I first met Ed when I was in high school, not long after my own grandfather had passed away. He made me feel welcome, and was happy to share everything he loved about his home state of Maine. That first summer he took David and me out to haul lobster traps, an experience that embodies everything I will miss about him. He was a careful and meticulous teacher, and patiently demonstrated how to bait the traps, the timing for dropping them in the water, how to read the colors on the buoys, the pattern in which the traps were laid out to make them easier to pick up, how not to tangle the ropes when you pulled the traps in, how to measure the lobsters, determine their sex, get the bands on their claws without getting pinched. It was fascinating, and easy to see how much Ed loved Maine, but it also showed his dedication to high standards, his thorough teaching and attention to detail, and the importance passing on traditions. It’s what made his woodworking so special too.

I will miss Ed’s fierce loyalty to family and community, his persistence in doing things the “Ed way,” his love of good food, fishing, and the Red Sox. I will miss his knowledge of all things Maine, the best beaches to visit, the best mountains and waterfalls to search out, the best ice cream to be found on a road trip. And I will miss his pancakes, blueberry muffins and French toast, because even though he taught me the correct way to make those too, his were always better than mine in the end.

God speed, Ed. I will miss you.

Jenny