I find it impossible for me not to write this tribute to Ed from a personal point of view. Ed and I met back in 1951 when I joined the Detroit Balsa Bugs. He found out that I was interested in going to the ’52 NATS in California and that he planned on going and I was welcome to come along. Ed was more a part of my family than just a friend for all these years. I do miss him.

Ed’s accomplishments and contributions to modeling are extensive. Ed flew all types of free flight both indoor and outdoor and even some u-control speed back in the ‘40s. His 1/2A scale Fairchild F-24 won the Nationals three times in ’53, ’54 and ’60 placing 3 rd in ’58, 5 th in ‘56 and 6 th in ’52. His Corbin Super Ace indoor scale model won or placed high in many national and international competitions. He was twice selected to represent the United States on FAI Indoor teams and his F1D model was selected as the NFFS indoor model of the year. I have always felt that Ed was one of best craftsmen I’ve ever seen. He was a perfectionist, more than once I’ve seen him recover a whole wing rather than just patch a hole.

For many years Ed was the Contest Manager for the Indoor and Outdoor Exchange Clubs Michigan State Model Championships of which the outdoor contest was recognized as the largest single day contest in the country. They were class events.

Ed also had a passion for full size aircraft but especially lighter than air as exhibited by his huge book and memorabilia collection. He was a pilot of both land and seaplanes. He flew sailplanes and was also a certified instructor.

Ed was a member of the Detroit Balsa Bugs, The Cloud Busters Model Club, the EAA and curator of the Selfridge Air Museum Exhibits among other organizations. Other endeavors included skiing, traveling and photography. He was an all around man.

Of course no tribute to Ed would be complete without mentioning his sense of humor. His puns were so subtle that you really had to pay attention. But I think he enjoyed it most if you groaned a little bit when you got it.

Thermals my good friend.

Paul Crowley