February Client Cameo: Edward P.

It is our honor to introduce Edward P., our February Client Cameo. Edward was born on a farm in Central Minnesota near the town of Litchfield in November 1924. Edward loved the farm, loved to operate machinery, loved the farm animals and probably would have stayed on the farm but when he graduated from high school the country was at war. Rather than being drafted he chose to enroll in the Navy, which offered him the opportunity to go to Aviation Electronics School. After the war, Edward and his three brothers couldn’t all farm so his dad encouraged him to take advantage of the GI Bill and go to college. Graduating from Mankato State University in Minnesota with majors in Math and Physics, Edward was offered a Fellowship by the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies. Completing the special course in Radiation Protection at the University of Rochester in New York, he wound up working at Rocky Flats Plant and, eventually, became Manager of Health Sciences. Edward retired from there after 31 dedicated years of service. 

Edward and his wife moved into Frasier in 1994. In the past 27+ years, he has been very active at Frasier. As a “self-taught musician” he has played organ for Vesper Services, Memorial Services and for entertainment. He was also publisher of the Frasier newsletter for about 14 years, publisher of mini-biographies for about the same time, chairman of several committees and more. 

Edward has been recognized twice by the Board of Trustees for his contributions to this community. He received the “Distinguished Service Award” in 2009. When they presented the award, they claimed that “During the past 15 years, Edward has displayed the attributes of a true Renaissance Man; generous, sharing his many talents, insights, and visions with his colleagues at Frasier.” The second recognition came in the form of a Resolution by the Board and presented in 2014, honoring Edward as the recipient of the “Betty and Bill Fischer Service to Community Award." In addition to his service to Frasier, he has been the Financial Secretary for over 16 years at his church, a member of the church choir, a church usher and participated in maintenance and repair projects. He has served on 12 committees or services at Frasier and provided entertainment for health care residents. He has also participated and contributed to programs and entertainment for Frasier residents. Now that he is 97+ years old, he has given up much of his volunteer work and spends a lot of his spare time reading, 

Several years ago Edward's daughter sent him a list of 10 words to describe him. They were: Wise, Talented, Thoughtful, Helpful, Generous, Patient, Caring, Kind, Admired and Loved. 

Edward has been a Cultivate client with Carry-Out Caravan for only about 2 years and wishes he had joined a lot sooner. Ever since he lost his car in the 2013 flood and didn’t replace it, being able to have groceries delivered has been very important to him. Cultivate is so honored to be able to help such amazing clients, such as Edward, who are such pillars in the community and served our country. Thank you for all that you've done and for sharing your story with us!