Today is October 2, the birthday of my sister Kathy and the death of Ken Edwards.  Kathy passed away on October 16, 2008 - she almost had no life for 40 years while living a life of 8-10 level of pain.  I mention Kathy because she is always on my mind, just like Ken; there isn't a day that goes by without thinking of one or both.

I was not aware of Ken's turn for the worse, I wish I had been able to see and talk to him.  

He and Kathy are with GOD

Ernie

While at Banc One, we hired Ken at the ancient age of 19 in 1983.  Just before; Tim Rosenbusch, against all the odds and politics at the bank for IBM, had signed agreements to purchase a Tandem Computer and Base24.  Ken was to be our anchor; he was our GO TO man.  

Ken was a genius!  If asked a question on any change to a program years after it was made, he would say,  “that's a long time ago”, but within seconds he would quote every reason why the change was made and every other little detail.  He also had many nicknames "The Wizard", "Wizard of OurZ" .....and more...............  During 
the early years 83-84-85 we all were learning. Tandem Computer Hardware was managed by the IBMers who had no Tandem training.  While working with Ken in the late evening hours he would often laugh and say they left the door open again (or something like that) meaning their passwords were not encrypted properly --- I 
would go in later and change the password..  The IBM guys couldn't figure it out for weeks .. but they eventually found it was me and nearly killed me -- or wanted too. Ken, being innocent, would laugh when he heard them telling our boss to fire me .......... it was just an innocent prank...... but the IBM'ers got what they deserved - they 
didn't like what we were doing at ALL  ....

Ken was original, a man sent to us from GOD, with all the talents and wisdom that made everybody that met him a better HUMAN BEING.  He was the most gentle person, patient to a fault, caring and had not an enemy.  He was full of grace and kindness.  My heart aches, there will be an emptiness in my life until I leave this earth.  How can you describe a Saint that we had the pleasure to meet, travel and work with during our short time together.  

I loved Ken like a younger brother.  I wish the Edwards family peace and serenity and would tell them to carry him on their shoulders, he will always be there, and will meet you in Heaven.........

A Loving Friend, and a better Human Being for having shared life with him,

Ernie Garner -

Ken made home a good and loving place for me. Just a year and a half apart in age, we accepted each other as we were. It never occured to us to want each other to be anything but ourselves. So we played cards wildly, argued with abandon over whose turn it was, built forts cooperatively and had forbidden pillow fights full of squeals and crashes.When Katie was away, Ken would be allowed to "stay overnight with me" in my bedroom and we'd play rhyming games in the dark and listen to Dicks 45's on our record player. We never understood what was behind the "Green Door" (I still don't), but we loveed it's haunting sound. We also loved the song "Running Bear", about an Indian boy who loved Little White Cloud, the daughter of an enemy chief.  I remember how skinny and sweet and fun he was! It is when I see photos of his skinny little 7-year-old body that I miss him most, and cry.
       I lost my favorite playmate when Ken turned 8 and wouldn't play with girls anymore. Later,in our teens, Ken and I reconnected. We respected each other as before. He taught me about cylinders and pistons, how to miter and how to water ski. He took me for a ride on the back of his motorcycle with me awkwardly wrapping my arms around that unfamiliar, now muscular body of his. Only Ken made me feel ok just being me! I have only recently found friends who are as freely accepting as Ken. I hope his daughters were able to learn from Ken that same security: that who God made them is quite good enough and that sharing themselves with others is their best gift to the world. Thank you, Ken, for sharing yourself with me. 

Diane

When we were growing up Kenny (as I called him) was more like a brother than an uncle as he was only three years older than me. Im sure to him I was the annoying niece that he had to do things with when we came to visit, but Kenny never showed his annoyance with me :). He let me hang out with him and his friends whether it was taking a walk to the convenience store close by, hanging down by the water or playing board games. And of course he always got stuck at the kids table with me and my sister which I'm sure thrilled him. 
I am thankful that God gave him such a great wife (Tina) and family that were always there for him. My prayers are with you guys.

I thought Ken was the hottest uncle a girl could have :)

Ken has been my friend and co-worker for over a decade.  Ken led his life in a way that when I think of him, I think of stability, accountability, thoughtfulness, calmness.  He was the epitome of dependability and I respected him immensely.  Ken was an example of how good and decent a man can be.  My love and prayers are with Tina, Michelle, Nikki, Christy and his extended family.  I will miss my good friend.

Ken has been my co-worker and friend for the last 14 years - an extremely kind and caring man, soft-spoken, generous, patient and sunny.  Ken was never too busy for a chat, and we had many of them through the years - discussing politics, world affairs and child-rearing while munching on his always-available M&Ms.  He was the office diplomat, always able to find the correct phrasing for difficult situations.  He  made our office an enjoyable place to be.

This one incident epitomizes Ken's disposition:  the day after his diagnosis, he showed up at the office to console his co-workers!   The greatest gift he gave all of us at NTI was to share with us every step of the last two years and to let us know how important we were to him.

I have lost a good friend, and I grieve along with Tina, Michelle, Nikki and Christy and the rest of Ken's loved ones.  There are no words to describe how much he will be missed.

OBITUARY

Kenneth F. Edwards

January 16, 1957 – October 2, 2009

Schoedinger Midtown

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