On Thanksgiving Day my Mom told me that she had seen the newspaper article about Eddie. I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of His death and have been thinking about Eddy and your family ever since. I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to all of you.
I have fond memories of the few short times I spent with him. I think Eddy was a Senior in High School when I was a Freshman but we both ran Cross Country and often times ran together on our long runs after school. I remember in particular one very hot September afternoon (100+range) we ran out to Anaheim Lakes from the school and climbed under a barb wire fence for a quick refreshing dip in the water before heading back. Another time took us to an orange grove where we enjoyed a couple of fresh picked oranges before our run back to the school. One time we ran through Hillcrest Park and ended up exploring the long underground culvert that runs under Brea Blvd. Whenever I ran with Ed it was more of an adventure than just a training run.
I also remember that after Eddy discovered that I had done some back-packing he invited me to go with him to climb Mt. Baldy. We had a great time hiking the 8 mile long trail to the summit, at just over 10k ft. Every trip I go on from my first trip at the age of 5 to this day I have struggled with altitude sickness which hits me at exactly 10k ft and last about two days. On this trip, as usual, I began getting the associated headache and nausea. We got within sight of the summit, maybe only ¼ mile away, but I could not continue on. I insisted as adamantly as I could for him to go on and gain the summit, but Ed would not leave me and instead found a good site, pitched our tent and made some hot soup for me. He showed great concern and compassion for me and even the next morning would not go on without me.
I have dozens of other momentary memories, short flashes and images, like when he put on his Bee out-fit and opened up some bee hive boxes down in the park below your house. Another time Ed invited me to help him do a landscaping job and paid me well for my effort. We must have dug 100 holes on a slope to plant a bunch of juniper plants. Other memories include times spent just hanging out while waiting for our respective events in cross country.
It’s been a long time and a lot has happened since we last spoke. I considered letting it go but felt compelled to write because of the warm memories I have of your brother and with you too for that matter.
Take care,
Don Bolland
