On March 17th, 1973, Ed was introduced to our family at a function. Never
did I think he would stick like a “barnacle”.
The more we got to know him, the more we loved him and refused to let
him go.
He became a wonderful, caring companion to our dear “Marie”. They had a
wonderful 20 years together. The night he met her, my sister Shirley and I
told him he was getting us as a package deal. He thought we were kidding,
he soon found out otherwise. He finally said “uncle” Thus; he became Uncle
Ed in our family. I think he actually liked the idea of being dominated by 3
women. Or so he said. He might have been a little guy, but to handle us 3,
he had to be pretty big.
One person may not think they make a difference, but, I can’t imagine what
our life would have been with him not in it. Ed, you made a big and wonderful
difference.
Ed didn’t talk very much about himself or his accomplishments. He was very
humble.
He could have told us he served his country proudly. First, in the Army as a
pharmacist mate. Then joined the Coast Guard and went to officers training
school and served as an Ensign in the Merchant Marine as they were hunted
down by German Submarines. He volunteered for that duty. He could of told
us he taught local police and a military school about fire arms, and mention
all the medals and trophy’s they won under his guidance. He didn’t say, he
was humble.
There are so many good deeds I could tell you about, but, I’ll let him remain
humble.
Another word for friend, is Ed . If he was yours, then you already know this.
Father Joe talked about “The Good Shepard”. This truly was Ed.
Ed was a proud veteran who served mankind and country well.
Thank you for everything, my dear friend.
Old soldiers never die,
They just fade away my friend.
