Edward Joseph Springer

Edward Joseph Springer, age 72, succumbed to complications of multiple myeloma at Hospice House of Spokane on September 11, 2023. Ever the quintessential television news photojournalist, it seems fitting that he passed on the anniversary of the biggest news day of the century.

Ed was born in Spokane March 5, 1951 to Joseph and Carol (McKown) Springer. He was raised in Seattle on Queen Ann Hill then moved back to Spokane in 1968 and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1969.

He started his television career at KSPS, moved to KXLY TV, where he was the late night weather man and photojournalist, then to KREM TV, and finished his local television career with 29 years at KHQ. In his career as a photojournalist he won two Emmys: one for a docuseries “Seasons on the Fly” and one for a public service program for the Spokane Blood Bank; he also received numerous awards from Sigma Delta Chi for Excellence in TV Photography.

Ed traveled to Russia for a Russian Relief Mission, and also to Nishinomiya, Japan to film documentaries, where he gave a calligrapher free reign to pick an appropriate Japanese language symbol for him. She chose the symbols for “kind and gentle man,” based on her impression of this gentle giant from Sister City Spokane.

Ed would do whatever it took to “get the shot,” and as a result, he provided beautiful airborne coverage of Bloomsday on several occasions and photographed other community events and campaigns such as Expo ’74, Hoopfest, Neighbor Days, Pig Out in the Park, Teacher of the Month, Success by Six and the Lilac Parade. Ed hung from helicopters, flew in a B-52 bomber, waded streams with Alaska grizzlies and fly fishers with dangerous back casts, all to get the perfect shot.

During his decades-long career, Ed photographed interviews with presidents, senators, congressmen, major league & collegiate star athletes and celebrities such as Connie Chung, Taylor Swift, Toby Keith and many others. He covered the Freeman Standoff in Montana as well as Ruby Ridge. Ed especially loved hockey and arena football and did live video for the Spokane Shock and the Spokane Chiefs, as well as covering the occasional college basketball game at the Arena and the Kennel.

Ed took a lot of pride in and enjoyed his work. In retirement, Ed was an integral part of the audio-visual department for Spokane Veteran’s Memorial Arena, Opera house and Convention Center. Ed consulted on the design and participated in the set-up of the control room at Spokane’s newest event venue, The Podium. Ed also was a mentor and trainer for young technical staff in his career.

What many of Ed’s family, friends and employers will remember about Ed is his incredible innate ability to fix anything. He could give new life to cast-off TVs and other electronics, lawn mowers, boat motors, anything with moving parts. You name it, and Ed could make it work again. Consequently, there was always a project in his garage or kitchen that he was doing for

someone. When Ed wasn’t at home fixing things, he was out enjoying his Harley or fishing at the family cabin on Hayden Lake.

Ed was predeceased by his parents and his sisters Judy Springer and Nancy Bates. He is survived by his children, Heidi Cooke (Leon) of Chandler AZ, Adam (Lindsay) of Spokane Valley, Sean and Matt (Chelsea) of Spokane; brother John (Debbie), sister Mary Ebbett of White Rock, Canada, and former wife, Kathy. Ed is also survived by four grandsons: Beckett, Wyatt & Baylor Cooke, and Bentley Springer; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins – including those in Sweden (who gave him the nickname “Superman”). He also leaves behind many friends and associates, including his buddy Jim who stood by him through thick and thin.

The family wishes to thank Drs. Lund and Gourley and the oncology staff at Multi Care, Lena’s Gentle Care, and the staff - especially Christina and Diana - at Hospice House of Spokane for their loving care in Ed’s last days. The family suggests donations be made to Hospice of Spokane in lieu of flowers.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Spokane Veteran’s Memorial Arena; luncheon to follow.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BallandDodd.com for the Springer family.