I met the Pentecost family when I was around 11. Early memories started with Ed’s daughter, Taryn, who quickly became my very best friend. At the time I had switched middle schools and the Pentecost family wanted to help me adjust, so Taryn invited me to a weekend at her family’s lake houses. I had no idea the impact this weekend away would have on my life. It was there I caught my first bass, first time I rowed a boat, first time I enjoyed real pierogies from one of Ed’s favorite places, first time I rafted behind a boat. Ed was so excited about his boat. We enjoyed every moment we could with it, as sometimes it wouldn’t cooperate.
The first time I ever went camping was with Ed, Jeanette, Taryn, and Tierney in the most amazing pop up camper while joining the Mitchell’s annual Knobels trip. And I can’t even forget all the soccer and field hockey games you were on the sideline cheering us on.
When Taryn and I were in middle school, I distinctively remember the joy Ed had taking Taryn and another friend of ours out on the back roads of Haycock in the Buick so we could spot deer. Oh the Buick. Then there was the tractors which were so coveted that when we started to bring boys around it was made very clear to keep the boys away from the tractors. And of course there is the Triumph.
My last memories with Ed was during one of Taryn’s recent visits home. He took she and I all throughout his favorite Bucks County back roads, admiring the Delaware River throughout Upper Blck Eddy. He introduced me to my now favorite restaurant, The Black Bass, and to my favorite coffee shop/general store, Homestead Coffee Roasters.
It was so easy for the Pentecost family quickly became my own. I remember how excited our family was when we realized we were at the Outer Banks at the same time as the Pentecost’s.
I am overwhelmed by all the amazing memories I shared with this family. I’m so sorry for the loss of your main man. He was truly one of a kind, gentle, loving soul. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome. I feel so honored to have grown up in the presence of such an inspiring, genuinely kind, loving man.
Ed, you have left such a huge footprint on my life and so many other lives. To say you will be missed is an understatement. Your spirit will continue to live on through all of us and our wonderful memories of you. I hope you are at peace. I will forever be here for your girls.