Edward Paul Velk

On July 23rd the world became a sadder place with the passing of Ed Velk of Canyon Lake. Ed was part of the greatest generation that helped changed our world for the better. As a young man Ed attended Kent State University to play football and basketball but was called home to work in the steel mills. His parents didn't send him to college to play sports! Ed and the love of his life Bernadette Hripko grew up and married in 1956 in Youngstown Ohio. In 1961 Ed and Bernie took a huge risk and left the steel mills of Ohio and moved to California. Ed began a career with Rockwell International Aerospace and quickly moved up to the highest civilian ranking possible. He worked in contracts and oversaw the building of the Apollo and Space Shuttle spacecraft. One of Ed's greatest memories was just after the Apollo 11 had successfully landed on the moon and returned safely to earth. While the spacecraft was being designed and built, Rockwell had placed a huge concrete monument in front of their building that stated, "They asked us for the moon". Just after the Apollo returned safely, Rockwell finished the quote and had carved into the monument "AND WE DELIVERED"! Ed was so proud to be part of something so incredible!

One of Ed's great attributes was that he could outwork any man. In addition to working at Rockwell international, Ed was one of the original employees to be hired by the California Angels. He again quickly rose through the rankings and ended up overseeing stadium operations for the Angels, Rams, and all stadium events. He dined with Astronauts, Governors, Presidents, and MLB Managers.

In his spare time (weekends when the teams were out of town) Ed built two homes with his bare hands and the help of his family and friends. He built a beautiful cabin in Big Bear and his current lake front home in Canyon Lake. Ed loved to have family gatherings at the cabin and at his current home. Great times were had by all who attended.

Over the years, Ed and Bernie were able to travel abroad and enjoy each other's company along with their families' accomplishments. Besides working on another project, Ed's biggest hobby was to support his grandchildren in all their endeavors. Whether a gymnastic meet, band competition, cheer competition, dance recital, football, basketball, baseball, or softball game, Ed was always there encouraging, supporting, and praising his kids and grandchildren.

For those who knew Ed, they knew his dry, witty sense of humor. He was always quick with a quip and loved to laugh. Ed loved people, loved to build, loved to laugh, loved to help others, loved sports, and loved his family very much. To his family he was Superman who could solve any problem or fix anything.

Ed is survived by his wife Bernadette of 61 years. His brother Gene and his wife Sandy of Rancho Bernardo. His children Shawn, Lisa, Dale, and Eric and their spouses Rick, Lori, and Angie. He is survived by his nine grandchildren (Christine, Kenny, Natalie, Morgan, Ricky, Heidi, Trevor, Mackenzie, and Brayden) and one great grandchild Ben.

Viewing is planned for Sunday August 6th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm at the Miller-Jones Funeral Home in Sun City CA.

Funeral services are planned for Monday August 7th at 10:00 am at Miller-Jones Funeral Home in Sun City CA. with the internment to take place at 12:30 pm at the Riverside National Cemetery.

The family would like to cordially invite all friends and relatives to feel comfortable to attend any and all services.

A celebration of life reception will take place beginning at approximately 2:00 pm at Ed and Bernie's home located at 23016 Gray Fox Drive in Canyon Lake CA.