We will cherish our times together. Love and prayers to Vi and the Family.

Dear Chesney Family, The notice of Ed's passing was in this morning's Free Press. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I hope to get to the funeral home to visit with you, but I'm writing this "just in case." I do not have your addresses, so I am placing my hope in the AH Peters Funeral Home to deliver this to you. In the late 60s, I taught at St. Jude School. At that time, I was a Dominican sister. I came to know Ed through his humility, his deep faith in the Church, his love for his wife and sons and his magnificent and breathtaking talent as a sculptor. It was always awesome for me to see in his work the tiniest and most perfect of details wrought by his massive and strong hands. More than anything else, I was struck by Ed's spirituality. He was a good, good man. It's been over forty years since my two years of teaching at St. Jude's, but I well remember the good people of that parish. I especially remember Ed. I am so sorry to learn of his passing. It is the time to celebrate his good life and his heavenly reward. I am imagining the great celebration that his entry into heaven has created! I pray for each of you, that God will grant you strength in your sorrow. God bless you. Sincerely, Gail Fraley (Sister Sharon Eileen)

When I first met Ed he was a working carpenter who dreamed of being a sculptor. When he went to Italy to study while juggling the responsibility of raising a family, I was amazed at his tenacity and dedication to his dream. He never did anything half heartedly. His faith was as strong as the staircases he built. I still have the sturdy turntable stand he built for me. I have many fond memories of sculpting with Ed. I remember his sculpture of "Moses" and the one of his son with the goose. We spent many happy hours at "The Clay Door" on Gratiot and Ed was always there to lend encouragement and share his knowledge. His life is a success story, he did achieve his dream with the support of a loving family and his own strong gracious persona.

In 1979 Mr. Chesney was the artest who made our beautiful statue of a firefighter and child which stands as a memorial and tribute to all firefighters in the State of Michigan on the DNR grounds in Roscommon MI. The Officers and Members of the Michigan State Firemen's Association join in extending heartfelt sympathy to the family in this hour of sorrow.

Thank you, sir, so much for the memorial.

The firefighters of the Township Of Home wish to send a special thanks for the Memorial. Your family our in our prayers.

We share in your pain. He was very dear to us and definitely will be missed by the Duncan and Rudolph family. I love and will continue to pray for you. The Lord is our light and salvation, He will guide us to a better and brighter day! Love you as my own family, Ruby Duncan and family, Alexy, Ashley,Patricia Rudolph and Family

Thank you for providing us with one of the most impressive pieces of memorialism for the fire service. We have had thousands see this magnificent piece of artwork and per their comments they have been in awe of it and how it portrays firefighters in peoples minds. Thank you for allowing us to have such a great piece of work to call our own and to share with all. God bless you & my you rest in eternal peace.

Mr. Chesney my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for your service to the firefighters you will be missed.

Terry, so sorry to hear the news about the passing of your father. I just learned about it today.

I have visited the Fireman's Memorial several times. I am so appreciative of the work & care that went into the sculpture. I am proud to be a third generation firefighter, and I am humbled each and every time I stand at the memorial, where thousands of firefighters have stood before me. Thank you Mr. Chesney for your dedication to the fire service, and for your tribute to those who have served and/or gave their lives for their communities. May God be with you and may you rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Edward John Chesney

27 September, 1922 – 15 April, 2008

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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