Edward Thorman was, quite simply, a good man. I say “simply” when, in fact, achieving goodness is no simple feat. At a pivotal point in my life I was blessed with getting to know Edwin and his family and their impact was tremendous.
When I needed help, Ed provided good help. In fact, I doubt that I would have completed my final degree project and, subsequently, succeeded as a teacher without his support and guidance. His family’s support was also invaluable in helping me to become a regular pioneer and go on to serve as a minister in another part of the country. I remember that they even lent me a car at one point, which introduced me to the concept of double-declutching about 25 years after it became mechanically unnecessary in any other vehicle. Edwin was even kind enough to marry me, to Elizabeth, in 1995.
When I needed comfort, Ed and his family were good to me. They were good and patient listeners, whatever the problem, giving good advice on many occasions. Ed was also a good counsellor, providing valuable correction, whenever needed, in a direct but constantly kind manner. I think that kindness was probably one of his hallmark qualities, along with patience, understanding, compassion and incredible warmth. This list could go on and on, ending up like the Spanish Inquisition sketch on Monty Python - and nobody would expect that (I think Ed would have got the reference). Ed was a good conversationalist, good raconteur and a man of good humour. As I said, he was a good man, very good.
Reading this through, it does sound a bit like I put Ed on a pedestal. Well, I wouldn’t say that was quite the case. Honestly though, if I could choose one man (that I have personally known) that I could be more like, it would probably be Edwin Thorman. Now I’m in my fifties, I’ve probably missed the chance to be like him when I grow up but times like these make a person take stock of his or her own life, and thinking about the good man that Ed was makes me want to be better.
To say that Edwin’s death is a sad loss is a bit of an understatement. I can’t imagine the grief that Shirley and Faye must be experiencing at this time and my heart goes out to them. There is an Ed-shaped hole in the world and I dearly look forward to the time when it will be filled once more and the good times that we will then enjoy.