Edwin Joseph Kanyuck

Edwin Joseph Kanyuck, born May 9, 1937, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Joseph and Oneita Kanyuck, embarked on a remarkable journey from humble beginnings in an old Pennsylvania farmhouse, devoid of modern amenities, where he learned the virtues of hard work and creativity. Amidst milking cows and crafting homemade model airplanes, Ed's early years were marked by a spirit of ingenuity and determination.

In 1957, he ventured to California, attending night school at Northrop Institute of Technology, where his passion for aerospace engineering flourished, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree in Aero Engineering in 1960. Marriage to Connie Nageotte and the blessing of two children preceded his pivotal role at NASA, where he contributed significantly to the Apollo missions in Houston from 1964, serving as a test director on both the Command Module and the Lunar Module.

Ed's tenure at NASA was characterized by tireless dedication, often foregoing rest in preparation for launch missions. After each grueling mission, he created lasting memories with his family, exploring the landscapes of Mexico and Texas when gasoline was a mere 29 cents per gallon.

While at NASA he prudently saved enough money to buy his first set of apartments in 1968. Following his departure from NASA in 1972, Ed ventured into entrepreneurship, founding Texas Apartment Locators. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to diverse pursuits, from owning a Scuba Diving Resort in Honduras to indulging in the adrenaline rush of stock car racing at Meyer Speedway.

A man of many passions, Ed cherished the great outdoors and embraced life's adventures with zeal, whether it be scaling mountains, exploring ancient ruins, or diving into the depths of the ocean. Alongside his love for the outdoors, he cultivated a profound appreciation for the arts, regularly attending performances at the Houston ballet and opera, and adorning his surroundings with a collection of exquisite paintings and sculptures. His magnetic personality and unwavering encouragement inspired those around him, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

In addition to his legacy of adventure, Ed's nontraditional faith in Jesus Christ and the Holy Father sustained him through life's trials and triumphs, believing in the presence of guardian angels during his countless escapades.

Ed leaves behind a loving family, including his daughter Shann Shinn and her husband Ed, son Christopher Kanyuck and wife Kim, along with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Dee McKinley and her husband Den, as well as his brother Allen Kanyuck and wife Marylou.

As we bid farewell to Ed, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, filled with boundless curiosity, and a relentless spirit of adventure that touched the hearts of all who crossed his path. May his legacy inspire us to embrace each day with the same fervor and enthusiasm that defined his remarkable journey.

Donations can be made in his name to: Galveston Bay Foundation, https://galvbay.org/

A visitation for Edwin will be held Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. with a funeral service to start at 2:00 p.m. and committal to follow. All services will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 21620 Gulf Fwy in Webster, Texas.