Saturday, February 16, 2013
I have been privileged to know Ed since he fell in love with my widowed mom, Anita, in 1988. Immediately he welcomed me into his heart and his life. I considered him my dad and friend, and my two sons Ricky and Chris considered him their grandpa. Ed took joy in spending time with us. We spent many vacations together over the years, at the seashore, family reunions, and the Adirondack Mountains. He taught the boys to mountain climb and canoe; Ricky continues to love mountain climbing thanks to Ed. I also have fond memories of his numerous visits with my mom to my home in Michigan. There are so many wonderful stories that we have been recounting these last several days as we remember all the good times with Ed.
One memory I recalled was when Ed was cross-country skiing with Ricky, Chris,and me in Michigan. We encountered a very steeply descending slope and the boys, only eight and ten, were daunted. Ed had the perfect solution; he got Ricky to stand behind him on his (Ed's) skis and had him hang on to the back of Ed's jacket. Then Ed carefully and slowly took Ricky down the hill, and then came back up for Chris. It was absolutely adorable to watch the love and care he had for the boys, and they adored him.
Beyond the outdoor activities we so enjoyed together, Ed had a warm and loving relationship with us and we spent many happy evenings at his house sharing laughter and conversation over meals, and playing his favorite game, "ten thousand." Ed was an integral part of our family for the last 25 years. He was truly a wonderful person and I miss him very much...but I will always carry him with me in my heart.
