he was me, and I was him, we are the same...

You gave me a ride home from the hospital and carried newborn Sunshine into her home when I was too weak. Remember? Thank you for looking after me but most of all, thank you for your help raising my son when I could not. I see you in him and it makes me proud.

What about the early memories? The fro you sported in the 70s? The time I decided to do the homeless hippy thing on Haight Asbury and who shows up? Literally? Or when you turned 70 and said, "I'm told I'm middle aged. That means I'm gonna live to be 140." I wish you could have.

So many years of laughter and you always somehow showed up out of nowhere in my vulnerable early adult years. 

I am so sorry to hear about Ed. He was such a good guy and helped out the Brainerd facilities department so much in the past couple years. I will really miss our conversations, he was a real talker for sure and always had something good to say.  He is walking with Jesus today!

Ed was equally effective as a doer and a listener, a rare complexity of talents, drive and compassion that endlessly brightened this world and enriched so many lives. 

The incredibly special bond and deep love that Ed and Cris will always share is extraordinary, beyond measure and anything I have ever witnessed.  Their love is a gift I feel privileged and blessed to have felt on so many occasions, over many miles and years, a gift that, along with Ed himself, I will hold in my heart always. May Ed rest in peace always.

To Cris and all of Ed’s family and loved ones, I share profoundly in your sorrow and wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead. May memories of Ed and his love for you be with you and sustain you always.

In friendship and with deepest sympathy,

Jan & Joy
(Part 2)

Having Ed as a cherished friend has been an incredible blessing in my life, a blessing I know I share with all of you and with countless others around the world. It would take hours to extol Ed’s many gifts that he shared so generously. Ed naturally touched people wherever he went. To me this is because Ed had the extraordinary ability to be totally “present” in the moment, to connect deeply with people in any situation, and an amazing capacity for empathy, caring and compassion. Ed gave of himself selflessly, with no limits, always with the intention to make things better, or to bring joy, comfort, and laughter to others. His generosity of spirit and patience was boundless. From listening deeply and offering sage advice gently from his caring, pious heart, to applying his intellect and selfless persistence to solve problems like how to carry his crazy shore house mates across the Anything Floats finish line in Barnegat Bay, unclog the one and only shore house toilet once again, get emergency medical care for a friend, to constructing systems and buildings in a remote Ugandan village, Ed gave all of himself to address any issue at hand; large or small, trivial or momentous.  He always lightened my burdens and filled my heart with his warm smile, genuine concern, kind-heartened teasing, and affectionate hugs. 

Ed gave his undivided attention and time to people—he would put aside personal plans without question, go to any lengths to help friends, family, or strangers alike, and travel far and wide to lend a hand or enliven a gathering of family or friends. 

Ed’s keen sense of humor and adventure, his creativity, spontaneity, and good cheer, made every gathering infinitely more joyful, fun, and loving, whether dressed as a Hare Krishna devotee, Thurston Howell III, Mr. Potato Head, or as himself.  - Jan & Joy (part 1)

Christine, 
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. I hope God blesses and comforts you during this difficult time, take courage in knowing Ed’s soul is in Heaven. 

To Ed, 

I have known you for over 10 years. In these years, you have been a friend to our children and you loved all the children at the Hope Center. You always had a funny joke for almost every moment. Your dedication to your work was amazing. You worked so hard on painting the children’s home and though we didn’t always agree on colors, you always had a joke that quickly won my heart over. Your last trip to Uganda in May, I enjoyed sharing the pulpit with you as you preach your sermon. I remember after the sermon, I said that this is probably the only time I didn’t have to ask you to repeat what you said and your response was ribs cracking as you said, “ because you needed that message.” Ed, God has used your earthly life in wonderful ways. But I believe the kids in heaven messed up one of the rooms and am sure that’s why God has called you so that you can do some painting in heaven. Be sure to start on my room too because it won’t be long until I join. Rest In Peace dear Ed, all the birds, animals and nature of Africa is crying because we have lost a friend of Africa. 

Christine, I would like to share these words from our Lord Jesus Christ, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Know that you are loved and are in our thoughts and prayers. 

Enoch, Patience, Asher, Nathaniel, Nahaliel and all your sons and Daughters from Uganda 
Words of Hope Africa

Dear Chris:

Just got back from New York from my brother-in-laws funeral to find out your husband also joined the Lord.  Your husband was a hero of mine. He went for the trailer parks of his youth to a missionary for Christ in Uganda.  He was lucky enough to find you on his journey. I had hoped to ask him to take
me to one of his trips to Africa to try and get into heaven with him.  He was a wonderful example to everyone who knew him and I’m sure a great husband to you.  My warmest sympathy to you and your family. 

Danny O’Brien

I’m so sorry I’m just getting this news!!! I love your family so much! You and Ed supported my journey overseas and I’m so sad to hear of his passing. I just saw him three or four weeks ago at church. He spotted me in my ankle brace, and I shared that I had sprained my ankle, and then also broken my toe. I told him I had asked the Lord what He was trying to teach me, and he responded in his dry wit, “Maybe that you’re clumsy.” We had a chuckle, and I have laughed many times since. I will certainly miss seeing him, and I’m thinking about all of you  & praying for you right now.

Big Ed was a fun-loving, Godly, and oh-so kind friend. He always had a word, often a friendly word, to say; and he was fun, with a great sense of humor.

Big Ed was different, in such a good way.  He will be missed in ways we do not even understand now.

Thank you, dear Lord, for the blessing that Big Ed brought to us all!

James Hall

To Cris, 
We were honored to have Ed as a friend and be part of his life. He was an awesome man who brought joy to so many and was such an upbeat spiritual person who was so much fun. We will miss him.  RI P 

I will always remember becoming friends with my friend Micah and Josiah’s dad in my late teens.  He was a very kind man, everyone loved being around him. Not your usual encounter for a parent, he was very excepting of everyone, no matter the age.  Years later by coincidence he became family when my dad married his niece.  I will miss you very much Tiny.  My heart goes out to your wife Chris and your boys and family.  
Love you,
Keri

Above and beyond! That’s what these 3 always do! Uncle E was Olaf for Reese’s  4th birthday Frozen style!  Also pictured, Nana Jo Ellen as Anna and Papa Paul as The Prince! Making fun memories is what they do best! 

I only know Ed through a Friday Bible study in the BX. I sat beside him the Friday before he passed. He asked me to send him the lyrics to Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. I made bookmarks for everyone but Ed was absent. We didn’t find out until after our study that Ed already had his eyes on Jesus and didn’t need the lyrics. Peace and comfort to his family-we miss him as well.🙏

These brothers, Uncle E (orange shirt) and my dad Eddie  painting the mission home at our church with love and laughter! These two are the hardest workers I know. Our dear friend Mr. Gene Boyd was there painting too. September 2022  ❤️ We love you guys! 

Christine, 
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family. I hope God blesses and comforts you during this difficult time, take courage in knowing Ed’s soul is in Heaven.
Enoch Words of Hope Africa 

Ed was a fun and competitive participant at the BX pool table and will be missed.  I’m so sorry your family and friends are having this loss at this time, especially this time of the year.  May God give you strength.

Ed was a very good man and a good friend                Ron Speck

I will always remember Ed's wonderful smile, happy and a bit mischievous.  He had a great sense of humor, and a great taste in music.  I always enjoyed adventures at the NJ shore with Chris and Ed. I know that he is still laughing with God.  Blessings, Liz J.

Eddie will always have a place in my heart. I am so sorry you guys lost your father, and grandfather to your lovely girls.  Josiah and family and of course Eli. I will pray for you and your family to find peace in this time. I love you all very much. Eddie Rest in Peace. 

The loss of a loved one can be celebrated by the memories of their time with us. May your memories bring you comfort at this sad time.
Prayers for the family.

We are keeping your family in our prayers.
George and Lori Hellmund and Family

Cristine & family you are in our prayers. This is such a sudden life event and we know shock is not adequate to describe how we feel. We are sad but our faith tells us to be thankful for God’s provision of Eternal Life with Him , a prepared home in Heaven and for those of us left behind A Comforter to walk alongside us. We will miss Ed’s smiles , seeing his fun times playing pool or ping pong with his brother at the BX and his servant heart. Praying the presence of Jesus , His comforting love & His peace that passeth understanding surrounds & carry’s  you through this difficult time. Love, Roger & Darlene Ross

With deepest sympathy,
Sam and Vicki Epstein

OBITUARY

Edwin C. Bennett

17 May, 1949 – 17 November, 2022

Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist-Valley View Chapel

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