Rent-A-Dad

I met Ed at Lockheed, just as he was finishing his Master’s Thesis. As he emerged from the amniotic fluid of academia, Ed was searching for an environmental career with meaning and long-term impact. Ed wanted his own program to develop and vision to implement. When he arrived at the Community College and established the popular environmental technology program, it was clear to everyone that Ed found his niche. Ed was the kind of leader and teacher that people and students wanted to follow. His innate ability to read people between the lines and bring out the best in everyone, despite their personal limitations and doubts, made him a great teacher and leader. He always placed others well-being before his own and it showed.

As I tripped down memory lane reviewing the photos on the Blog, the 1993 raft trip down Desolation Canyon looked mighty familiar, and so did Ed, lying there on the river bank taking in the sun’s rays. This story is for Ed’s daughters:

When my kids, Amber and Ross, were little, they spent weeks on the Colorado River with Ed learning geology and “horsing around” in duckies and inflatables in the warm sun and clear water. One year, our rafting group decided to do an extended weekend trip down the Lower Colorado. Amber and Ross’ dad was traveling, so they asked Ed if he could be “Rent-A-Dad” for the weekend to help guide our raft safely down the river. Ed stepped up to the task, and played Rent-A-Dad for 4 days to Amber and Ross. He helped maneuver us around dangerous holes and rooster-tail waves, pitched tents, cooked grub, read bedtime stories, and packed loads of gear. At 4 years, Ross was a special challenge, because he was forever missing up a side canyon or hanging out on a rock ledge. Like a dog, Ross wanted to leave his mark in every corner of the River. Before we left a camping or rest spot, we would invariably have to search for Ross, and then, admonish him for sneaking off from the group. On this weekend, and many other rafting trips, Ed fondly earned his title as Rent-A-Dad, and a special place in our hearts and memories.

I can only hope that Ed is waiting for each one of us to greet him, again, for another memorable raft trip. Until then, I will cherish my memories.

Beth Moore