John Eden

John Eden – John William Eden of Washington, D.C., Lake Wales, Florida and Edgartown, Massachusetts passed away on Saturday, February 11th at the age of 84 from Parkinson’s disease. Born in Cleveland, Ohio to Charlton Granville Eden and Helen McKlintock Eden, he is survived by his loving and caring wife Caroline Ballou Eden, John Jefferson Eden, Timothy Starr Eden, Emily Eden Trotman; and four grandchildren, John Chesney Eden, Timothy Charles Eden, Alexandra Starr Trotman and Julia Ballou Trotman. His third son, Carter Remington Eden went to be with the Lord in 1995.

A former Assistant Sectary of Commerce during the Ford Administration, John Eden joined Russell Reynolds in Washington, DC, where he developed a reputation for identifying quality individuals to lead numerous companies and organizations. He was a businessman at heart, having begun his career in the automobile industry in Detroit. After several assignments with American Machine and Foundery Company, he was twice a candidate for U.S. Congress in the 19th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. John served in the United States Navy and attended the Maine Maritime Academy.

John Eden graduated from Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951 from Yale University. He served on the Board of Directors of B.A. Ballou & Company in East Providence, Rhode Island. An avid golfer, he was a President of the U.S. Seniors Golf Association and was an advisor to the LPGA. He also served as President of the Mountain Lake Corporation in Lake Wales, Florida and was a member of the Chevy Chase Club in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

John Eden loved a challenge. He was an eternal optimist, and an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a true promoter, who enthusiastically contributed to the many projects he undertook. An outdoorsman and music lover, his refreshing personality lit up many a room. Most of all, he was a family man, ever encouraging and supporting those around him. He cultivated relationships with many friends, which were important to him. He had a forgiving heart, and always sought to be helpful to others and to make a contribution.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 18th to be followed by a reception at the Chevy Chase Club.