No jewelry was missing, the Mercedes remained in the garage, but what was taken was priceless. We were all robbed of at least a decade of quality time spent with Ed.
A father, a relative, or friend, each person who's life intersected his, has fond memories, and cherishes the time they were lucky enough to spend together. Throughout the 25 years I've had the pleasure of knowing Eddie, I have heard hundreds of stories told by dozens of people reminiscing over events, days, months, years, or even decades ago; while the subject matter changes, I have never heard anyone say a bad word about him. Even in these dark hours, our memories are filled with laughter - just the way Ed would have wanted it.
When Shirley, the love of his life, was taken far, far too soon, the loss hit him hard, but he remained strong for her and for Steven & Ilene. He fought through knee and hip replacements twice, being forced to go for intravenous antibiotics every morning for months. Ed saw obstacles, not barriers.
Always positive, always looking forward, always searching for a solution, and if one didn't exist he would invent one, literally.
Ed was quite the inventor, I was struck how he was constantly juggling multiple inventions, at various stages of development. He was not trained as a mechanical engineer, he just saw problems and figured there must be a better way, some shortcut. He figured if he was searching for an alternative there must be millions of others that could benefit from his solution, and he was off running. His enthusiasm was contagious, even to someone as naturally skeptical as my self.
Ed had setbacks, yet I find it so difficult to to call up any memory where he is not wearing a smile.
But nothing brought him greater joy then being surrounded by his family and friends. He loved a party, and Shirley made a lot of them. If twenty were invited, there would be food for forty-no one would ever be allowed leave hungry. If not at home, then Ed "Took the show on the road," to one of his favorite restaurants. Ed had a favorite toast, "May we always be together for happy occasions."
As I see all the people gathered together by his side, it is clear the love so many feel towards him, the countless lives he has touched, how deeply he will be missed.
Ed, I wish I could clink glasses with you again. It hurts that we were robbed of years of quality time, but the memories will always remains.
When Shirley, the love of his life, was taken far, far too soon, the loss hit him hard, but he remained strong for her and for Steven & Ilene. He fought through knee and hip replacements twice, being forced to go for intravenous antibiotics every morning for months. Ed saw obstacles, not barriers.Always positive, always looking forward, always searching for a solution, and if one didn't exist he would invent one, literally.
Ed was quite the inventor, I was struck how he was constantly juggling multiple inventions, at various stages of development. He was not trained as a mechanical engineer, he just saw problems and figured there must be a better way, some shortcut. He figured if he was searching for an alternative there must be millions of others that could benefit from his solution, and he was off running. His enthusiasm was contagious, even to someone as naturally skeptical as my self.
Ed had setbacks, yet I find it so difficult to to call up any memory where he is not wearing a smile.
But nothing brought him greater joy then being surrounded by his family and friends. He loved a party, and Shirley made a lot of them. If twenty were invited, there would be food for forty-no one would ever be allowed leave hungry. If not at home, then Ed "Took the show on the road," to one of his favorite restaurants. Ed had a favorite toast, "May we always be together for happy occasions."
As I see all the people gathered together by his side, it is clear the love so many feel towards him, the countless lives he has touched, how deeply he will be missed.
Ed, I wish I could clink glasses with you again. It hurts that we were robbed of years of quality time, but the memories will always remains.
