This man. This gentle, quiet, brilliant man went home to his Heavenly Father peacefully after being surrounded by his “wifey” and many of his children and grandchildren who adore him. Through all his life’s struggles, he forged ahead, determined to become a better and better man, and he succeeded.
To know Ed is to know he loved jazz. He was a talented jazz pianist and spent countless hours serenading his family on the Steinway. He also had a deep love of learning and was probably the most learned man we personally know: well-read and self-taught in endless subjects. When he wasn’t jazzing it up on the piano, he was most likely to be seen with a book in hand. He could’ve had discussions with the most brilliant scientists, astronomers, archeologists, and scriptorians without missing a beat.
Determined to be an excellent provider for his growing family, Ed trained to become a court reporter in Seattle, Washington. He and Emma Jean (Jeanne) moved their family of (then) seven kids to Utah where he worked the duration of his career for the Utah 4th District Court. He was well respected by his colleagues as he served diligently for 22 years until his retirement.
Though mild-mannered, Ed was bold in his testimony of Jesus Christ. He taught his children to love the Lord. He had a deep love for the Book of Mormon, studying it more than any other text. Within hours of his passing, when speaking became difficult for him, he could be heard bearing witness of the Book of Mormon to his grandson.
Ed is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Emma Jean Wilson Quist. Together they raised twelve children: James (Anna-Marie), Rebecca, David (Kendra), Joseph (Shauna), Wilson (Ry), Samuel (Sarah), Beth (Jared) Southwick, Emilee (Claudia Pinola), Thaddeus (Buffie), Erica (Adam) Porter, Thomas (Angee), and Stephen (Callie). Ed leaves behind a posterity of 46 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. His siblings also mourn his passing: brother, Jack (Bonnie) Quist, and sisters, Betty Angelo, Judy Lux, Jackie (Stan) Foote, Julie Ann (Royce) Rasmussen, and Jeannine (Scott) Seegmiller. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Becky, two grandchildren: Piper and Ethan, his parents: John Boyce Quist and Lucile Jennie Viste Houk, Step-parents: Zola Nadauld Quist and William Houk, his sisters: Carol Reynolds and Joan Crofton. We know their reunion was sweet.
The family wishes to express our love and great thanks to his wonderful hospice nurse, Nancy Trapnell of Encompass Hospice, for her strength and friendship during his 15-month bout with cancer.
We miss you sweet Daddy. The void is incredible. Till we meet again.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 24 at the LDS “Green Church”, 110 South 300 West, Payson, Utah at 12:00 p.m. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Springville, Utah.
