Edwin L. "Ed" Kayser Obituary (1946

Edwin L. "Ed" Kayser, of Middleton, Idaho, formerly of Richmond, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on January 6, 2022 at St. Luke's Nampa Emergency Department. Ed is survived by Barbara, his loving wife of 45 years; his precious daughter Denise; admired son-in-law Bruce; beloved grandson Elliott - all of Arizona; his cherished sister Virginia of Pennsylvania; several nieces and nephews; as well as neighbors and friends he met and stayed in contact with over the years. Ed is also survived by countless co-workers who loved and respected him. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother Earl; and brother-in-law Bob. Ed was born June 9, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA to the late Edwin C. Kayser and Merle C Kayser. He proudly served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Newport News and in the Naval Reserve during the Vietnam War (1966-1971). Ed was employed by various agencies of the telephone company for 40 years, specializing in logistics and supply chain operations, until his retirement. He last assignment was as Operations Director- Verizon Logistics in Ashland, Virginia. In his telephone company career, Ed was active in several logistics organizations, including CSCMP where he assumed the role of student coordinator at the annual conferences. After retirement, Ed had the opportunity, as a consultant and through Jones Lang LaSAlle, to work at several projects on the east coast and, finally, at the Exxon Mobil-Houston Campus Project in Texas, again applying his vast knowledge of logistics principles and lifelong interpersonal skills. He made immediate and lasting friendships there and enjoyed the challenge of helping to develop a new, state of the art workplace. Ed was a mentor and counselor to many people throughout his career and life. He could see potential in people who could not see it in themselves. He was an inspirational leader and truly cared about his coworkers. People trusted and admired Ed. One of his favorite mottos was "work hard, play hard". In other words, find a balance in life. Service was important to Ed. He volunteered with the Winchester Fire Department and served at Company 5 as an Assistant Fire Chief to the City. He was a race official with USA Luge and marveled at the talents of the sliders who participated in "the fastest sport on earth". Ed also volunteered time and effort in his neighborhood homeowner associations over the years. Ed loved the western mountains and driving his beloved Land Cruiser, Ethyl (she loved gas, you know!). Road trips were the joy of his life, and he was a "road warrior". He also loved all pets, even if they weren't his. Ed could always share a funny story or entertain you with his special sense of humor. He loved cooking and was very good at it. Ed enjoyed watching classic movies. Among his many favorites were "Midway" and Casablanca". He loved music, in general, and classical, pipe organ, country and anything by John Williams, in particular. The louder, the better! Ed was a real gentleman and a true American patriot. He loved God, his family, and his country every day. He will be missed by his family and many friends, but he would urge us to continue living life to the fullest, to honor the flag, to love God and the special people in your life, to be kind, generous, and spontaneous. He did these things himself every day, enjoying and appreciating his many blessings. Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, an organization that, through a variety of services and resources, supports veterans who gave so much of themselves to our country; or Canine Companions, an organization which pairs specially trained service dogs with disabled adults, children, and veterans, at no cost to the client.