Ed Pawlan

April 27,1927 - November 10,2010 After living a very fulfilling 83 years, Ed quietly passed away at his home in Cloverdale, Wednesday night, November 10th. He grew up in Chicago raised by both his Lithuanian immigrant father and surrounding relatives. He became a U.S. top rated breaststroke swimmer while attending 8,000 students, Austin High School. But, at the age of 17 snuck his way into the merchant marines, where later he joined the U.S. Army O.C.S. program to eventually rise in rank to 2nd Lieutenant while serving in Korea prior to the war. Upon returning to the states while at Chicago University Hospital, he met, dated, and then eventually married a lab tech by the name of Mary Ann Falknor. He eventually graduated from Bradley University, with a B.A. and Masters in psychology and education. Ed and Ann settled in at a rural Illinois town where he served as both teacher-principal and had their first child, Bob. In the mid 50's the family resided in Southern Texas where Ed taught and coached swimming and where Sara entered the world. In 1958, after accepting a teaching job in Cloverdale, rather than Fairfield, the family moved to Northern Calif. where Ed taught, coached and settled his family to complete his 35 years as a teacher. Here, their 3rd child David, was born. In Cloverdale he coached some football and basketball, loved to play tennis and referee basketball later in his life until his knees could no longer take it. Many a time phone calls were made to the house asking for his advice on civic and school related matters from both council and school board members. His greatest pride and accomplishments were "sharing" his vast knowledge of world history, geography, and American problems with his students in a very enthusiastic, engaging, unique manner. Many students at first entered his classroom doors with dread, but soon walked out with much admiration, respect and fond memories. Who of you out there can quickly name the capital of Bulgaria or the five tribes of the Fertile Crescent? Many of these same students later became his adult friends. He with wife has traveled in Siberia, walked up to penguins in Antarctica, and safaried in Africa. Ed is survived by: Ann, his wife of 60 years; sister Lorraine of Nashville; son Bob of Rohnert Park; grandsons Brett in Tenn, and Drew of Syracuse, daughter Sara (Ron) Thissen in Riverbank, kids Brad and Leslie in Eugene, son David (Widya) in Copenhagen and kids Dhika and Paramita, and grandson Masana in L.A. His remains will be cremated and cast into the sea as per his wishes. In lieu of services we invite those who wish to send a note or share their personal story with our family to email eapawlan@comcast.net or mail to 255 Vista View Dr, Cloverdale, Ca 95425.