Edward was born August 3, 1921 in Redmond, Oregon. He died August 10, 2012, at his home in Concrete. He passed in peace after health complications due to leukemia, an illness which he struggled with for the last few years. Ed lived a joyful, long life reaching his 91th birthday. We are blessed to have had him in our lives.
Edward graduated from Bellingham High School in 1940. He had a few odd jobs including helping in the family bakery and later a position with a builder. He eventually attended Edison Vocational school. His love of airplanes and dream of flying drove him to pursue a career with Boeing as a rivet- bucker for four years; there he excelled through the ranks. Since he was five his passion was to fly and build airplanes.
He then enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and was stationed in Attu, Alaska. There he flew as an engineer on the PBY-5 A, Air Sea Rescue. Later after the war, Ed went back to Boeing where he continued working for over 40 honorable years. During these years he held the position of Superintendent of Production, in Ogden, Utah. Utah. Then he became Superintendent of Research and Development for one of the stages for the Saturn missile in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ed also worked in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He worked there as Mod Manager on the Minuteman Missile for a six month period and he then returned to Seattle.
He traveled abroad extensively with Boeing this enabled him to see the world. Ed was off to Iran in 1972-1979; there he was assigned Flight Line Manager and then Quality Control Manager. He socialized with the Shaw of Iran and was one of the last out after the Shaw’s exile. The next assignment led him to Ireland 1980-1983 with a potion with Short Brothers, as Resident Manager of 747 Inboard Flap Production and also Costa Aircraft in Spain. This was a turbulent time in Belfast. He retired from Boeing in June, 1983.
Retired, Ed followed his many interests. He spent time camping, fishing, hunting, dancing, gardening and adventuring the great outdoors. He built a house in Marysville, and painted at his art. His interests in flying led him to build an experimental plane one of his lifelong dreams. He was a man that brought his dreams to fruition and he was dearly loved.
Beloved father and friend, he is survived by his children, and family. Carol Chanour his only surviving sister. His sons: Steven Kelly McFadden, Randy Patrick McFadden. Daughter: Dana Sue McFadden – Jack. Grandsons: Shane Mathew McFadden, Steven Michael McFadden, Ryan Tyler McFadden, Brandon Michael Jack, Eian Kelly Jack. Granddaughters: Shannon Kelly McFadden, Ashley Nicole Jack. Also 4 beloved Great Grandchildren and one great great Grandchild. He will be greatly missed.