Friday, February 16, 2024
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I’ve known Ed back to the days he was my substitute teacher. Substitutes were hit or miss but we always knew we’d get a laugh from Mr. Chuckran and a bit of learning too! While I was never much good at tennis or basketball, it was well known the pride he took into teaching and coaching athletes to those sports.
Years later, our paths crossed again as his daughter Hannah became my coworker and so followed his younger son Troy. Both were excellent members of our team and I’d attribute aspects of that to both their parents.
Somewhere in that mix, Ed and I began going on river trips together. We both enjoyed nature and the peace we’d find out on the water. On these excursions, he enjoyed talking about each of his three now-grown children, the two I worked with in their youth as well as his eldest son Kyle. While he sometimes felt distant from them, he always spoke in loving tones proud of what they are accomplishing.
He took pride in his cooking and always packed in a ton of flavor. He’d joke how he had to be careful with his food around me as I’d scarf it all down. He had my number alright. I’ll miss getting the occasional ‘samples’ of his masterpieces.
Now, as long as I’d known Ed, he’s been a Cowboys fan. Early in life, I pledged fealty to Pittsburgh. On the rare occasion our two teams meet, all bets are off. But, when up against a different foe, we’d rally behind the other. He said he’d even kept a sentimental Steelers shirt of his father’s through the years. In that respect, he’s luckier than his own kids who will have to find a home for Dallas gear. Jesting of course.
I’ll miss physically seeing Ed. But I know he’ll be around on every river trip casting his line and whenever a sports ref makes a bad call with a “Come on man!” So, I guess we’ll hear him a lot!
His smile is with us even if we can’t see it anymore. I can feel it even as I write.
See you later Ed
Terry Nestler
