Edward "Fast Eddie" Hakonson

Ed “Fast Eddie” Hakonson passed away peacefully at his home on Friday March 7, 2025 at the age of 75. He had his wife Hiedi, of 50 years, by his side. Ed survived by his 4 children and 10 grandchildren. Jamie (Jason) Hakonson-Hathaway, Jessica (Kevin) Hackert, Brett (Erica) Hakonson, Brad (Leslie) Hakonson. He was cherished “Papa” to Hannah, Macy, Hudson, Maxson, Scarlet, Lawson, Berlin, Dublin, Adelaide and Avery. Ed is also survived by his mother Audrey, his sisters Debby (Rainer), Karen, preceded by his bother Dale and father Arne.  He was an uncle to Emily (Kyle), Erin, Sarah, Laura (Gord), Karla (Jon), and Hannah (Sean).

 Born in South Porcupine, Ontario, Ed was challenged with polio as a child and spent many years at the Hospital for Sick Children. Eventually moving to Markham, he created a name for himself in his teenage years and early 20’s racing snowmobiles in the winter and cars (and kicking butt) on the sideroads of Stouffville and Markham.

 Ed never let his disability define him, let alone stop him. His passion for design and motorsports spurred him to start Choko Motorsports in 1983, originally specializing in snowmobile apparel and expanding to licensed apparel. Ed ‘s business ventures included his family’s business Choko, and Fast Eddie Authentic Apparel, successful NASCAR race team- EHR, and a Lodge in Northern, Ontario.  

The 2019 Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame Inductee’s legacy goes far beyond his business endeavors. Ed believed in giving back to his community and taking care of those that helped him along the way. He founded the Stouffville Spirit Jr A Hockey Club, and played a key role in a number of community minded projects in and around the Uxbridge and Stouffville area; including fundraising for recreational parks, Robotics programs, fairs and taking care of others in need in the community. 

 His extensive work with a number of community-based groups also included his dedication to Easter Seals Canada. Ed was selected to serve as a Timmy Ambassador in 1959, at the age of 10, representing children youth and young adults with physical disabilities on behalf of the Easter Seals. As an adult he continued to help fundraise and support the charity that supported him and his family when they needed it the most.

  Out of all of the accomplishments and awards that Ed achieved in his life, his family was the one he was most proud of. He will be remembered for his love and dedication to his family. Ed’s energy and enthusiasm were contagious and you could not help but leave a conversation with Ed “pumped up”.  His tenacity for life will be remembered by many and his impact will be felt in so many communities and lives. 

   The way Ed lived his life reminds us all that
“Your only limitations are the ones you think you have.”

 A private family service will be held and a gathering of family and friends will take place in the early Spring.

 A special thank you to the doctors and nursing teams at Southlake Regional Health Centre and Uxbridge Cottage Hospital for their great care. As well as the many friends, family and co-workers that have reached out with their support and great stories about Ed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Evergreen Hospice or Easter Seals Canada through the tribute page in Ed’s name. www. EasterSeals.org/give