George William Edwards

George William Edwards, a former long-time resident of Vashon, died at his home in Ocean Shores on March 3, 2006. He was 59 years old.

At the time of his death he was planning another adventure with his friend of more than 30 years, Jim Hodges, also a former Vashonite.

Ramona Edwards, George’s wife, was in their home in Zihuatenejo, Mexico, at the time of his death and is grateful that George was not alone.

Mr. Edwards was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 1946, to Donald and Jean Edwards. He was raised in Seattle graduated from Roosevelt High School and later from the University of Washington.

On April 13, a Friday for good luck, he married Ramona Hedwall. They built their house on Vashon in 1982 and loved their Burton Hill home and community until retiring to their beach house in Ocean Shores in 2002. The two traveled extensively.

In the late 60s and early 70s Mr. Edwards was an officer in the now defunct Burton Navy. The other officers — everyone was an officer — enjoyed many an adventure saving Quartermaster Harbor from invasion. During that time he was also involved with Pegleg Wood Works, and the Island is sprinkled with tables and chairs produced by these craftsmen.

For 25 years he worked as an electrician installing high end security systems for Honeywell. At the beach, he was a member of the Ocean Shores Fire Department. He did computer work and fire inspections.

After retiring, Mr. Edwards and his wife split their time between their home in Mexico and the north beach.

In addition to his wife Ramona, relatives include a son, Matthew Edwards of Seattle, a daughter Brynn Edwards of Ocean Shores; a sister Donna Copeland of Phoenix, Ariz. And a younger sister-in-law Kristin Ferguson of Tulsa, Okla. whom he and Ramona raised after her parents died.

Friends and family say they will miss his litany of one liners, and his kind and gentle nature. They say he was a man of integrity.

A service to celebrate his life will be set when there is a chance that the rain might let up. Friends will be notified.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Ocean Shores Fire Department, P.O. Box 100 Ocean Shores, Wash. 98569.

Cremation arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary.

Friends and relatives may sign the online guest register at www.colemanmortuary.net.