Edward Novick Obituary

In my heart it feels like this is happening to me all over again, so hard to believe that is 16yrs later. I miss you every day! I know you are with me all the time, I smell the cigar smoke, and I know it's a sign from you! I visit you often which I know you know, but just once I wish I could get one of them hugs followed by a good long talk.

Keep my seat warm!!!
Till we meet again!!!

Love you always and forever,
Melissa Marie

Love and miss you, Grandpa-Man. Could really still use a rescue from you every here and there, sometimes it feels like nobody had my back like you did. I know you still do what you can, and I'll just have to wait till I can see you again.

Love, Cody Boy

Well Uncle Ed...

13 yrs it´s hard to believe it´s been 13yrs but then again it´s not cuz I think of you every day!!! They say time heals all wounds but in this case it´s not true! I still have my days when I miss you more than others and some days I can smile and be good! Some days I just cope better than others!!! I love you so much and miss you!

Till we meet again!

Melissa Marie

Well Uncle Ed...

A new year is upon us and you never thought I would make it to 1985 yet alone 2010. Times sure are different without you with us. Things were hard on NYE for me, but I made it thru. I sure do miss you alot. I can't believe that in 2 days it will be a year that you left us. We all miss you and wish you were with us. I remember all the good times we shared and tell Kayla stories about those times. She gets the biggest laugh out of them and says "no way Mom", its the cutest thing. I know you are with me always. I LOVE YOU UNCLE ED!!! YOU ARE THE WORLDEST GREATEST GODFATHER EVER! Thank you for all the wonderful memories and lessons. I will never forget you!

Love
Melissa Marie

DEAR ED, TIME HAS GONE BY SO QUICKLY. IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE ALMOST A YEAR HAS PAST. YOU MUST BE WATCHING OVER BARB--SHE IS OUR INSPIRATION OF KEEPING THE FAITH AND GOING FORWARD IN A VERY DIFFICULT TIME.
WE ARE HOSTING THE DIGUIDO BROTHERS AND SISTERS FOR DINNER THE SUNDAY AFTER NEW YEARS DAY. WE WILL BE DRINKING A TOAST TO YOU AND OUR SPECIAL MEMORIES OF YOU. YOU WILL BE WITH US IN SPIRIT AND THOUGHTS.
LOVE, TOM AND GAILE
P.S. ED, WE HAVE A SPECIAL REQUEST--COULD YOU TALK TO ST. JOSEPH ABOUT SELLING MA'S HOUSE?? THANKYOU

My dear brother, I couldn't tell you how often I think about you, and how much you are missed. The best thing is, there are so many happy memories. I thank God and mom and dad for giving me the best siblings!
I am so thankful that you and Tom became such close friends, as is he.

Perhaps you looked down Christmas Eve and saw me toast to you with the first bite of chopped liver, as we all knew how much you loved it. (Don't worry, none of us (George, Tom, Barbara nor I) let it go to waste!

I know you were with us in spirit, with Barbara hosting the Novick clan again, on Christmas Eve.

Love you,
Marge

I JUST WANTED TO WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS ED.
THE BOYS DIDN’T GO SHOPPING THIS XMAS SEASON.
I THINK THAT’S BECAUSE OUR HEARTS WERE SIMPLY NOT INTO IT.
I THINK WE ALL FELT IT WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU THERE’
I WAS IN ORLAND THE OTHER DAY AND REMEMBERED HOW YOU AND I PREVENTED EACH OTHER FROM BUYING REALLY UGLY SWEATERS FOR OUR LADIES. IT MADE ME LAUGH TO THINK ABOUT BUT IT ALSO MADE ME SAD. I GUESS I JUST MISS MY FRIEND.
I HOPE YOU’RE PLAYING SOME GOOD GOLF IN HEAVEN ED. HOWEVER I SUSPECT THAT EVEN IF YOUR PARTNER IS ST. PETER YOU ARE DRIVING THE CART. I’M PRETTY SURE THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SHANK A SHOT IN HEAVEN. I HOPE SO FOR YOUR SAKE.
ON BEHALF OF ALL THOSE WHO MISS YOU BE WELL MY FRIEND
LT

Merry Christmas Uncle Ed....

As I sit here and think about all the great Christmas times we shared, I sure did feel you here with me this Christmas also. It was kinda hard and weird not to have you sitting in my kitchen this morning. I got comfort in your sprit. I know you were there in your own way. We laughed and told stories about the past christmas times and other things. But most of all I heard your laugh in my head and in my heart, and it was a calming feeling. At one time I almost thought I smelled your cigar, and it made me smile and feel close to you. Not a day has gone past that I have not thought about you. I miss you very very much. I know you've been watching over us all, and your doing a great job as always... But keep a special watch over Kayla cuz she misses you like crazy also. I know you and Shirley are up there laughin and havin a ball.

Until we meet again....

Love,
Melissa Marie

Merry Christmas, Dad! I love you. The year has flown by. I hope you're still proud of me. If there is anything else I can do, send me some signs to show me the way. We'll be missing you tonight and tomorrow, but carrying on our family traditions like you would have wanted. Send some angels our way to watch out for all of us if you can. And play some golf with grandpa and baseball with Callie while you're waiting for the rest of us to join you.

i agree with mom, dad. you are missed. your memory is still fresh. God has indeed watched over us, and i know you are still praying for us. we need it.

we are looking forward to being with the family tonight at the house. your love remains with us. we are trying to keep each other on track. it's not easy. by the way, melissa marie really could use one of those great prayers you are saying too. miss you. love, michael

As I sit at my desk today 12-23-09 nearly a year has passed since you passed away. This does not seem possible but it is what it is...All of your friends and family have followed your instructions on taking good care of me...I am comforted in your pictures and memories..God has also taken care of me this year and I hope that I have met the challenges placed befor me...I miss you and will always love you and one day we will be together again...God bless us always....love...your honey....Barb

A Perfect Baseball Birthday - by Eddie Novick - As posted on Ed Novick's Blog at http://ednovick.wordpress.com/2009/04/27/a-perfect-baseball-birthday/

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Yesterday, April 26th, would have been my Dad’s 66th birthday. Sadly, he passed away earlier this year on January 6th.

Still, yesterday was nearly a perfect baseball birthday celebration for him.

Yesterday was a gorgeous day for Opening Day Ceremonies for Midlothian Boys Baseball. The air was warm, the sky was blue, the grass was green, and the lines on the brown dirt were dazzling white.

With all teams in their colors, and lots of family and friends gathered round the ballfield, the stage was set for the ceremonies…and they couldn’t have been much more perfect for us.

My family and I were invited out to stand with the Marauders - “The Orange” - the team he had managed for 33 years. Dad first managed the team in 1976 when I was a 10 year old on that same team. In that year, and subsequent years, he also managed my younger brother, Michael. Then he stayed on to coach hundreds of other players over the years at a coaching level that he loved. He built a proud and winning tradition for a team, and an extended family in the community for the faithful Marauder nation of families who had boys (and girls) coached by Dad.

Besides the kind words of the league officials, there were many special honors bestowed on Dad. His achievements of winning over 400 games in 33 years, including 10 championships, and several tournaments, and having a better than .700 winning percentage was applauded. It was pointed out that all player’s uniforms were bearing the words “Ed Novick - 1976-2008? on their shoulders in honor of him and the years he managed the Marauders. Diamond #1 was renamed “Ed Novick Field” in honor of him, and an orange sign with those words in black was displayed that would be mounted on the fence to that field. (Diamond’s #2 - John Sikarica Field and #3 - Matt Peters Field already bear the names in honor of other significant contributors to Midlothian baseball who were contemporaries of Dad’s and shared his unselfish commitment to Midlothian baseball). And it was announced that the Mustang level championship trophy given to the village championship team at that level was being named the “Ed Novick Trophy”.

Dad’s coach of 17 years, Matt Prim, replaced Dad as manager this year. In an emotional speech at the ceremony, he expressed a choked up and sentiment filled bond to Dad. My mom and I stood with Matt with our hands on his shoulders as he delivered that speech. Dad was always very proud of Matt, a former Marauder himself, too.

My mom, the team scorekeeper throughout the years Dad coached, then too delivered some heartfelt words to the crowd about our bond with this baseball community. The league presented mom with a glass covered case to display a sample of the Marauder uniform with the “Ed Novick - 1976-2008? wording on the sleeve.

Then, 500 orange and black baloons were released into the air by all the teams, and we all watched them sail north on the strong zephyr winds toward heaven.

I’ll always remember the proud emotions that stirred in me as we then sang our national anthem, with a hand on my heart, and tears of love and pride in my eyes.

To end the perfect baseball day, the Marauders later won their Opening Day ball game by slaughter rule, 12-0. (In 34 years the Marauders won their opening day games in all but a couple of years).

It was a perfect baseball birthday for Dad. He must be happy wherever he is, and should be very proud of himself. We are.

"He Served Us Well" - Son Eddie's eulogy from his father, Ed's, funeral mass

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My father, Ed, was a lot of fun. He loved to entertain and attend parties. He celebrated life. He made life enjoyable and look easy. As my brother-in-law, Curt Fisher, once wrote about him so eloquently, ‘he wore the garment of life loosely’.
But if this alone is how you knew Ed, you weren’t watching closely enough. Because thru this all, he worked hard, lived his values, followed God’s word, and served us well.

In Ed’s professional life, he sold life insurance – not a particularly fun way to earn a living. He worked six days a week, and often late into the evening. He called on customers, chased down sales appointments, and collected insurance premiums to make sure his clients kept their insurance in force for their protection. He often went into some tough inner city neighborhoods to keep those appointments and collect those premiums. He had stories of being shot at trying to do his job. He struggled dealing with some difficult and dishonest people. He often spent hours going over his collections making sure his book of business balanced, and sweating accounting for pennies when they didn’t.

One summer during college I worked in dad’s office. One of dad’s client’s came to the office about their account. Dad wasn’t there, but his boss, and friend of many years, George Gunkel, was. The customer was angry because they were confused and thought they had been cheated on their account. George helped them, and I overheard him confidently assure the customer that he’d known Mr. Novick for many years and that Mr. Novick would never do something dishonest. I sensed that George truly believed that, and felt confident in the knowledge that his employee was honest and trustworthy. George helped the customer understand their account and resolve their concern.
Ed served his customers and his company well. He was honest, dependable, accountable, productive and caring for his clients. These are the values Ed would want us to learn from his life.

In Ed’s public life, he coached baseball – the Marauders – the Orange. He loved baseball, and coaching it lit his fire in life. In over 30 years of managing he won over 400 games and won many championships.

Dad celebrated after games, seasons, and championships. He loved strategizing and competing. He reveled in the discipline of practice, practice, practice, that helped his teams succeed, and the confidence of knowing that his team was always the most prepared team on the field, even when they weren’t always the best.

Ed served his players, their families, and his community well. He was disciplined, knowledgeable, committed, and driven to succeed. These are the values Ed would want us to learn from his life. These are the values he taught to his players and he was proud of the fact that he taught these life values to hundreds of young men in his community – values that would serve them down the road of life.

In Ed’s faith life, he worshiped regularly and prayed daily. As a young man I would frequently find him sitting quietly in the basement fingering his rosary. He loved the Lord and walked with Him through his days, trials, illnesses and triumphs. He worked to send my brother Michael and I to Catholic schools at no small expense. He promoted and modeled a sober faith in God and His Word. Faith in God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and keeping God’s commandments, are values Ed would want us to learn from his life.

In Ed’s personal life, he loved his friends. He was proud and celebrated in the end the wonderful friends that were close to him. Many of you surrounded him so beautifully in his illnesses, and recently in his dying. He took much comfort in your presence.

But to have good friends, one must be a good friend, and dad was one of the best. He was responsive to our needs. He celebrated at our parties – regularly arriving early, and often staying late. He was there for us in our illnesses. He comforted us in our grief. These were values Ed would want us to learn from his life.

Ed loved his family. He was a good husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and godfather. He was supportive, loving and worked to provide for the needs of those who relied on him, and give gifts to those who didn’t.

Ed’s friends and family knew him as charming, fun-loving, caring, concerned, funny, and ever-ready to be there, whenever he was needed. He had charisma and a delightful sense of humor. Treasuring friendships and faithfully loving family were values that Ed would want us to learn from his life.

Ed served us well. He served his customers, his company, his community, his friends, his family – well. In living out the values he held so dearly, and in living out the Gospel and the word of our God so actively, he served us well…and in doing so served our God well by teaching these things to his brothers and sisters in Christ around him.

I’m so proud to be his son, and to bear his name. Thank you for everything, Dad.

In life, Ed was blessed. He was blessed with work, security, and comforts. While challenged by health issues through much of his life, he was blessed with wonderful medical care, the comfort of encouragement and care from loved ones, and a positive mental attitude to overcome whatever challenge life handed him. He was blessed with good friends with good values and loving hearts. He was blessed with a loving family. He was blessed with healthy and able children and grandchildren who were his pride and joy. He was blessed with one of the most precious gifts a man could ask for – a loving, faithful, and frequently forgiving, wife, who helped him through life, and served him so gracefully in his dying and death. He was blessed with an abiding faith that often carried him through the toils of life, and on which he could hope as he passed through the door to eternity.

As we go forward from this place, may we ever cherish Ed’s memory, and honor it by following his example and living the values he demonstrated for us. May we serve each other so well as he as a testament to our own abiding faith, and may we some day join Ed in the communion of saints with our Father in heaven.

Father Mike and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of you father, but we know he is in a better place with the loved ones that have gone before him. Our prays are with you.

I think of Uncle Ed each and everyday and think what an honor and blessing to know such a wonderful, loving, funny,kind and generous man. I will miss him dearly, thoughts and prayers are with you, love you all.

Dear Mike, You and your family are in our prayers. It's been almost a year since this happened to us and I tell you without the power of prayer I could not have made it through some days. I pray that God lifts you and your family up during this time. In Christian Love, Terry, Arlisa, Stacy

Father Mike and family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. It is so hard to lose a parent. Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Novick Family. We are all saddened to hear of Ed's passing. He was a wonderful coach to our son, Mike. I'm sure I can speak for all the young boys he has coached over the years, he was a true inspiration to anyone who was
fortunate to have him as a coach. After seeing all of the guests that attended the wake,it is obvious all of the hearts that Ed has touched. Ed will be sorely missed by the Midlothian community.

Sincerely,
The Kaleta Family

Father Mike,
We received the information to late to attend, but we want you and your family to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love
The Kennedy Family

Novick Family -
Coach Novick was such a wonderful man. Many will always remember his kindness, his smile and his patience. I will remember him for all those things as well as his courage (!) -after all, he was perfectly fine to let a first-year minor leaguer like me come in to relief pitch the last 2 outs of close championship game ---one of my favorite childhood memories for which I have him to thank. He is indeed a special person.

Your family is my thoughts and prayers.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ed,
I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. My prayers are with you and your family. Your father is at rest now.

Dear Barb, Father Mike & Ed,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. May you find comfort and support from all those who love you. My mother also sends her love.

To the Novick Family,

God has received Mr. Novick with opening arms. We know he was loved by his family, but, God loved him more and called him home. Remember a life that touches the hearts of others goes on forever. Lets thanks God for those wonderful memories. Ed, we will continue to keep your family in our prayers.

Dear Novick Family,

When I read my email on Wednesday night, my heart sank. I had recieved an email from my choir director at St. George letting me know of Ed's passing, and though I would only be considered an acquaintance…if that. I was touched by his sense of humor and the strength of his friendships with others.

Know that my prayers are with each and every one of you.

Deepest Sympathy,
Kaitlin Minogue, St. George Guitar Group

Ed, sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the entire Novick family.

DearBarb,Eddie ,Fr.Michael , I am so sorry about ED. HE will be missed,but always remembered.I have so many great memories of all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. May GOD give you the comfort ,strength ,and Peace at this painful time . Love

Dear Ed & Tina and family,

We want to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May you find peace with the memories that fill your hearts. May you also find comfort from the love of your family and friends.

Sincerely,

Dawn & Bert Hennessy

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of one of my most influential coaches. I'd run and "pick a weed" for him anytime. My thoughts and prayers are with the Novick family.

Ed's faith and his ability to handle the hand that was dealt to him are a true inspiration to all. We could all learn something from the way he dealt with his sickness, he never gave up. There was always a game to coach, a phone call or a visit to a friend in need. I know my life is better for having had Ed in it. He will truly be missed.

Dear Barb, Mike and Ed

I'm very sorry to here about Ed's passing. My prayers are with you. I remember Ed as the coach of the Marauders. His teams were always very well coached and always in first place. He alway took the time to pay me compliment when he saw me do something good. He was a good man and he will be missed very much.

Sincerely,

Jim Kapnick

The Novick Family-
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Novick's passing. I have many fond memories of him on the Midlothian baseball fields. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sandy Lufrano and family

MAY ED REST IN PEACE WITH THE LORD AND TO THE FAMILY MAY GOD COMFORT EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU AS YOU WERE ALWAY'S WERE SO CLOSE. I AM SENDING MY PEACE AND I HOPE THE LORD COMFORTS YOU.

I've heard many wonderful things about what a great father Mr. Novick was from young Ed. May God be good to him forever.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I have had the best gift given to me when I was born and that was My Godfather! You have not only been my Godfather but you have been a good friend and like a father to me also.

You have taught me so much and I am so grateful that I had you as a godfather. You have always been there for me to guide me and love me, I know you will always be watching over me & Kayla.

You always told me that I never did anything wrong in your eyes. You and I have had some great times together like our "Worst Pins Award" I still think that was the greatest night ever! You have always been there for me no matter what was going on. You came to my talent shows, my softball games (I should have been a Maurauder), and all the special moments in my life. When I was younger I couldn't wait to get home from school to see if you were at my house. If you weren't there then I would get on my bike and come see you or just go down to baseball practice and say hello. And all those Saturday afternoons you would stop over on your way home from work and have lunch with me. I can still hear your voice saying "hello girl".

You have faught a long and hard battle and as hard as it is to say goodbye to you, I know you will always be in my heart. You have touched my life and my daughters life in a very special way. We will always have that special bond!

May you now rest in peace. I will always love you and not a day will go past that I won't think about you and the wonderful memories you gave me over the past 30 years! I thank you for everything you have ever done for me, the lessons you have taught me and the love you have blessed me with.

Barb & family,
the Maurauders and Midlo were so lucky to have his special guidance..generation after generation.. never has been another coach like him.. and those yearbooks will live on in hundreds of boys lives to show their grandkids.. thanks for all the sacrifice and time from the whole family..
Kathi Griffin and family

Dear Novick Family,
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

I'm so very sorry that I never met this wonderful, much loved man, my cousin Ed. My condolences to Barbara, and the entire Novick family. You are in my heart and prayers. love, Deb Novick Miller

Ed and family,
I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss. May you find peace and joy in God's grace. I will continue to say a prayer for you.

I'm glad we had the chance to talk at Danny's wedding. You will be missed.

I was terribly sorry to learn that my cousin Ed had passed away. He battled against cancer for many years. Ed was devoted to his family and his faith. I first got to know him in the later 1970s, when I visited his family, and he and Barbara came to our wedding in Iowa in 1982. Our families kept in touch for many years after we moved to the Southwest, and when I last spoke with him, he approached his upcoming treatments with great courage. Ed was a very good man, and Cherri and I will miss him greatly.

Jeff Brown

Aunt Barb, Ed & Mike,
Our sincere condolences. Uncle Ed was such a wonderful man who always made us laugh. He will be missed, but our happy memories shall remain forever.
Love,
Patty & Joe

Dear Barb, Ed & Fr. Mike,

Ed was truly an inspiration and his memory will continue to inspire me to live life to its fullest. I know you will miss him dearly - but I also know that his spirit will live on in all those whom he touched. May he now rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Father Mike,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. I know we were praying for him at St. George. We will remember you and your family in our prayers. Love and prayers from Elmer and Elaine Bucek

'Michael the Priest', you made me cry at work. I've known Ed and Barb for many years. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family. I'm sorry that I'm so far away and can't be with you now.

Dear Barb,
I am so sorry to hear that Eddie passed away yesterday, I just finished rereading your "Christmas Letter" thinking how sad it is I live so far away. Please know that my heart and prayers are with you and the family.
Most sincerely, Art & Carol Knies

Our deepest sympathies and thoughts to your family. May all your cherished memories of husband, father and grandpa fill the lonliness and give you comfort. Personal note, I'd like to think my dad was on the welcoming committee when Ed arrived. Our continued prayers!
Bob and MaryJo (Giancarlo) Landuyt and Family

Ed, finally you are at peace...and what a grace that is from the God who loves you. Say a fond "Hello" to Barbara, Mom & Dad, Gram and all who have gone on before us. We love you all and miss you dearly. Till we meet again, God Bless!

it's no surprise that Uncle Phil was the first to sign the "UNCLE ED" guestbook. I have plenty to say too, but will wait until i have my time at the funeral mass on friday. Miss you dad. So far, so good. just keep praying for us.
Your son, the priest.

Ed, Mike and the entire Novick Family -
I am very sad to hear about your dad passing away. He was a very thougthful and generous person the few times I had the pleasure of meeting him. Know that he is in a better place and that he will always be with you even though he is not here physically. You have great memeories of him and those you will always have. Your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen(Roche) Sukowski
a.k.a - Bajita

Ed, You were the best. Your sense of humor, sense of family and the love you and Barbara shared will always be remembered. We love you. Until we meet again, Tom and Gaile

ED NOVICK HAS PASSED AWAY.
A SIMPLE SENTENCE TO DESCRIBE THE PASSING OF MAN WITH A COMMON NAME AND YET A MAN WHO LIVED AN UN COMMON AND EXTREMELY DISTINGUISHED LIFE… I FIRST MET ED ON WHAT WOULD EVENTUALLY BECOME KNOWN AS THE “UNCLE ED GOLF TOUR” ALMOST 35 YEARS AGO. HE HAS BEEN A DEAR FRIEND, A MENTOR, AND “WINGMAN” TO ME AND MY FAMILY FOR EVERY ONE OF THOSE YEARS. MANY KIND WORDS IN THE COMING DAYS WILL BE USED TO DEPICT THE ESSENCE OF THE MIND, HEART AND SOUL OF ED. I AM CERTAIN THAT NO MATTER HOW HEARTFELT, NONE OF THOSE WORDS CAN EVEN BEGIN TO EXPLAIN THE WIDTH AND BREADTH OF ED’S CHARACTER AND AS IMPORTANT THE EFFECT HIS LIFE HAD ON OTHERS. YOU NEED ONLY TO ASK THE HUNDREDS OF YOUNG CHILDREN HE COACHED ON HIS BELOVED LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM, “THE MARAUDERS”. HE WAS A LIFELONG CUBS FAN AND TRULY LOVED BASEBALL BUT HE WAS AS DEDICATED TO TEACHING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE GAME AS HE WAS IN TEACHING HIS PLAYERS ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS OF LIFE.

HE SURVIVED MULTIPLE BOUTS OF LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS WITH COURAGE, DIGNITY, AND ABOVE ALL A SENSE OF HUMOR THAT LEFT ANY ONE WHO WITNESSED IT IN PERSON WITH A SENSE OF AWE AND WONDER AT HIS BRAVERY. HE HAS LEFT A LEGACY OF TRUE GRIT AND AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TO HANDLE ADVERSITY THAT WILL BE AN ONGOING INSPIRATION TO HIS CHILDREN AND BELOVED GRANDCHILDREN. WHEN FACED WITH THE CHALLENGES THAT LIFE WILL CERTAINLY BRING TO THEM THEY NEED LOOK NO FARTHER THAN THE EXAMPLE THEIR “DAD” AND “PAPA” SET FOR THEM. HE WAS A DEVOUT AND FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN, A LOYAL AND LOVING FATHER AND "PAPA" AND A DEVOTED AND LOVING HUSBAND. HIS PASSING WILL LEAVE A HUGE VOID IN THE LIVES OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS. THE HEAVENS HOWEVER WILL BE A LITTLE BRIGHTER BECAUSE OF HIS PRESENCE THERE.

LASTLY AS MANY OF HIS FRIENDS I HAVE BEEN PRIVILEGED TO WEAR THE UNIFORM OF OUR COUNTRY.. DURING THAT TIME I WITNESSED MANY ACTS OF INDIVIDUAL HEROISM AND BRAVERY. AS SUCH I AM UNIQUELY AWARE OF THE MEANING OF THE PHRASE “ BAND OF BROTHERS” . SUFFICE IT SAY THAT IN EVERY WAY ED HAD ALL OF QUALITIES NECESSARY TO BELONG TO THAT “BAND OF BROTHERS”.
TO BORROW A PHRASE FROM STAR TREK’S SPOCK
“HE HAS BEEN AND ALWAYS SHALL BE MY FRIEND”

GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED MY BROTHER

YOU’RE FRIEND PHIL CAMPBELL