Richard "Dick" Edson
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I worked with you you were dedicated you gift is how you helped others
AL TORIZZO
Work
September 29, 2023
A LEADER AND AN INSPIRATION
AL TORIZZO DRAFTING
Friend
August 20, 2022
i always remember mu Uncle as the best Track Coach ever!
robin edson and family
Family
September 29, 2021
I’m just hearing of the passing of Mr. Edson.
I had the privilege of being Mr. Edson’s TA (teacher’s assistant) at Seabreeze High School in 1971/72 and graded papers for him. I respected him very much, so this was a great honor for me.
After taking his Algebra 2 class my junior year, at his suggestion I took both Pre-Calculus and Calculus concurrently my senior year. It would not have occurred to me this was even remotely possible to pull off, except for his encouragement and confidence that I would do fine, for which I was very grateful.
After doing well in both math classes, I then had the self-confidence to negotiate with my community college counselor about which math class I should begin with as a college freshman.
The counselor recommended I register for Pre-calculus. When I explained that I had already taken both that and Calculus as well, she smiled, paused, and then said college level calculus was more difficult than high school calculus and that I really needed preparation for college level calculus. After much discussion, she finally, begrudgingly it seemed, agreed to let me try Calculus 1. Her expectations of my success were noticably underwhelming.
At the end of my first week of Calculus 1, the teacher quietly pulled me aside at the end of class and told me I did not belong in the class. Gulp. “You should be taking Calculus 2”, he said, and handed me a signed note to that effect that I would need in order to change classes.
Imagine my delight in going back to the college counselor to change classes and present her with that note! Mr. Edson had prepared me so well for college level mathematics that even the college counselor was floored. :-)
Having now internalized Mr. Edson’s support and encouragement, I took every math class offered at the local community college, and received an “A” in each. I then entered UF as a junior, with a plan to major in either math or computer science. Both appealed to my enjoyment of problem solving.
As upper level mathematics proved to be increasingly abstract, I leaned toward the more practical field of computer science, and ultimately graduated with a computer science major.
After working for 33 years as a Computer Systems Analyst in Gainesville, I was forced to retire in 2009 for health reasons. After looking back at my career, it became clear to me that more than any other teacher or supportive influence, Mr. Edson was the inspiration for me to pursue an education and career that females weren’t especially encouraged toward at the time. Mr. Edson didn’t care I wasn’t the “right” gender for Mathematics. He saw potential and nurtured it generously.
He was not only my favorite teacher, but he ignited a love for mathematics and problem solving that stayed with me for life. Although many fellow students signed my yearbook at the end of my senior year, it was Mr. Edson’s caring and supportive note that I cherished most of all.
He also won my gratitude by graciously purchasing tickets to a barbershop chorus performance I sang in. (Each chorus member was asked to sell 10 tickets, and I felt so shy about approaching people about the show.)
After retiring, I tried fervently to contact Mr. Edson so that I could thank him for his role in my life. I found numerous articles online about his accomplishments at both the state and national levels for track, but an address to which I might write him remained elusive. I even contacted Seabreeze High in hopes that they could help forward something on to him, but to no avail.
Recently, I felt the impulse to Google Mr. Edson again, and this time, I discovered his 2013 obit. While I’m quite sad to read of his passing and to realize he’ll never know the impact he had on my life, it’s been wonderful to read all the testimonies of how this one man touched so many people, especially as teacher and track coach, but also as a human being of the highest character, generosity of spirit, and caring.
As fellow 1972 grad Kingsley McCloud has said in her testimonial, what a good and faithful servant he was in this life. I am grateful to have had the honor and privilege to be his student.
Lynn Tanny
Student
December 8, 2020
He will forever live in our hearts, with the Lord now,but not forgotten. with Love and Prayers.Robin, Larry and Evelyn Edson
robin edson
Family
September 29, 2020
you will live on forever in our hearts, we know you are in eternity with your brother, Paul M Edson( my beloved father)
robin edson
Family
October 5, 2019
I Just Learned Of The Passing Of Dick Edson ( 7 months late on May 16, 2014 ) - I Don't Think It's Too Late To Express My Condolences To His Family And To Say A Few Words About What He Meant To Me / Even Though He Was Never My Teacher or My Coach / In 1969-70 I was The Best Runner In Volusia County In Cross Country, The Mile and 2 mile Runs / The 1st Black Runner To ever Beat ALL Of Dick Edson's Runners In All 3 Events / I Ran For Mainland - I Was Successful Because Of My Sheer Desire & Determination - But I Didn't Have Anyone To Properly Train Me / I Had The Ability And Desire To Be The Best / All Of My Life I Have Felt I Got DEPRIVED Out Of Being A STATE CHAMPION - Because I Didn't Have DICK EDSON As My Coach / I'm A Proud 'MAINLAND BUC' but I Also Proudly Wear A Seabreeze Sandcrab Shirt To Occasionally Remind Me Of The STATE CHAMPION I Would Have Been If Only DICK EDSON Had Been My Coach / To Prove My Point I Also Attended The Univ of FL - Set A School Record In The Marathon and Made NCAA History / and Lastly I Will Always Appreciate The Kind Words Dick Edson Spoke To The News Journal In 2008 about His Memories Of My 40 years of Participation In THE EASTER BEACH RUN / For Me To Be Vividly Remembered By TWO Outstanding Individuals The Stature Of JIMMY CARNES In GAINESVILLE and DICK EDSON in DAYTONA BEACH - IS SPECIAL!
Ed TC Wilson
May 26, 2014
Coach Edson was a funny, smart and caring individual. He knew your potential and worked hard to move you beyond it. Because he knew your potential, he made it impossible to perform below it whether in Track or Cross Country or in the classroom. He was frequently a person of few words and accomplished more change and motivation simply with a look.
I enjoyed his wry wit and sense of humor. He constantly poked the swimmers and divers and asked them why they weren't participating in "real" sports like Track or Cross Country. Mr. Edson and Don Staller proved the formidable opponents in most aspects of high school student's life. I always enjoyed their mental gymnastics as to whether Music or Mathematics was the universal language. Neither one ever budged from their own perspective.
I believe that I am a better person and achieved more in life as a result of the influence, motivation and moral compass that Coach Edson provided a young high school student and athlete. He will be missed.
Jon Mayer
November 13, 2013
It's taken me a while to write a note of condolence on the passing of this wonderful man/teacher, because I can't possibly do him justice - and I don't believe I've seen him since high school graduation in '72. It's obvious from reading the comments of others that he had the same impact on many that he had on me, and I can only "ditto" much of what has been said. He was a fabulous teacher who made me love math, someone who commanded the great respect of usually disrespectful teenagers with his gentle humor and wit that was never unkind. He was tough, funny, nurturing, inspiring and we knew he genuinely cared about us, his students. He is my all time favorite teacher. I was honored when he asked Alison DeWalt and me to serve as track team statisticians during our senior year. I still remember the mortification I felt at "the look" he gave me several times in his classroom when I disappointed him with my behavior, because I respected his character so much and wanted his approval. I remember attending his wedding to his beloved Bettyanne and was so thrilled for them and touched by the example of their marriage. (I kept the N-J wedding announcement, a napkin with "Dick and Bettyanne October 16, 1971" and a thank you note in my senior year scrapbook.) I also remember him confounding me/us in class with his logic that "Trees cause wind" and not being able to disprove him. It was a privilege to know him. And now, from the perspective of one approaching 60(!) I know he is one that has heard, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master."
Kingsley McLeod-Kaminer
November 8, 2013
Coach Edson encouraged me and gave me attention when he could have been focusing on the much more talented members of the cross-country team. He earned my utmost respect as a caring and talented coach. He taught me self-discipline in my training, to try harder, to never quit. I credit Coach Edson for the fact that I am still running, sometimes even on the same beach. Michael Jones, Class of 1975.
Michael "Hurricane" Jones
November 5, 2013
You never forget one of the good guys and best teacher. RIP Mr Edson. SB "76"
John Liberto
November 2, 2013
Thank you for being in our lives. May you rest in peace
And keep watch over your family.
Julie (Van Doren) Schmid
October 16, 2013
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Betsy Green
October 16, 2013
Betty and Jeep my heart breaks for you both. Dick's strength, integrity, compassion and faith left quite an impression on us growing up. His acceptance, compassion and witty way made him so approachable. He is missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Jenifer Porter Winecoff
October 16, 2013
As a Seabreeze graduate, I was fortunate enough to call Mr. Edson "my teacher". It was a joy to attend his class & with his son, Jeep, no less. My thoughts & prayers go out to Mrs. Edson, Jeep, and the rest of the family.
Bella McCormick
October 15, 2013
i will always love you dad. you taught me how to be a man and father. i miss you greatly.
jeep edson
October 14, 2013
Love and prayers,Dick"s memory will forever be in your hearts, the light of the candle will forever glow with your love for him.
Robin, Evelyn, Larry Edson
October 10, 2013
Dear Bettyann and Glen Paul, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
robin and eveln, larry edson
October 10, 2013
It has been 32 years since I graduated high school and I still talk about Mr. Edson as the best teacher I ever had. It wasn't just about the academics either. He genuinely cared about his students beyond his classroom! So sorry to hear of his passing. Thoughts go out to Mrs. Edson and the rest of the family.
Jan Martin Brock
October 10, 2013
I had Mr. Edson for both Math Analysis and AP Calculus before graduating in 1996. In my senior year, after I became disheartened with high school, Mr. Edson winked at me and slipped me a note that said, "I believe in you!"
I carried that note in my wallet with me through college and law school in Boston, after which I became an attorney specializing in tax (as math-focused as you can get in the law).
Mr. Edson not only taught me math, he taught me what it was like to be treated with kindness by an amazing teacher, and for that I will always be grateful.
I hope he knew what a tremendous impact he had on his students. He will be sorely missed.
Sara Wells - Class of 96
October 10, 2013
This man has my complete respect. He knew how to open the door for the interested to walk through. Sincere condolences to his family.
Thomas Schmutz
October 9, 2013
Great guy, I had him for trig in '65, so did my daughter in '87, one of our favorite teachers. Rest easy, Coach.
Ralph Bundy
October 9, 2013
My condolences to your family. Dick was a great teacher and an awesome human being. I enjoyed working with him bc of his hilarious and sharp sense of humor. My thoughts are with you.
Suzanne Lynch
October 9, 2013
Mrs. Edson, we were grieved to hear of your husband's passing since our two sons both were on his track team and one of them had him for Calculus. He exemplified what a great teacher should be both in the classroom and on the athletic field. Our prayers go with you. Barbara & Jim Hazard, Crossville, TN
October 8, 2013
When the class turned glassy-eyed after a calculus discussion, he literally would start tap-dancing to wake us all up. Great comic relief! I always wondered what would have happened had a school administrator walked by during those moments....
Ken Wagner
October 8, 2013
Big Hugs to you BettyAnn and family. My sympathies and love to you all.
Kim Nelson Gruber
October 8, 2013
Mrs. Edson, I was so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this very sad time. May it bring you great peace to know that Mr. Edson is in a Better place and watching over you until you meet again. All my best, Erin Busch
October 8, 2013
Bettyanne, wanted you to know you and GlenPaul are in my thoughts and prayers. Saw this just tonight on the Daytona Beach social page. You were so blessed to be married to the man everyone is talking about within this book. Dick was blessed as well to have a sweet, beautiful and loving partner. God Bless. With Love, Nancy Tondorf
Nancy Tondorf
October 8, 2013
I'll never forget his easy, humorous, intelligent way. The twinkle in his eye as he readied a reply to someone who thought they'd just said something pretty clever (he and Mr. Staller honed each other to a fine edge). And of course, The Voice, clearly audible upwind a quarter mile down the beach if you were slacking, and especially if you were digging in and moving past someone on the other team. He made both math and cross country something to look forward to every day. A sad goodbye to a very special person. All the best to the family. Jon Hazard, class of '76.
October 8, 2013
Best teacher and coach I ever had. Thanks for the wisdom. Grace and peace to the Edson family. Eric Quinn, Class of '81
Eric Quinn
October 7, 2013
Mrs. Edson, Ryan and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. You certainly will be in out thoughts and prayers. We love you!
Tammie & Ryan Padgett (Pryor)
October 7, 2013
What a wonderful teacher. I never knew math could be so much fun. Somehow Mr. Edson made it all so interesting. He was the best teacher I had in high school ... we need more teachers like him. My condolences to his family.
Kimberly Scott (Class of 1982)
Kimberly Scott
October 7, 2013
Just wanted to say it was an honor knowing the man.. Having attended SHS for one year, Dick's impression is still with me. Respected Teacher, Coach and as a Man.
Kevin J. Connors (class 1970)
October 7, 2013
My condolences to his entire family. I only remember Dick as the pesky younger brother to my/our baby-sitter but that he was quite interested in books at a fairly young age.
I preceded him by a few years at Seabreeze, finally graduating in 1951, but after reading the comments about him by others, I can see that the world needs more teachers like him.
Ian Latford
October 7, 2013
Coach Edson inspired me in both track and cross country. He used to tease me that I was so small when I first joined cross country that he had to stand up and look over his desk to see me standing there. He nicknamed me “Stick” and I learned to love the name. He took a very shy 15 year-old and turned me into a confident, determined and competitive athlete. Those skills have served me very well in this life. Thanks, Coach! You will be missed. –Jay Leonardi, class of 1978.
Jay Leonardi
October 7, 2013
Thanks for being the father figure that guided me to 2 Olympic teams and a 1984 Olympic gold. You believe in my when no one else did. You bought my first pair of shoes. You will be missed.
Walter McCoy
October 7, 2013
A great math teacher and a wonderful x-country coach. Wishing his family the best during this time.
October 7, 2013
Dear, sweet Bettyanne...I'm so very sorry. It's clear from all of these loving memories shared by so many who were touched by his teaching, coaching, mentoring and inspiring that he was much loved and respected. I know your heart is heavy and these days, and those to come, will be difficult. Please know that you are, and will be, in my thoughts, and my prayer for you is that God's peace, God's strength and God's comfort will be yours. Love you....and blessings to Glen Paul as well.
Ann Foley
October 7, 2013
A wonderful teacher, remembered fondly. May his family find peace in the days ahead.
Michelle Gillespy-Goldstein - Class of 1982
October 7, 2013
When running cross country, Jay Leonardi and I would go to my house after school before heading to the beach for practice. This particular hot September day our thermometer read 95 degrees. I told Coach Edson, "we couldn't practice that day because it was 95 degrees - in the shade!" He told me "don't worry about it, you're not running in the shade." So much for trying to get out of a practice. Bill Hazard class of 1978
October 6, 2013
Prayers for the family. Had a major impact on young people.
Ted Flick
October 6, 2013
My deepest regards for the family at this time of grief and loss. Dick leaves a great host of friends and students who will remember him as a great teacher, a dedicated coach, and a unique human being who ran his life's race with grace and dignity. -Jim Carlin
October 6, 2013
Thanks for your knowledge, encouragement, and inspiration in math and computers.
Elisa (Barzelay)Collins
October 6, 2013
A "mechanic" of a teacher....... mine in 1965-66...... I won't forget the man who made mathematics organized and logical and whose sense of humor only grew as I got to know him when I finally became an adult (Dick would say, "When did that happen?"). Many will miss this man whom many admired.
Marshall Ransom
October 6, 2013
What a great teacher and a great man. He had a way of commanding respect and attention without even seeming to ask for it. He taught two generations in my family and we will never forget him.
Dan Schafer
October 6, 2013
To Bettyann and Jeep,
A consummate professional, Dick gave of himself unselfishly in many capacities:
teacher, coach, facilitator of the annual Beach Run, and friend. My brother Jack was one of his students, and he attributes his success in the computer world due to the inspiration and instruction that Dick offered his students. As Dick and Staller walked the halls, students were in awe of the sheer knowledge housed in two people. His legacy will live long in the Seabreeze hall of fame.
Thinking of you and your family.
Cathy Boyle
October 6, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss and may family and friends of Richard Edson find comfort in Gods inspired word the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).
Barb
October 6, 2013
My sympathy to Bettyann and family. Glenda McClure
October 6, 2013
Mr. Edson was a great educator; he will not be forgotten because he made a difference in his students' lives.
Carolyn Hartigan-Smith
October 6, 2013
I was very saddened to hear about Mr. Edson. I have always considered him my favorite teacher from my school days. He was inspiring, tough, hilarious, and nurturing all at the same time. "Say what you mean, and mean what you say." May his family find comfort in wonderful memories.
Christy Reed Newsome, SHS '88
October 6, 2013
Mrs. Edson may God be with you at this time of need.Praying for you and your family. Love to you.
cheri archer
October 6, 2013
I was privileged to be one of Mr. Edson's students and 17 years later, I remain grateful. His gentle nature, enduring patience, and brilliant sense of humor made his class a safe and engaging place to learn. I am thankful for all of the lessons he taught us--those within the textbook and beyond. Sending lots of prayers your way as you grieve the loss of such a wonderful man.
Jamee Cagle Miller
October 6, 2013
Dick was a gentleman, a scholar, an educator, and a mentor of monumental proportions. I was privileged to have been one of his Math and Typing students in 1970 & 1971 at Seabreeze. I have and always will remember Dick with the fondest of memories. My warmest condolences to the entire Edson Family.
Michael Friebis
October 6, 2013
I have always considered Mr. Edson to be my all-time favorite teacher. He was inspiring, tough, funny, and nurturing all at the same time. I wish I had had the chance to tell him how much his teaching always stayed with me. May his family be comforted by wonderful memories at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Mr. E.
Christy Reed Newsome, SHS '88
October 6, 2013
May fond memories help ease the pain of your loss. I graduated in 1969 from Seabreeze and I had Algebra II and trig and calculus with Mr. Edson. I teach the acquisition of Math and Science principles at the University of Missouri St. Louis.I am grateful for what I learned in Mr. Edson's class.
Marlene Levine
October 6, 2013
Mr. Edson was the perfect teacher. I know this because he always told us so. We tried in vain to catch him in a mistake.
"Mr. Edson, you drew the hyperbola crossing the axis."
"I did not. The windows are open so the moving air is blowing the light from one line into another, making them appear to touch if you were to approach the board, and you will fail this class if you do, you will see that they do not touch."
"Mr. Edson, the sun is in my eyes. Can you please move the classroom?"
"I'll do better than that. Give me an hour and I will move the sun."
Chris Ogle
October 6, 2013
During my years teaching Math at Seabreeze (1988-2002), Dick Edson was a great man and served as a terrific mentor & role model. Sending prayers of comfort & peace to Bettyanne and Jeep.
Beverly Brant Taylor
October 6, 2013
Love, love, love Mr. Edson! He inspired me to be a teacher. He was incredibly patient even though I was not a great math student, and I have thought about him many times over the years with regard to my own students. I hope I can be as influential as he was. So sad he is gone, but lucky to have known him!
Karen Taber Perry
October 5, 2013
Bettyanne, may our Lord sustain you at this time. I understand what you are going through. God bless.
Arrilla
October 5, 2013
Betty Ann you are in our Prayers. As the Greeks say ! May his memory be eternal. Gr8 Teacher,Classmate '59. He will be missed by all who new him. I'm out of town or I would be there.
Tony Melachrino
Tony Melachrino
October 5, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss Betty Ann. My prayers are with you. We lost a couple of good men this year.
Marilyn Braswell
October 5, 2013
Mr. Edson was a great teacher (I graduated SHS 71) and I talk about him often to my 16 year old daughter who is now taking high school math courses. He is one of the few teachers I remember so well and that speaks volumes. He touched and enhanced many lives and will be fondly remembered by all. The gift of an exceptional teacher is one that truly keeps giving.
Debra Bennett Jung
Weston, Florida
October 5, 2013
A math man, a track man, a garden man, a good man, a native Floridian, a life long friend, and a Gator!!!! He played key part introducing Melinda and I via a blind date while we were all students at UF. Melinda and Dick were Math Ed majors. Dick and I were roommates living in "the Alamo". Dick knew a good formula then (he was sure we were two equals) and he was already a coach, getting me to hold up my part of the blind date.
He will be missed but remembered for the special person he was. Bettyanne, you are a remarkable person, caregiver and spouse. Our thoughts are with you and your son and family. Love,
Melinda/Jim Kohrt The Tundra Gators
Jim Kohrt
October 5, 2013
Betty Ann, Thinking of you at this difficult time. I remember Dick at Seabreeze, but he was never one of my Teachers. I remember you from Osceola, even back when (I think)you did your Student Teaching -(maybe with Arleen Eherts?) Jane Engel was my Mom - I lost her May 2011 - she is also at Shady Rest along with many other Great People & Educators. My Best to You!
Joe(y) Steineck
Joe Steineck
October 5, 2013
Sharon and I want you to know how sorry we are to hear of Dick's passing.. We will always remember his warm smile and his commitment to his family and his profession. With our deepest sympathies, Wink and Sharon Barnette (FACA)
October 5, 2013
Ah, Mr. Edson - always with the sharp retort when we tried to make excuses for our poor performance. Now you can run fast and free. (once a Sandcrab always a Sandcrab)
Ellen Lockwood McGrory
October 5, 2013
I send my deepest sympathies to you Mrs. Edson and to you Jeep. "Coach" was a mentor, a coach and a friend to me for so many years. I will miss him deeply.
Steve Gettel
October 5, 2013
My condolences to your family. He was such a positive force in so many of our lives.
Elizabeth Rumph Ulrich
October 5, 2013
Dick was one of the all-time Seabreeze GREATS...1959 alum, math teacher par excellence, state championship winning track & cross country coach, and all around good guy. He was my friend and classmate at Seabreeze (Class of 1959) and my oldest son's calculus teacher and cross country coach. R.I.P., Dick...see ya on the other side.
Charlie (Lando) Cabiac
October 5, 2013
God Speed Dick!
Jamie Hogan
October 5, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mr. Edson was my favorite teacher at Seabreeze; he made learning fun - not an easy thing to do when you're teaching advanced math.
Cheryl Foster
October 5, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Michelle Wood, Seabreeze Class of 1982
October 5, 2013
Dick was surely one the most respected by faculty and revered by students teacher/coaches at Seabreeze in the last half century. His brilliance and balance often took back seat to his humility. Coach always found the time to render quality advice and guidance to his students and athletes. The many unsolicited honors, both in instruction and coaching Dick received were just a small reminder of the quality of this splendid man.
Howard Smith
October 5, 2013
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