Dave:
You're missed  very much.  Dave and I arrived at Air Station Miami about the same time as new pilots.  Although Dave was a pilot among many at busy Miami, we had a lot in common with wonderful families supporting us during hectic deployments and growing into our careers.  We deployed many times together.  Like all of us as new Coast Guard pilots, we  were learning the trade together.
We pray for your family.

So very sorry to hear of Dave's passing.  We were in Savannah together for a couple of years in the mid-90's.  Among other things,  he dealt w/ all the headaches that came w/ CG-leased housing.  We deployed together on MOHAWK in the fall of '95.  Flew the Prime Minister of Belize, making us - I think - some of the very few CG aviators to have flown a head of state.  Dave flew the aircraft while I got screamed at by the US ambassador who had been expecting an executive helicopter, I guess...

One of the best "sticks" I ever flew with, an absolutely professional, thoroughly knowledgeable officer and a good friend.  RIP - You are missed.

I am so very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I had the pleasure of being stationed with Dave early in my Coast Guard career. He epitomized everything I myself hoped to achieve someday as a newly-arrived Army Direct Commission Aviator. Dave had flown AH-1 Cobras in the Army (as I had), so we shared a fair bit in common. And, I always admired his extensive prior-Enlisted service - he was the consummate professional Officer, loved by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Edwards family. We share your sadness at his loss, but celebrate a life very well-lived. We are consoled knowing Dave now Rests in Peace, enjoying his eternal reward in Heaven!

Rest in Eternal Peace, Capt. D. Edwards (USCG, Ret.)…Deepest Sympathy and Condolences to the Family and Friends…Fly High Beyond Blue Skies, Search and Rescue Those Lost Soul and Bring Them Home To Their Loved Ones…Semper Paratus - (slow) Salute…✝️🙏🏽👼🏼🕊🇺🇸⚓️🇺🇸

Dave and I worked together at ATC Mobile (2001-2003) - he was the MH65 Engineering Officer and I was the Maintenance Officer. What a pleasure he was to work with.  He brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the job, and his upbeat and engaging personality keep the job and social events lively.  Everyone enjoyed working with Dave - from the Technicians to the most senior Officers.  I can remember routinely briefing him that we had several test flights and ground runs that would keep him busy most of day and his response was always upbeat - let's get it done; he would keep up an amazing pace jumping from one aircraft to the other - even on those long hot-humid summer days.  Dave brought the same enthusiasm and energy in our daily interaction in social gatherings.      Dave was a great communicator and often was the person voicing and supporting the work force and others to resolve unpopular decisions that impacted the workforce, what a great leader and friend to so many.  Rest in peace my friend, your time with us was too short.  Prayers to your family.

Sad to learn of Dave’s passing. Way too soon. I was stationed with Dave in New Orleans in the early 80’s when he was also a Flight Mech in HH-52s. On one flight we were directed to Grand Isle to pick up a couple of dewatering pumps. We landed in the field next to the station. Dave deplaned and the helo shook hard for a second. We thought we had blown a tire…. Dave checked everything, gave us the OK and loaded the pumps. Once in the air he announced that he had done a stupid thing back there…. the reason the helo shook was that Dave had jumped out with his gunner’s belt still on, slamming him back into the side of the helo resulting in a couple of cracked ribs… his feet never touched the ground. I remember talking to him about the Warrant Officer flight training program and then seeing him after he graduated from Army flight school. I jokingly made the comment that in a few years he could apply for the DCA program. Then in the early 90’s on a trip to or from GITMO I walked into OPS at Miami and standing there was Ensign Dave Edwards with that big smile. He did it! Awesome guy. RIP Captain.

I was stationed with Dave in Miami as a FM/RS during Andrew, in Traverse City as a RS and ATC Mobile as a CWO throughout my career. He instilled professionalism and an easy feeling while flying. When enlisted people talk about the officers sometimes it’s about who we would like to see as the boss. Which ones understand the aspects of leadership so well that his subordinates would follow him anywhere? Dave was always at the top of the list.  

I also had the pleasure of working and flying with Dave over the years. He was a great pilot and a better man. He will be missed by all that knew him. Rest In Peace, brother.

Dave, thank you for all the great times and lessons in the air over the Florida Straights.  I'll never forget the confidence and can-do spirit you instilled when we flew a 65 up the Bahamas with fried avionics - just a chart, a clock, and the radar.  Our lives and our Nation are better for the too-short time we had with you.   Honored to have been a part of your retirement ceremony, honored to have served with you.  Go easy Daddio.

Your Brother-in-Arms,
Sam Creech

Mr. Edward's was our engineering officer at Airsta Humboldt Bay,  we flew many test flights and some very hairy search and rescue mission,  and was glad he was A/C during those times,  always knew we were coming home.  This is very sad to hear,  RIP Dave,  my condolences to your family, you were one of the good ones! 

I had the pleasure of serving with Dave in Savannah and Houston.  Dave was a trusted colleague and friend whose quick wit and humor could put a smile on anyone's face.  Dave, may you rest in peace.  You'll be missed.

So sorry to hear about Dave's passing.  I served and flew with him for several years in the Coast Guard and Dave was loved by all on the hangar deck.  He was an outstanding pilot, highly respected, and a great mentor to many.  I learned a great deal from him about being a professional aviator.   

I am so saddened by the loss of Dave. I was so excited when we recently talked and he wanted us to visit. Even if we didn't get to fish or scuba just to visit would have been great. I am thankful for our last phone conversation. My heart breaks for you Shelia, Garrett and Collin. My thoughts and prayers are for you to find comfort in all the good memories you all shared. I love you all! 
Oh, just a memory to pass on....Shelia you may remember when we were down about 5 years ago when you and Dave met Drake and I at the beach. As we stand in the water we saw a sea turtle and then.....the shark swam way to close to my baby boy Drake. Then Dave starts hitting his hand in the top of the water. I laugh every time I think of this but just know if the shark would have returned I would have gotten to shore with Drake in about two seconds. ❤

I was fortunate enough to serve with Dave at Air Station Houston. No matter the challenge of the day or hour, Dave always had a related story and sage advice to share with a smile. He was loved and respected by everyone. 

I was one of the lucky ones who served with Dave more than once over the years. Nothing but warm  memories of a kind heart and a great sense of humor- not to mention one heckuva pilot and engineer who left some pretty amazing footprints in this world. Grateful our paths merged. Thoughts and prayers with Sheila, Garrett and Collin.

In 1980, after a spate of NICAD Battery mishaps in the Coast Guard, as Head of Navigation and Electrical Systems at Headquarters I was at Air Station New Orleans researching the problem.

The first thing I did was seek out the most knowledgeable young Aircraft Electricians Mate (AE) I could find, and in this case that was AE1 Dave Edwards.  Thoroughly professional, friendly, respectful and as knowledgeable as they come.

It had only been 8 years since I had been at New Orleans as an AT2 prior to heading off to Flight School and starting my journey as a CG Officer.  

Never saw him again but that one time was memorable. 

I wish him well on his next mission, he certainly did well on this one.

Rest easy Cap......
HM1 Brian "Doc" Blanchard, AIRSTA Houston

Dave and I flew together in Traverse and he was the perfect professional aviator and engineer w/the quickest cutting wit. Our 1st flight together had us circling Lambeau Field while he (censored)…definitely NOT a Packers fan! Dave was larger than life to all who knew him, and Marie and I hope these memories will temper your great loss. 

What a shock to hear of Dave’s passing!  He was a great person and skilled aviator.  We owe him a debt of gratitude for his long lasting impact on the Coast Guard and especially CG Aviation.  My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and family.  Fair Winds Shipmate.

Dear Shelia and family,                                                                                         
        Danny and I were so sorry to hear about Dave. We will miss meeting up with him on our walks and all the great conversations, he certainly had an accomplished life.....Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family, with thoughts of love and peace. Danny & Sharon Horan

I’ve known Dave since we were in first grade together, back at Odenton Elementary school in Odenton, Maryland. Graduated from high school together, worked together at the Hess station, and as was inevitable, our paths diverged. We never lost contact with each other, although the last time I saw him was in 1984, when he was engaged to Shelia. This was after his enlisted stint and before the Army. Remember when he went back into the USCG. Kept in contact with Dave at all his duty stations while I was in the USAF and then retired. He was a great pilot, devoted husband and father. Dave was one of my best friends ever.  My folks and brothers and sisters loved him much. I knew his brother Wade as well, and sadly he passed a couples of years before Dave. Those two were a big part of life. There’s only a couple of guys I knew who I loved like a brother. Dave was one of those guys. His loss is felt by so many of us. God speed Dave. 



As Ron Agnich mentioned above, Dave was part of an incredible group at AIRSTA Miami and AIRSTA Gitmo in the 90s.  He was a great and passionate person, father, pilot, and storyteller. I only have the fondest of memories of Dave.  May he Rest In Peace with his family knowing he was cherished by all.  Ed

I met Dave in Miami...we were both Ensigns and worked in the Public Works Department "bullpen" with the likes of Frank Susskey, Steve Czerwonka, Ed Cubanski, Pat Foley, Norm Schweizer, Jennifer Lay, etc to name a few. Dave and I hit it off and become great friends during our tour together. We would regularly get off work and meet at Latitudes for a beer and shot (Jose Cuervo of course). We hung out with the mechs...making sure to take care of them for their hard work in the hot Miami sun. Dave and I were the off-going duty section when Hurricane Andrew hit and spent the next several days responding to the victims. A great effort indeed. We spent our fair share in GITMO and the Caribbean over the next several years and eventually left Miami as Aeronautical Engineers. Dave was a servant leader and always took care of his crew. He was well respected by the Officers and Enlisted alike. I always enjoyed hanging around Dave. He had a heart of gold and a wicked sense of humor. He and Sheila welcomed Nina and I into their home and we made many great memories in South Florida. Please pray for Sheila and the family as they lost a great husband and father....and we lost a great friend. 

When ENS Dave Edwards reported aboard CGAS Miami in the early ‘90’s he had instant respect on the hangar deck since he sported both Aircrew and Aviator wings. Further, he had successfully executed a plan that transformed his career from Coast Guard Aircrewman to Army Warrant Officer/Aviator to Coast Guard Direct Commission Aviator. It didn’t take him long to prove his competence with stick and rudder. He was flying test flights as an Aircraft Commander within a couple of years of his arrival as an HH-65A Copilot. Fast forward a dozen or so years, and I was priviledged to serve with him again when he was positively impacting every aircraft in the CG inventory as the CG-412 Systems Manager at Coast Guard Headquarters. But I remember him most for his quick wit and mischievous smile, and the care he expressed for his own family, and our entire Coast Guard family. My prayers go out to Sheila and family during this time of great sadness and loss.

Dave was my cousin and I loved and respected him. I will always remember the fun we had in the summers when our dads would plan outings either in Virginia or Maryland.  He and his brother, Wade, were always kind and caring and just fun to be with. I want to express my sincerest sympathies to his wife, Sheila, and to his sons.  I am so saddened that the world is darker because the light that is Dave is missing from it.  I'm sure his light now shines in a more glorious realm. 

I will never forget Dave Edwards. He was an amazing boss and mentor. When I worked for him in Houston he served the same role I find myself in now, and I often think of the example he provided for me. My prayers go out to his family. 

My first memory of Dave was at Seville Quarter in Pensacola where he was a bar manager and I a student naval aviator, the great part was the recollection while standing duty together in Muskegon.  Those misgivings were almost trumped when visiting him in Humboldt!  A very quick wit, sharp humor and that ever present mischievous smile.  Fair winds my friend.

Paula and I are shocked to hear of Dave's passing. I was stationed with Dave twice, Traverse City Mi and Mobile Al. He was a great pilot, engineer and mentor that will be truly missed. On that rare occasion when there was a speck of dirt on his Bronco or Jeep I'd give him a hard time about it and he'd hurry to get it cleaned off. Prayers for the entire Edwards family.

Dave was one of the many awesome officers who brought me into the Coast Guard. Funny & direct, I immediately saw why he was so loved by our enlisted crew. He was a team builder and would always bring people together on his pride and joy-the boat. I have great memories of Dave & his family. He will certainly be missed. 


Dave was a great boss and friend. He was highly respected and his high energy was always contagious. If anything seemed out if place or if something was going on, Dave could always sniff out the culprits. Always made you laugh and that smile of his was epic. If he came at you with it, you knew he knew.....thoughts and prayers go out to his family...Godspeed Dave, thank you for everything you taught me. We will meet again someday.

Dave was a good friend and a great father and husband. I will always remember him so full of life and energy. He was taken way soon and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his extended  Coast Guard family.

Dave and I were in the same Coast Guard Student Aviation Engineering class in 1997.  An amazing officer.  This news about Dave really hit me hard.  Blessings to Dave’s family.  

Carl Riedlin 

I remember Dave showing up at CGAS Miami some 30 years ago. A funny, clever man with a heart as big as all outdoors. Useful pilot, too. I reconnected with Dave a couple years back in the Gulf Breeze Walmart when we were both checking out at the same time in adjacent lanes. He recognized me first and started grinning when he realized I hadn't recognized him, even as he hadn't changed a bit.

Treasured memories of my time at CGHQ with Dave - wonderful person who kept us all honest, laughing and made us better,

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers.

Tony & Marta Hahn

So sorry to hear of Dave's passing.  Amy and I are keeping his family in our prayers.  I appreciated the support he gave me and my family when we were at Aviation Training Center Mobile together.  He cared deeply about those he served with.

Dave was a great man and friend.  Loved flying with him and enjoyed serving with him.  He will be missed and our prayers go out to all. 

Dave was a great Coastie , helo bubba and funny as hell !  This is an unexpected great loss that has shocked us all. You will be missed my brother! Johnny K 

OBITUARY

David Edwards

25 June, 1959 – 22 June, 2022

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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