To tell you about Ed, I’d have to to begin with his legendary smile. He offered it quietly so you had best be paying attention. No problem. Between his twinkling eyes and his warm smile, my heart would melt with delight. Most of Ed’s commentary was humorous. His thoughtful insights were characterized by his refusal to be a cynic. Ed much preferred to be a cut up rather than a critic. He kept his grievances to himself and spent them somewhere out on the south 40, or he might have carved them up alingside a complicated jigsaw puzzle. Demanding attention was rare but he would step up in an instant to be of help and heart. His heart always led the way. I think this is why he and Carol fell in love and decided to get married. His hugs meant I love you in the most genuine way. He and Carol shared plenty of them and the rest of us queued up regularly. He putted around squaring off with anything that kept him outside: gardening, wetting a line with bait an arms length away; never saw anyone use a live cicada before. He’d fix or fashion almost anything. Carol kept the honey-do list handy. Vacationing with his 5th wheel occupied every ounce of his wanderlust. Setting up and settling in brought him pleasure as he quickly melted into the surrounding territory; completely at home. Cards or board games brought out the competitive spirit in Ed but truly, I believe he enjoyed the table talk and laughter as much as anything. There will be countless times and places where his vacancy will be grievous. Greatly will he be missed by Carol. Truly, that childlike smile and the accompanying tenderness he engendered will cause me to say “thank you Ed” until it’s time for me to meet him in heaven. I can’t imagine a more qualified Angel. Rest in peace My Friend.

Love, Kathy & Steve Conowall