected and appreciated in the community, noting Haldimand was fortunate that he returned to practice in his hometown.
“It wasn’t long before he established himself as a very credible, honest lawyer that was there to help people in whatever they needed,” said Burger. “Ed went beyond that as an individual. He had this passion for history, for his country Canada, that was quite evident over the years when he would write articles.”
Burger said McCarthy’s “love of Canada” led him to the Liberal Party.
“He was quite outspoken and passionate about his involvement with the Liberals,” said Burger. “I recall working with Ed and the late Honourable Bob Speller. Bob and Ed would have some great discussions and debate.”
McCarthy’s passion for his community extended well beyond the walls of his office.
“He’s a true historian, a true community member,” said Hagersville and District Chamber of Commerce President Rob Phillips, who knew McCarthy for over 40 years and considered him a great mentor.
As a founding member of the Hagersville Chamber in 1977 and its first sitting president, McCarthy stayed involved right to the end, attending his final meeting in December 2025.
“Giving back to the community was a big thing for Ed,” said Phillips, recalling the many events McCarthy volunteered at over the years, from fundraisers to political debates to the annual awards night.
“I would let him know who the (award) recipient was a couple days beforehand and I would always be astounded at the amount of research he would pull together … to enhance the information about the recipient and make a fantastic presentation,” said Phillips.
Phillips said that McCarthy never considered himself above manual labours either, showing up with his own trimmer to clear out hedges around the Millennium Clock.
“That was the thing about Ed. He might have been the most prominent lawyer in town, but it didn’t matter to him. He’d get out there and work alongside everyone else,” said Phillips. “There was no task for the betterment of Hagersville that Ed wouldn’t undertake.”
Local firefighter Cary Slote was proud to call McCarthy his godfather. “He always called me the son he never had,” said Slote. “Him and my dad were best friends throughout the years.”
Slote recalled the “happy go lucky guy who … loved his life and loved his job.”
“He worked, literally, until hours before he passed away,” said Slote, “even though he had sold his company and practice with his partner, he still did certain things for certain close family, friends, and clients.”
Slote recalled that even outside of work, McCarthy was an organizer, helping set up an athletic club for cottagers in the area, among other fun, beneficial investments and contributions to the community over the years. He will miss the many talks the pair shared down at the lake: “He liked draft beer and he liked gin and he drank them both out of red Solo cups. To this day, I drink my gin out of red Solo cups.”
No matter who you speak with about McCarthy, the sentiment is always the same. Whether as lawyer, volunteer, mentor, or friend, McCarthy left a lasting impression on Haldimand.
Dykstra said, “It was a pleasure to work and learn from him. He was a mentor and teacher to all of us.”
“Ed had the type of voice that commanded not only respect, but attention,” added Burger. “I would tease him quite often that he would probably make a better radio personality than a lawyer. He would just laugh in that big, booming voice of his.”
Phillips said, “I’m going to miss his voice, his guidance, his mentorships, his phone calls when there was something going on in town.”
“I can’t say enough about the guy,” Fowler concluded. “He was a spectacular guy.”
