Edward Blahous

Edward Blahous, died unexpectedly in Seattle on June 1, 2014, from an aortic aneurysm. Ed was born in Chicago, to parents Lillian and Charles Blahous. With the early death of his mother, he was raised by his sweet Czech-only speaking grandmother in a small home where he shared his bed with both brothers. Ed graduated from the University of Illinois, where he perfected his love of music and created a lifetime of hilarious stories of his fraternity hi jinks. The best part of college was meeting the love of his life, Emily Blahous (Chval).

He earned a Master's degree from USC and had a successful and fulfilling career in the Air Force. It took him to many exotic locales and wonderful places to raise his growing family. The best part of which was his final assignment to Alaska. He retired from Elmendorf AFB after 28 years as a full Colonel. He had a second career as the Purchasing Director for the Anchorage School District.

A renaissance man in the truest sense, Ed was passionate about a great many things. An avid sports fan and an even better athlete, a lover of all types of music and gifted singer, a military and history expert and

aviation enthusiast.

His beloved Cubbies never came through for him but his eternal sense of optimism was perhaps developed because of them. He came to the sport of soccer later in life, but loved playing Men's league mixing it up with the college boys. He worked to build soccer fields and spread the sport in St. Louis, Seattle, and Anchorage. He started a league for 5 year olds when his youngest son had no organized place to play and coached his children throughout their youth. He coached his son Eddie all four years at Chugiak High School where he was head soccer coach for 20 years. He still has one of the longest win records in the state. One of his greatest achievements was being the star pitcher for the Blahous Bruisers, two time "D" league city softball champs! The team consisted entirely of family members with a few dear friends, the gray hair talent of Papa Ed on the mound and Papa Charles on first base made all the younger set look good.

A proud member of the Anchorage Concert Chorus, he sang with the Chorus for 20 years with Emily. He loved his time with the University Singers and in the Chorus with the Anchorage Opera. We all cherish the

memories of him singing "O Holy Night" at the annual family Christmas Sing-A-Long.

Ed felt very strongly about giving back to his community. For years he served on the Brother Francis and Anchorage Concert Chorus Board of Directors. He was also a member of the 1% percent for Art Selection

Committee and Chairman of the Mayor's Art Commission. In 1985 he received an Anchorage Father of the Year Award and was highlighted in a feature article in the Anchorage Daily News. Ed was inducted into the

Alaska High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. This year he was included as one of Eagle River's Legendary Locals along with Emily and his son Eddie.

Ed is survived by his wife, Emily; and his children, Marianne (Clark Rush), Tom (Robin Blahous), Amy (Jim Harmon), Eddie (Heather Blahous); and 10 wonderful grandkids: Christopher, Annie, Jack, Rosie, Brock, Thomas, Teddie, Charlie, Ben, and Kate.

His passion for aviation was shared with Christopher and it was his delight to have his grandson fly him all around the Hawaiian Islands and throughout Alaska. His love of music was passed on to Ben, an Alaskan Children's Choir singer, to Jack, Brock, and Thomas all members of music ensembles, and to Teddie and Kate, piano players extraordinaire! Ed hardly missed a grandchild's sporting game. He loved to watch Charlie play soccer, Annie play hockey and Rosie play volleyball. He never missed an opportunity to tell Rosie how much he loved to sing with her, a very mutual feeling. We are so grateful for the many times they shared the stage.

We kidded Papa on his ability to converse and make so many friends. He had a way of making everyone he came into contact with feel special. He always made time to socialize and visit. He looked for and always

found the best in people. We chided him that he was not running for mayor and not everyone would need to sign his dance card!

Ed cherished family time and looked forward to the annual spring break vacations we took together for over 25 years. He pioneered the Christmas family funny gift tradition. His favorite thing to do was make his kids and grandkids laugh. Rocky Lake weekend breakfasts, leisurely cruising around the lake, the performing arts, and simply being with his family and friends were his favorite moments.

We are all not quite sure how we can live without our Papa. He was a joy, and a delight. A happy, funny, supportive, loving, and fun husband, dad, and grandpa. He often would say, "Life is good. I am a happy man." There will be a viewing from 5-7 p.m. Thursday evening, June 5th, at Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel in Anchorage. A Celebration of life will be held at the Steve Primis Auditorium at Chugiak High School on

Friday, June 6th at 4 p.m. A catered reception will follow in the Chugiak High School Cafeteria. Ed will be laid to rest at Fort Richardson National Cemetery on Monday, June 9, 2014 at 10:30 a.m.

Arrangements are with Janssen Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Anchorage Concert Chorus, 165 E 56th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99518.