Ed was born on January 30, 1951 in Saginaw, Michigan. He moved to Arizona at a young age, growing up in and around the West Valley, and graduated from Maryvale High School. He worked for several divisions of the McKesson Company, starting with Crystal Water, then on to a long career with Aqua Vend Water. He stayed with the company as it was bought by Glacier Water, and then became Primo Water, where he retired as a district manager.
While working at Crystal Water, Ed met the love of his life, Donna, and not long after, they married in Phoenix on January 11, 1975. Two years later, they had a daughter, having settled in Peoria, Arizona. They lived in the West Valley for 20 years before relocating to the East Valley and the city of Chandler.
He had a great love for his family, and a huge heart, although he hid it under a gruff exterior most times. Ed loved times spent around the camp fire or relaxing with a fishing pole in the great outdoors. He was also known for his inappropriate stories and comments, which in turn lead to many a nefarious adventure, and most definitely led to his reputation as the notorious Uncle Ed. He accepted everyone, though, in his own way, and his door was always open to the numerous neighborhood kids who would end up crashed out somewhere in the house on several occasions. They never bothered him…he would just step over them, and turn on the TV at top volume to a random western or most often, Major Dundee.
Ed is survived by his wife of 44 years, Donna; daughter and son in law, Jennifer and Troy Nikolaus; son and daughter in law, Richard and Mary Ransdell; son, Don Ransdell; granddaughters, Lydia Robles, Allison Ransdell, and Payton Ransdell; grandson, Roc Ransdell; great grandsons, Andrew and Adrian Duarte; great granddaughter, Briseis Montero; and two beloved dogs, Brandi and Sammi.
He is also survived by his brother and sister in law, Jim and Rita Rabideau; brother and sister in law, Larry and Cheryl Rabideau; numerous nieces and nephews; and all the “adopted” kids from Granada.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Geraldine Rabideau.
A memorial service to celebrate Ed will be held Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 10:00 am at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 S. Dobson Rd., Mesa, Arizona 85202.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arizona Animal Welfare League, 25 N 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034; https://aawl.org
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