EDWARD CLIFTO N. STURGEON

Ed Sturgeon, a pioneer in television broadcasting and a long time esteemed public relations executive, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2014, with his family at his side. He was born in Los Banos, CA to Jeremiah and Lillian Sturgeon. Ed was the Dos Palos High School newspaper editor, and a first string tackle for the Dos Palos Broncos. It was there he honed his writing skills on a manual Royal typewriter. After two years as a Journalism major at Fresno State, he spent three years in the United States Navy, where he became the Commander of a Landing Craft Infantry (LCI), serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II. During his time in the Navy, he won the heavyweight boxing championship of the Pacific Fleet. Following his Navy tour, he returned to Fresno State to complete his degree. There he was the Sports Editor and Editor of the "Collegian," the Fresno State newspaper. While attending Fresno State, he excelled in track and field, setting a discuss record that held for 18 years. Upon graduation, he joined the staff of Radio KERN in Bakersfield as Ag Editor. His career exploded when he not only became Ag Editor of KMJ Radio in Fresno, but also the original host of "Today In Agriculture" when their television station KMJ-TV went on the air in l953. Ed worked in broadcasting for 16 years, and was known in Central Valley Ag Circles as "Mr. Agriculture." In 1963, Ed embarked on a new career in advertising and public relations. The Ed Sturgeon Agency represented such esteemed accounts as Central Valley McDonald's Restaurants, Fresno County Farm Bureau, California Table Grape Commission, and California Raisin Advisory Board. Among his proudest accomplishments were the launching of the original Ronald McDonald House, and the California Table Grape Commission's scholarship program for children of farm workers. His agency received a special award from McDonald's in 1980, for representing McDonald's Restaurants longer than any other Agency in the United States at that time. Inspired by his son Brian, who has cerebral palsy, United Cerebral Palsy has always been at the top of his list. He was recently recognized for 60 years of steadfast dedication to the organization, which he has helped build for decades. Curb cuts, handicapped parking, and transportation are some of the visible sign of that progress. His vision is largely responsible for many creative innovations in the disability field. In l990, he was proud to testify in Washington, D.C. for the passing of the original Americans with Disabilities Act. He had a passion for theater, and performed at Fresno Community Theater in leading roles in "Picnic," "Time Limit," and "Little Foxes." He was a founding member of Good Company Players 2nd Space, and an avid supporter of Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater. In 2002, he was inducted into the Central California Advertising Hall of Fame, the organization's highest honor. In 2012, Ed was the recipient of the Social Action Award, presented by Temple Beth Israel. He was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where he served several terms on the Church Council, and was a founding member of the Church's Drama Ministry. Ed is survived by his adoring wife Vonny; his sons, Brian Sturgeon, and Rodd Tabler with his wife Karen; his daughter, Claire Tabler with her husband Dale Baumbach; and his informally adopted daughter, Rebecca Scott and her husband Peter. He was especially proud of his grandchildren; Lindsey Tabler-Lofqvist and her husband Christoffer, Reina Garrison, Joel Caris, Sarah Szor, Christopher Baumbach, and Carrie Frederick; as well as six great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 2, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to United Cerebral Palsy, 4224 N. Cedar, Fresno, CA 93726; or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5l40 N. Fruit, Fresno 93704.