EDWARD ALEXANDER STOPKE

I worked as a designer in Detroit in the mid-60´s. Ed was part of a circle of experienced, very talented designers who leant their experience and advice to a fledging like myself. After I went off to graduate school, Ed thoughtfully, and humorously, sent me a old postcard with a photo of, as he put it, an amazing pile of sticks! Typical Ed humor, but also an appreciation for the overlooked beauty of things around us. He was one of a kind.

My dear sweet Uncle has left this world with a legacy of his deepest feelings all expressed in his Art. Throughout his journey he has shown joy, humor, great disappointments, wonderful whimsy and a strong liberal mindset. Being a creator is something we all strive for. My Uncle did this magnificently through his love of family, music, fishing and obviously his Art.

I met Ed in 1986 and immediately got the fishing bug back from my younger years. Spent many an hour on piers of Lk. Michigan with him. We enjoyed many an hour of story telling. His art was amazing as was he. RIP Ed. My condolences to his family.

Ed and Emy were my neighbors when they lived on Bemis Road. Emy spent many hours visiting with me and brought "kuko" with her. Lost tract after divorce and Emy moved to L.A. Remember Ed using his barn as an art studio. Nice to know how successful he became. My sympathy to the family.

A pleasure meeting Ed and Judy! A chance drive-by of their home was followed by a quick jamming-on of the brakes, and a semi-legal U turn. A couple of hours later, I left with good stories ringing in my ears, and a kinship with fellow Found-Art folks (I also talked them into parting with a much-needed piece of rusty, well-made GodKnowsWhat to finish off a piece I was working on). I loved it that, no longer able to see what he had, Ed still treasured every single bit of rusty old magic that...

We knew Ed and Judy back in 1970´s. They were instrumental in our early years of business and even overcame their struggles to understand two recently immigrated Finns with their limited English. The marketing material they created for our small company (Yellow Banana) is still occasionally talked about in our business. Ed and Judy were extremely nice people to work with. We are so saddened to hear the news of his passing.