Edward R. Weed

Edward R. Weed in 1942

On his passing, we now celebrate the life of Edward Richard Weed, devoted husband and dedicated father. Ed was born in Vancouver, BC to American parents in 1923. He was the eighth generation of his family born and raised in North America, his forbearers having arrived in the year 1630.

He joined the US Army Air Corps in 1942, served his country for 31 years, and retired with the rank of Colonel in the US Air Force. Ed was an active fighter pilot throughout his service, flying all over the world and seeing combat in WWII and Korea. During his military career he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, the Soldier’s Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, and the US Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.

After retirement in 1973, Ed and his beloved wife Katie moved their large family to Friday Harbor and built a home out on San Juan Valley Road. Ed flew for San Juan Airlines for a couple years, and was a member of the school board. Once their six children were headed off on their own, Ed and Katie cruised the Salish Sea and the Inside Passage for well over 25 years in a succession of vessels from their home port in Friday Harbor.

Ed follows his wife Katie, daughter Susan, son-in-law Tony Donato, and grand-daughter Gina Donato to new beginnings. He is survived by a large and grandly extended family, including his daughter Wendy (with Burt Gershater, their children Jennie, Mat, and Jessie, and their grandchildren Livi and Izun), his daughter Karen (with her children Lily and Ethan), his son David (with Lani Momeyer and their niece Natalie Donato), his daughter Lisa (with Steve Lahmann), and his daughter Rebecca (with her children Audrey and Terren).

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