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Edward Pillings Obituary
Ed was born on August 24, 1919 in Seattle, Wash. to English and Irish immigrants, Alfred Pillings and Annie McCarty. Pillings became a high school athlete, earning a scholarship for football and track at Washington State. World War II interrupted his college career; as a young US Army Captain he commanded troops in New Guinea, Australia, Philippines, Japan and Okinawa. After the war, Ed finished his BS at Washington State. He went on to receive his Masters in Education at Columbia University. Pillings taught and held athletic training positions at Eastern Washington and the University of New Mexico.
At the urging of legendary Army football coach, Earl Blaik, Ed became the Head Athletic Trainer at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Pillings was strong-willed, and with a larger-than-life personality he protected the health and welfare of the athletes. Ed served the USMA for 24 years (1957-81), during which time he was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Fame, and acted as an athletic trainer for participants of the Pan-American Games and the 1980 winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Ed maintained his dedication to the military by retiring a Lt. Colonel in the Army Reserves.
Ed was preceded in death by: his beloved wife of 54 years, Catherine Dorfuss Pillings, and his son, Gary Pillings.
He is survived by his daughters, Carol A. Pillings of Kirkland, Wash., and Laurie Pillings Rinker, her husband Edward Rinker; and his granddaughter Alexis Rinker of Cary, N.C.
Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity, West Point, NY, on Friday, December 7th at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Post Cemetery in West Point, with his wife and son.
In lieu flowers, the family suggests donations may be sent to the NATA Foundation c/o: Ed Pillings Memorial Scholarship Fund, 2952 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 25247.
Funeral arrangements were made by the William F. Hogan Funeral Home, Highland Falls. 845-446-2868.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Pillings
2 Entries
Rick Childs
December 20, 2007
Carol and Laurie - I was so sad to hear about your dad. I remember many times that Gary and I would go see Mr. Pillings in the training rooms. He would let us go get gum out of the closet and play with the equipment. He always made us feel important. I have so many fond memories of your mom and dad and Gary and both of you. I am so glad that all three of them are together again.
Raymond Cooper
December 3, 2007
Dear Carol, Laurie and Family:
Your Father was a great man and a good friend to my Father (Roy) for all of the years they served together at West Point - AAA. I remember your Father even patching up an injury or two of mine during football or hockey season. I guess that is proof of his powerful and positive impact on countless generations. I will remember him as a kind and compassionate man and I hope that your days are made easier knowing he lead a wonderful life with the love of the two of you, Gary and Mom.
Sincerely,
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