Ed Verghese

Ed was born to E.J. and Annamma Varghese in Kottayam, Kerala, India, on January 14, 1949.

He met and married his wife, Susy, on May 30, 1974. She was his devoted wife, best friend, and spiritual partner for fifty years.

At a young age, Ed received Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at the Indian Pentecostal Church (IPC) Philadelphia (Kanjikuzhi, Kottayam) when he was 14 years old. Born into a large Christian family, Ed’s relationship with Jesus guided him throughout his life.

At the age of eighteen, he participated in mission trips to Southern India through Operation Mobilization, where he shared the gospel. During this time, God gave him a passion for street ministry. Ed would preach the Good News of Jesus Christ in the corner markets of Kottayam to anyone who would listen. Years later, he did the same at the Farmer’s Market in Hillsboro, Oregon.

As a young man, Ed faced immense responsibility when his older brother passed away, and he took over the family business. At twenty-three, he managed all aspects of the business, quickly becoming known for his visionary leadership and ability to execute. Soon, his people skills and entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own successful businesses.

Ed and Susy moved to the United States in July 1991, and their children followed shortly thereafter. Initially settling in New York, where they attended Elim Full Gospel Church, they later moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1994. In Portland, Ed became involved in the local Indian community, participating in India Christian Fellowship (ICF) and joining India Full Gospel Church.

Ed’s life was marked by a passion for sharing the Gospel. Over the years, he and Susy evangelized across the globe—from Kottayam, Kerala, to Portland, Oregon, and many places in between. Many families came to know Jesus Christ because of Ed’s efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ed and Susy drove around multiple Oregon school districts to pray for students and faculty.

In addition to founding Alpha Northwest Missions, an initiative that supports pastors in North India, Ed was a member of Gideons International and served as President of ICF for a time.

Later in life, Ed and Susy attended Beaverton Foursquare Church. Here, Ed began a ministry dear to his heart—serving and sharing the gospel with international pilots training at Hillsboro Airport. For years, they fed and cared for these pilots, thousands of miles away from home, many of whom were saved and baptized through this ministry.

At the age of forty, Ed began experiencing health issues that would continue for the rest of his life. Despite an initial grim prognosis that he would only live for another six months, God granted him thirty-five more years. Despite numerous hospital stays, over a dozen surgeries, and several near-death experiences, Ed consistently demonstrated God-given strength and resilience. Strengthened by the Holy Spirit, his faith and commitment to Christ never wavered.

Ed’s legacy is that of a man saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. His eternal hope was always to be reunited with his Savior.

In addition to his wife, Ed is survived by his son, Danny (Zara) Jones; daughters, Krissy (Shaimon) Athimattathil and Lainie (Livy) Daniels; and his daughter-in-love and Jeremiah’s mother, Pheba Jones.

God also blessed Ed with beautiful grandchildren who carry on his legacy: Adelynn Luke, Jeremiah Jones, Aleena Luke, Ezekiel Daniels, Isaac Luke, and Tahila Daniels.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers E.V. John, E.V. Abraham, E.V. George, and his sisters Sosamma Chacko and Aleyamma George. He is survived by his two sisters, Saramma Samuel and Annamma Skaria.

The family is deeply grateful to the many who have prayed for Ed and his loved ones over the years. They also extend their heartfelt thanks to those who provided medical care, especially Dr. Annie Varughese, who traveled great distances, including internationally, to treat Ed on multiple occasions. They would also like to acknowledge Drs. Beppy Edassery, Hina Khan, Frias Khoury, and Jacob Abraham for their exceptional care. While many nurses and medical teams contributed to Ed’s care, the family would like to give special thanks to Nurse Poca Kim for her outstanding service.

The family also expresses their gratitude to Victor Hugo Alonzo Vejar, Ed’s right-hand man, whose service, care, and loyalty will never be forgotten. Victor was a huge source of comfort for Ed and drove him to the hospital for the last time.

Ed was treated at the following facilities, for which the family is immensely thankful:

Lenox Hill Hospital

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center

Providence Heart Institute of Oregon

Providence Anticoagulation Clinic

Hillsboro Medical Center

Oregon Kidney & Hypertension Clinic

DaVita Kidney Care

Maryville Rehabilitation Center

Lastly, Ed’s family thanks Finley-Sunset Hills Mortuary for their services and Village Church for granting the use of their facility for the funeral service.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15 (ESV

A visitation for Ed will be held Friday, September 13, 2024 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary, 6801 SW SUNSET HWY, PORTLAND, OR 97225.

Memorial/Viewing Livestream link

https://www.youtube.com/live/M8KqHQT9twI?si=VvX45n7BoW_oCpIH

A funeral service will occur Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 10 AM to 12:30 PM at External Service Location, 330 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005.

Funeral Service Livestream link

https://www.youtube.com/live/gs0ucO7qxF4?si=gaHsz7HNFJ46m44w

A graveside service will occur Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 6801 SW SUNSET HWY, PORTLAND, OR 97225.