Guest Book for Edward Koehler

Oh, Ed, I am in shock . . . He was a true gift to me at a time in my life when I had a hard time embracing myself. He was one of the smartest, funniest, kindest, and most ethical people I ever knew. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Most times, those FSU days seem like another lifetime, yet right now I remember him cutting my hair for a six pack, being my confidante, playing tennis after work, sneaking in a card in the catalog for "Monster Fat Cow Belly" for "Montserrat Caballe" just to make me laugh, coming along with me to the Monastery in Conyers, GA to help me make field recordings and to play recorder in a room with a 6-second tone decay rate, all like it happened last week. I miss the idea of him.

~ Mary Root

Sad news indeed. Thank you for taking the time to find me. Although we had not spoken since his return to Florida, I appreciate knowing. I still work at SirsiDynix with many of his old workmates, so I will let them know as well.

~ Darren Lauber

I Am So Sorry for Your Loss, You Have My Deepest Sympathy.

~ Susan Hoyt Wilkes

I was saddened to hear the news about Ed K. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Gretchen E. Mitchell

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Ed. He will truly be missed.

~ Chaquita Powell

Oh, Ed, I'm just heartbroken. I did love him & can't believe he's gone. I'll write more when the shock has settled -- Love to you and Claudette -- Pat

~ Patricia Bingham-Harper

I am dunderstruck! Ed K was always so understated in his humor (which made it even more funny and sometimes scathing) that I adored him from the first time that we met. Knowing how much I am saddened to hear of his passing, I cannot begin to contemplate how devastating this must be for you, after so long an association. You have my condolences. You are so loved and have so many friends to gather around you that I hope will provide some consolation at this time. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

~ Richard Singletary

You know Ed was always going to do things his way. His exit choice was so typical. No muss. No fuss...his anger at 911 being called is Ed all over. I'm glad you were home.

Selfishly I wish he had stayed around longer. Who will ever talk plants, share seeds, cuttings, and recipes like he did?

I will miss his enjoyment of bubbly and all the accompanying laughter. Red noses from the three of us were shining in photos from my visit.

Know that he loved you and your support for him. Love, Sandra.

~ Sandra Hancock

January 11, 2011

My heart is breaking at the loss of my friend. I can only imagine how you must be feeling. Just wanted to stay in touch. I know how much Ed cared for you. I will always have the fondest memories of that crazy old fart. I imagine he probably told you lots of crazy wild things about me. He was such a dear friend, wonderful colleague and extraordinary teacher. My love goes out to you and to all of his friends that had the pleasure of sharing time, space, love and energy with EDK.

~ Tunie Harris

I just want to offer my condolences...Ed was such a cheerful person, and he will definitely be missed!! I'm holding fast to the afghan he knitted (smile)!!

~ Jacqueline Curry

My thoughts are with you.

~ Mark Hohnadel

I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

~ Crystal Chase

So sorry to hear -- such a shock! Thinking of you.

~ Theresa Rooney

Holding you in our prayers.

~ Christa Snow

So sorry for your loss.

~ Francesca Roccosalvo

I am very sorry for your loss.

~ Matt Taylor

Ed was always so kind and funny when I saw him -- I'm sorry for your loss.

~ Greg Royce

With deepest sympathy and prayers, Ed. Take care.

~ Eric Soriano

My deepest sympathy.

~ Trudy Hill

January 12, 2011

I worked with Ed K in UT and was in contact with him for many years. He was a supportive, interesting friend. I just now learned of his passing. I am sorry for your loss. It was a loss for all of us.

I appreciate your giving me the link to the tribute page. It was beautifully written about a beautiful life. You can imagine how much I missed what had been our daily communications. He always said he didn't want to get old and dependent, but he left us much too soon.

~ Linda Walke

What a BEAUTIFUL Tribute! My heart was just absolutely breaking as I read it. As I read, I remembered so many things I had forgotten and love about him. Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry that you have to go through this and only wish there was something I could do. If there is anything I can help you with, or do for you, please let me know.

~ Dion Leonard-Baker

I am very sorry for your loss. Please let me know if I can help out in any way...even if you just need a shoulder.

~ Kema Parker Sagrada Roseberry

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

~ Shaun Bennett

I'm so sorry to hear about Ed's death. I used to work with him at the Salt Lake County Tech Services Dept., and he was a great guy.

~ Cathy Marchant

Thinking of you through this difficult time of pain and loss. Friends come in different forms, but they are everywhere and their hearts help keep us aloft. In shared sorrow,

~ Sassi Forden

Please know that my deepest and most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of great sadness. If there is anything I can do, do not hesitate to let me know!

~ Celeste Brown

Ed, My heart is with you. I know you are devastated, exhausted, filled with many thoughts, yet reassured by the beauty in Ed and in your admirable relationship. I am forever touched by the time and sincere care I shared with you and Ed Koehler. Allow yourself whatever you feel, even when it is numb. Love,

~ Linda Butner

I couldn't find any words of comfort that would ease your sorrow and pain in any of the cards...so these words are from my heart. Those whose lives you have touched and who have touched yours will always be a part of you. Even for so short a time that memory will be a treasure. Please keep in touch and if you ever need something I can do please let me know.

~ Carol Brown-Tipton

I read [the tribute] last night. Beautiful. I wish I had known him better. I had plans for that. He seemed much loved. Maybe I'll hear it from you. I hope so.

~ Louise Warren

Eddie, What a wonderful memoriam you wrote for Ed. He was a very accomplished person but so warm and giving also. George and I both liked him and I know he'll be sorely missed. Love you.

~ Diane & George Lewis

January 13, 2011

Eddie, What a wonderful tribute to Ed. I have printed this to keep at home. I really liked Ed. I never knew all that he had done in his life and your tribute let me know him better. Ed was a really nice guy & I really enjoyed him when I visited you. I am so sorry. Just let me know what I can do. Love you.

~ Donna Pieper

Hello Eddie, As time passes your pain will subside. It isn't a cure but a thought to keep close, then soon you will find a way to live with the loss. This is how I dealt with the loss of my daughter Tricia. May love stay in your heart.

~ Billy Stratton

I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your tremendous loss. The tribute you wrote for Ed is beautiful and poetic. How is it he was able to do so many things? Know that we are thinking of you and wishing there was something we could do to help ease the pain.

~ Karen Pommerich

He most definitely lived a full life and made sure he enjoyed it. Savor those thoughts, Ed. He was smart enough to understand that God gave us a beautiful world and he appreciated every bit of it. Many never do. Many never even "see" it, let alone hear it, see it, feel it, taste it, touch it. He gave every sensory mechanism to grasping the gifts of God to all of us. He "got it"...

~ Roberta Thomas

Ed, I’m so sorry to hear of your beloved friend Ed’s passing. What a beautiful tribute you posted. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Ed I know from your tribute he was a wonderful loving person to many. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

~ Vickie Bliss

Lana and I extend our deepest condolences to you. When Lana called me after school today, I broke the news to her and she gasped, "Oh, no, Mommy! He was so nice! He was so nice! I'm supposed to go back to their house and he's going to introduce me to the animals! I'm heartbroken!" I concur with her feelings and words. Although meeting him only once, I knew I was in the presence of a man with a great and loving spirit. I am sorry I did not know him better. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers as I know how difficult this must be. ... Rely on the wonderful memories of your time with Ed to help sustain you.

~ Lisa Buggs

My thoughts are with you.

~ Vivian Browning

I just read your memorial to Ed. It is beautiful. There were many things about him that I did not know or possibly had forgotten. I do remember the incredible photos he took while in Utah and how professional they were...just one more way in which he was talented. More importantly, he always made me feel that I was in some way special and that was a gift. Please let me know if there is anything I can do or if you just need/want to talk. God bless.

~ Jan Swygert Linden

Elissa and I were so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. We enjoyed getting to know you both at your home last New Year's Day 2010. I thought of you this year as we gathered with friends and hoped that you had your black eyed peas and collard greens. We regret that we did not have another opportunity to spend more time with Ed. Your memorial page is wonderful and lets us get to know him a little better. All the best through this difficult time. Much love,

~ Betsy Federman

I am so sorry for your loss. How fortunate you both were to have time together and happiness in the home you shared. Sad as you may be, you are rich with memories. Let me know if you need help with anything.

That's a very beautiful composition, Ed. It captures his spirit, strong and gentle, as I knew him. Of course, we met under the best conditions, at your house and a party! You wrote a lovely tribute to him.

~ Joan Blaylock

January 14, 2011

I did not know, and I am shocked and so very sorry. What an unspeakably cruel blow this is.

Your tribute is beautiful. Of course, you had much inspiration from him. I hope it comforts you to realize that surely, because of you, these last years were wonderful for him. With deep sympathy,

~ Elizabeth Walters

What a shocker! Your friend looked like he was in fine health. I am very sorry for your loss. I offer my sincerest condolences.

Life is one big puzzle isn't it?

~ Andy Barmer

Deeply sorry for your loss. However, just remember the good memories that you had with him. It's been 10 months since my mom passed away- still grieving. I'm happy though that she's in good place now with my dad and brother.

Ron and I have been thinking and praying for you. Take care and God Bless.

~ Lilia Simonton

Ed, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Remarkable man. Lifting you and the family up in prayer.

~ Karren Deas

I am so very sorry to hear your news - please accept my deepest sympathy. Take good care of yourself and let me know if there is anything I can do to help. [--from 1/10/2011]

Thank you for sharing this Ed; the poem is quite lovely. And now I know why those receptions after the concerts were so tasty!

~ Barbara A.B. Gubbin

My Prayers are with you.

~ Paul Votaw

You are in my prayers.

~ Pat Morrison

My prayers are with you.

~ Karen Lewis

Losing someone we love is never easy; however the memory of them and their legacy will always be with us.

~ David Fuller

My condolences.

~ Raymond Neal

My prayer and thoughts are with you. God bless.

~ Yai Webley

Ed, So sorry to hear of your loss. My sincerest condolences.

~ Kathleen Krizek

Sorry for your loss.

~ Jeff Geiger

"Warmest thoughts are with you in caring and sympathy."

~ Cranston Burney

Eddie, I am so sorry for the loss of Ed. The tribute to him was wonderful. Obviously he was a very talented and caring person. Thanks for sharing this with me.

~ Cyndi Long McIntosh

Ed: I'm so sorry to hear about Ed. I was just looking at some pictures of us when he visited me in Boulder in the early 90s. Over the years I've wondered how he was doing and was glad to read your biography of him. The memories I have of Ed and our friendship will stay with me always. I regret that we lost touch.

I'm happy to know that you both ended up together and I am very sorry for your loss.

~ Phyllis Holzenberg

January 15, 2011

Ed, I am so very sorry to learn of Ed's passing. I know he meant a great deal to you. Ed seemed like a wonderful, caring person, and I certainly will think fondly of him. If I can do anything for you, please let me know.

I'm glad to know that Ed was comfortable and happy during this period. He deserved that and more.

Both of the Ed's are in my thoughts.

~ Trey Shelton

My deepest sympathies and condolences are with you. I enjoyed meeting him and making his acquaintance. The "Stone Mountain" coffee mug you both gave me is now in my desk at West Regional, and I'll think of him whenever I use it.

~ Erik Larsen

Thank you so much for the e-mail about Ed. I really enjoyed his company. I will miss him.

~ Peggy Glasnapp

January 17, 2011

I am so sorry to hear/read of your loss. Your tribute to Ed was quite moving, and though I didn't know him (gosh, I really only know you through FB!), it's obvious that the world is diminished now that he isn't with us. Take care of yourself, sir.

~ Bob Moore

Ed, I cannot believe what I just read. How can it be that Ed is gone? I simply can’t get my brain or my heart around this.

I’m so glad that you got to spend the past few years together. It seems only right that “Ed and Ed” were together again!

All my love, Carole.

~ Dr. Carole Clifford

What a beautiful memorial to Ed. The earth was blessed to have such a talented and kind person here, even if it was for such a short time.

~ Susan Derrick

January 18, 2011

I am so sorry to hear the news. I have been thinking about both of you.

~ Erica Brown

You are in my prayers.

~ Arthur Finley

I know that no words can really touch the private side of grief. But know, from both Jim and me, that you are in our thoughts and have our lasting friendship.

~ Michael Shell

Ed, So sorry to hear about your loss. I will be in Jax next month & hope to see you then. Fondly,

~ Laura Kline

So very sorry to hear of your loss, Ed. My thoughts are with you.

~ Margaret Gloag

Ed - My condolences for your sudden loss. I'm keeping you in my thoughts.

~ Matthew Moyer

January 19, 2011

John Rivest sent the link on your web site regarding the Obit for Ed K. and I was shocked to say the least. He was such a delight to visit with and be around. The obit you presented was thoughtful, sensitive, informative and above all filled with fondness and love. Something everyone took away whenever they were around him.

One of my fondest memories of his unique personality occurred one Halloween back in Tallahassee. I went in for a hair cut and there he was in his bumblebee costume, I thought I'd die laughing. His creativity with any of his endeavors was astounding.

Doug K. and I visited when he was in Salt Lake City on our way to Montana and Wyoming. That visit was so pleasant that I continue to have fond memories.

Take care and again thank you for being such a good friend to Ed.

~ Doug Bechtol

Eddie, "Wishing you strength and comfort at this sad time." Sorry for your loss.

~ Laura & Jeff Kendall

Please accept our sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Phil and Melonee Slocum

January 20, 2011

I just called a friend with whom I was at Mich. State (Solveig Steen, wonderful pianist). She had met Ed here [in Mobile] when she visited while he was living here and taking the beauty course, and we all three had a wonderful trip to New Orleans. We rode the trolley along St. Charles Ave., ate, went all over the place. Anyway, she remembered him fondly, as everyone does. She had been here again, when my sister, Anna, and her husband arrived for a visit, and seeing how bored she was with Glenn (Anna's husband) especially, I asked Ed to take Solveig to Bellingrath Gardens (which we both loved) and he told me later, she had admitted to being, "Sa BORED" with Glenn. Ed got quite a laugh out of that.

~ Frank Imbragulio

January 21, 2011

I was so very sorry to hear about Ed. I was very fond of him ... It must have been such a shock to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. In sympathy,

~ Sue Spencer (& Pete)

Ed, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Joan Blaylock and I talked last night about how much we enjoyed meeting Ed the year before last at your New Year’s gathering and we both regret not getting to spend more time with you two this year. We were also both so taken with his warmth, graciousness, and kind heart. Joan also went on and on about all of his impressive activities and accomplishments. So, thank you so much for opening up your home and telling me about what has happened.

~ Mia E. Clark

January 22, 2011

That was a beautiful tribute for Ed. John shared it with me and it was beautiful!!!

~ Karen Beutman

What a beautiful, moving memorial you wrote for Ed. What a marvelously talented man, in all pursuits. And sweet, and funny. I wish I had gotten to know him better. Could have used a massage :}

~ Barbara Kiersh

Ed, I am so saddened to hear about Ed K. and am thinking of you during this difficult time.

~ John Rivest

January 25, 2011

... I know all of this is very difficult for you. I am having trouble myself accepting the reality of him being gone. All my life he was off somewhere--DC, New York, Utah, and I would see or talk to him occasionally. I still have that feeling that he is still there.

~ Claudette

Dear Ed, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I really care and would like to help any way I can. Please call me any time--day or night--if you need to talk. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With love and sympathy,

~DeLon Rowan

"Thinking of you and hoping you will find comfort in special memories."

~ Henson Markham

"With warm thoughts and heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss." Sincerely,

~ Lynne Libow Jaffe

January 30, 2011

Ed, I am so sorry. When you said you had lost a family member I imagined the loss of an elderly parent, something that comes to almost all of us at some point. I did not imagine this.

I remember meeting Ed ... I remember some funny remark he made about how he reduced his LP collection (in a flood?).

Your tribute to him is a moving one. Thanks for sharing that with me. His not wanting a memorial service suggests a selflessness that also suggests that the last thing he would want is for you to suffer. So do that for the other Ed and don't suffer too much.

~ Steven Kruer

February 1, 2011

Oh Ed, I'm so sorry to hear about Ed.

~ Jane Harvey

February 5, 2011

I am so sorry to hear of Ed Koehler's death. The passing of a dear friend is such a hard thing to endure. The tribute you created for Ed was beautiful. When my husband passed away, it was painful but I also considered myself blessed because he had been part of my life. I hope you feel the same way about Ed. A good friend is truly a blessing.

~ Patti Frye

February 6, 2011

It is with great sadness I learned of Eddie's passing. I grew up with Eddie. He was a year ahead of me at Tate, but we were always doing things together, be it in the band, in the Escambia orchestra, or socializing. In college, I formed a woodwind quintet, and Eddie played flute. He auditioned for the Navy Band not long after I was in it. He jogged back then as well. I remember him knocking on our apt. door after breaking both arms during a morning run. We lost touch for a long time, until a few years back, when I was running with my running club at a local 5K, and there was a voice behind me, asking if I was me. We ran a few days a week together, until he vanished to Jacksonville. ... Eddie was unique. There wasn't anything he couldn't do better than most of us, with less effort.

~ Mark York

February 7, 2011

Ed, what a beautiful painting of my Uncle's life... I know you are someone very special to him. Thank you for sharing...

~ Dawn Leonard

February 9, 2011

My name is Patricia, and Frank Imbragulio is my uncle. I just read your tribute to Ed Koehler and thought it was wonderful. I met Ed while he was in Mobile living at an apartment complex that I believe was called the Haystack or something like that. Ed was an extraordinary person, full of wit, fun and knowledge. I am fortunate to have known him.

~ Patti Fisher Simmons

February 12, 2011

Alan Brady passed along the news of Ed's unexpected passing. I am jolted back to those too few days in Tallahassee when I was privileged to spend time with the two of you. Both of you were kind, inspirational, patient and generous to the green but enthusiastic kid I was then. My heart and thoughts are with you.

~ John Martin

February 14, 2011

I am going to call him Mr. Koehler--I am now 58, but it is out of respect you see. When I was a Senior at Escambia High School he was my music teacher, music theory as a matter of fact. He was intelligent, captivating and young so all of the class loved him. We had class in the band room, it was great fun. To make things even better, he rented a house on Kirk Street right around the corner from my childhood home. My mother was renting the property to help friends. I will never forget when he saw me and my mother at the front door of our home he exclaimed, "Oh my God, she must be your mother, you look just like her." That has always stuck with me because everyone said I looked like my father. I remember he was so respectful and nice my mother loved him. I would sometimes go around the corner to see him, unannounced of course, and he was always so gracious. Good memories.

When I graduated in 1971 I remember him saying he was going to join the Navy and play in the band. It made perfect sense to me. As a matter of fact, as the years went by and the band was on TV I would often look for him.

Many times I have wondered about him. I was so thrilled to read of the very productive and wonderful life he led. So versatile and bright, I am not surprised. I wish I had known he was back in the area for awhile. It would have been nice to get to know him as a "grown up."

The poem you included at the end was of great solace to me, it touched my heart and soul. Then it occurred to me how wonderfully strange life is, here I am getting a word of comfort behind the death of a loved teacher I knew 40 years ago. How wonderful life is, going in circles as it were, giving and receiving along the way.

My mother is 91 and vividly remembers Mr. Koehler. She was very touched by the heartfelt eulogy you wrote. I also wanted you to know that he helped foster in me the great love for music I have to this day, it is a very important part of my life. I have always said that music is so powerful, it makes you forget or it helps you remember.

I hope what I have said is meaningful to you and his family. The journey of grief is not an easy one. I hope you have a good support system. My heart goes out to you as you begin the journey.

~ Cathy Wilson

February 20, 2011

I'm glad you entered the bio and obit at that site <http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=65256518>. Thanks. The sadness hasn't gone away. There's a great big empty place where he used to be in my heart and mind.

~ Sandra Anick Isaacson

I got to know Ed through Sandy Isaacson when he would make the occasional visit to Minnesota - I had no idea he had done so much ... I'm glad you were able to have the time you had together - he was truly a unique individual... though a bit confusing at times...

I'm so very sorry - but I know there are no words I can say to make it better -- and even time doesn't always do it. When someone is that much a part of you, there's not much that can fill it or mend what's now gone. Yes - you'll get through it -- and yes - you'll be a different person in many ways. But, I suspect, direction will come.

~ Martin Swalboski

I loved your tribute to Ed; so moving. Thank you so much for sharing Ed with us all. I never knew so many of those details about him. I knew he crocheted, gardened, hair styled, massaged, fluted, ran and navyed but never the details or how it all evolved! He was always so secretive and private. I still get angry when I remember that he is not out there in the world. This could not be, this should not be. Hope you are starting to grieve less and remember good times more, though the grieving never really ends does it? I cherish all my great memories of Ed.

~ Bonnie Benge

February 27, 2011

I read [these] all and smiled at some remembrances. I wish he was able to see how he made people feel or think of him. He always seemed to think he was so insignificant, yet he accomplished so much and touched so many. I outright laughed at the thought of him dressed as a bumble bee! I miss him so much.

~ Sandra Anick Isaacson

Ed was my former student, who became my assistant, who became my friend and colleague and who, then, became my teacher. There aren't enough words to express the loss that I feel. I, too, wish that he could see the outpouring of love from people who knew him! See ya on the Veranda, my friend!

~ Tunie Harris

March 2, 2011

I did [take comfort in reading these condolences]. I just can't seem to compose anything myself. What's to say? I cried all the time I read them. Maybe later.

~ Richard

Ed, I'm so sorry for your loss. Ed had that special ability to recognize and appreciate what was unique and special in everyone he knew. I will sorely miss that about him, along with his other wonderful qualities. I can't imagine what you've been going through, Ed. Let me know if there's anything I can do, or if you just want to chat.

~ Chris Schappals

March 9. 2011

Thanks for sending the link on Ed. He seems like he was really an impressive man. My prayers and thoughts are with you. I know it is so difficult when someone you care about so much passes. Thank you for sharing his life story with me. I hope you are finding solace knowing that he lived a full life and you had a chance to share some of that with him. My sincerest sympathies.

~ Carolyn Antman

December 7, 2011

(Originally posted on Facebook)

Bookplates applied to a collection of gardening ⇒

books given to the Jacksonville Public Library by

Margaret Koscielny in memory of Edward Koehler.