Edward M. Block

Edward M Block passed away on December 8, 2015 at the age of 93. Except while serving in the Navy during the Second World War, Ed never lived more than 50 miles from the house on Taylor Street where he was born. Ed’s parents: John Block, a Danish immigrant and Anna Berrum, a Reno girl, whose parents had also emigrated from Denmark, raised their sons to do the right thing. Fiercely proud of being a Nevadan and his family’s lineage, it was impossible to know Ed and not have him tell you that he was a bilateral Dane, and a second-generation native born Nevadan.

Growing up in Carson Valley, Ed received his Eagle Scout Rank, graduated from Douglas High School, class of 1941, and started working at Farmers Bank in Minden. Farmers Bank merged with First National Bank of Nevada and Ed moved to the Reno Main Branch in 1954. In 1955 Ed married Jean Sanford, and attended the University of Nevada Reno, at night, while working in Reno. Ed was transferred to the Carson City branch of the bank in 1956 and two weeks later Ed’s first son (Chip) was born. After 42 years of working for the bank, Ed had enough, he retired from First Interstate Bank in 1982 with the title of Corporate Vice President. With the exception of working in a gas station for the summer after graduation and serving in the US Navy, Ed worked his entire life at the bank.

While living in Carson City, Ed did not slow down, he was active in the Boy Scouts of America, 20-30 International, Carson City Host Lions Club, the Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce, National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, the Salvation Army and the March of Dimes. In 1959 tragedy struck Ed’s life when his wife passed away, leaving him and his son Chip on their own. In 1962 Ed married Elizabeth (Betty)Rowe. Betty not only joined Ed and Chip but she brought a daughter and son with her, Elizabeth (Betsy) and Kettner Griswold. As life went on Ed and Betty’s family grew with the addition of a third son John (Jed). Ed’s house became a home.

For twenty-two years Ed and Betty raised their family and supported the community. Their involvement made them driving forces in establishing the Brewery Arts Center and the creation of the Carson City Historic District. As time went on, Ed focused more and more on being involved with the Masons. He was raised a Master Mason in Douglas Lodge No. 12, in 1947, and served as Worshipful Master in 1953 and 1973. He was a member of Lewis Chaper No. 1 R.A.M.; Dewitt Clinton Commandery No. 1, K.T.; Capital Council No.7, R. & S. M.; Reno Scottish Rite Bodies; Kerak Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S.; Kit Carson Shrine Club; Edward C. Peterson Commandery No. 8. K.T.; Ancient Order of Camel Herders, and is a Past Rainbow Pop of Carson Assembly No.7, I.O.O.R.G.

Ed was elected and installed Grand Master and the 111th Annual communication of Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., in November of 1975. As an active member in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Reno, Ed was invested with the rank and decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor, January 21, 1984. Companion Block was active in many of the appendant bodies of their craft; The Royal Order of Scotland, The Robert the Bruce Association, and Clan Bonnockburn; Kicora Council #8, Past Excellent Chief Kilkenny Council #33 Knight Masons, Nevada Convention of Anointed High Priests, Nevada Council of Anointed Kings (Silver Trowel), and was Governor of the York Rite College, Nevada #144, Deputy Prior, Nevada Priory #50 K.Y.C.H. Ed served Nevada Lodge of Research #1 as Master and has been honored by the Supreme Council Order of DeMolay with the Honorary Legion of Honor. A Knight Commander H.R.A.K.T.P.

In 1983 misfortune struck Ed’s life once again, his