My Uncle Ed died yesterday. He was one of my favorite uncles (although they're all favorites for different reasons).

I have lots of memories of my Uncle Ed. He and my Aunt Bernie were the ones that visited us the most growing up. My uncle always knew where he was going and how to get there. He always treated everyone with great kindness and respect. He was very proud of his Slovak heritage and was one of the few people that would tell me how to say things in Slovak (I wish I had payed more attention). I can attribute my love of muenster cheese to him as well.

One of my favorite memories of Uncle Ed was when I was in grade school. Mom and Dad dropped us off in Cleveland and headed to Hawaii. We spent a week exploring Cleveland with my Uncle. Walking around parks and along the shores of Lake Erie with him. We were never in a hurry as we wandered and we had plenty of time to take in the scenery.

My Aunt and Uncle had been married for just over 53 years. They have three children and three grandchildren who mean the world to them. I know he's in a better place. But there's a bunch of us back here that will miss him greatly. I love you Uncle Ed.