When I moved in 20 years ago come August, Ed was one of the first neighbors I met. He seemed much younger than his 60-something years - fit and full of energy, and the block grandfather/mayor. TW likes to tell of how he went over to borrow a ladder and Ed got it from the back yard, tipped it over the fence, then vaulted said fence to carry the ladder over to our house. Avid football fan - don't dare call or come to the door during the game! Always out working in the yard, held housekeys for probably everyone on the block. Then he started to get sick, to the point where his daughter moved back home to help him. There were a few ambulance calls that had us all worried for him. When we got hit with the double-whammy blizzard a few years ago and TW ran his snowblower up & down the block, he also helped shovel a gurney-sized path from the street to Ed's front door, just in case.
Last night Ed died. No more pain and medical trauma for him, but his caretaker daughter and the rest of his family are grieving, as are the neighbors who were privileged to know him when he was still hale, hearty and friend to everyone. Rest in peace, Ed, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.
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