Edward Wyn Price

While plans were being made for his 99th birthday celebration, Ed Price peacefully slipped through the gates of Heaven. His wife was by his side, other family members were present, and the chaplain was offering prayer.

Ed was born in Youngstown, Ohio, the only child of Edward Barclay Price and Elsa Foster Price. He graduated from Rayen High School and, in 1943, enlisted in the Army Air Corps (precursor to the US Air Force) at the age of 18. He was stationed on the Pacific island of Saipan as part of a B-29 bomber squadron. He remembers seeing the “Enola Gay” take off from nearby Tinian Island for Hiroshima on its mission to end the war.

After returning to Ohio, he relocated to Los Angeles to study aeronautics at the Northrup Institute of Technology. To help pay expenses he took a part time job with the Southern California Gas Company which led to a 39-year career with the Gas Company. He was instrumental in getting the natural gas lines into the new tract developments in Orange County. He married Josephine Gibson in 1956 and they had one son, Edward Barclay Price II (named after his grandfather). The family moved to Orange County in 1973. Josephine passed away from cancer in 1982.

In 1985 Ed met and married Anita Wehe Blackie and was a loving step-father to her three sons. Among Ed’s other involvements was a one-time presidency of the local Toastmaster’s International club. Ed enjoyed golf and was a member of the “Hole in One Club.” Ed was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Orange. He and Anita were long-time participants in the Newport Gourmet Club.

The Prices invested in a motor home, traveled extensively, and were active in the Family Motor Coach Association. Ed and Anita especially enjoyed the “Golden Spike Club,” which met regularly for train trips through the western United States. The Prices sponsored many such events and getting to attend a “Price Rally” was the highlight of an RV-owner’s experience. They also traveled throughout Europe and the South Pacific. Ed’s Altura Avenue neighbors called him the “Mayor of Altura” because of his helpfulness and friendliness.

In 2017, Ed was selected by “Honor Flights Southland” and flown to Washington DC to see the World War II Memorial and be honored for his service.

Later, the Prices moved to Laguna Woods where they were active in many organizations and enjoyed the amenities of this beautiful retirement community.

Ed is survived by his wife of 37 years and his son, Edward B. Price, his stepsons James (and wife Kelly), Jeffrey (and wife Laura), and Jonathan (and wife Leslie), his seven step-grandchildren, Jennifer, Jordan, Dylan, Lindsey, Berea, Stuart, and Josiah, and Berea’s husband Brent.

Ed will be remembered, loved, and dearly missed by his family and his many relatives and friends.

Internment at Fairhaven Memorial Park.