Richard J. "Dick" Edlund Sr.

Richard Edlund Obituary

Richard J. "Dick" Edlund, Sr. made his transition on Jan. 6, 2009 at the age of 84. Dick was born in Kansas City, KS, and lived in the area all his life. Dick and his father owned and operated Edlund's Hardware in Muncie (now Kansas City, KS). He was Commissioner at Large for the old Kaw Council (now Heart of America) of the Boy Scouts of America, owned and operated a small airport west of Kansas City, and owned several airplanes. Blind since his teen years, he sought dignity, mobility, and equal pay for blind people everywhere. He served on the board of directors, as Treasurer, and as a troubleshooter and union organizer for the National Federation of the Blind. He was past-president of the National Federation of the Blind of Kansas. Dick was a Mason and member of Delaware Lodge No. 96, Kansas City, KS. Dick served several terms as a legislator in the Kansas House of Representatives 33rd District. After retirement, he traveled to the UK, France, Belgium, Portugal, and Argentina. Dick was ready to go anywhere, any time on a moment's notice. Dick is survived by his companion Pompilia Mahoney, son Richard John Edlund, Jr. (Barb Lisher), grand children Alisha and Shannon Griswold, and three stepsons, Jack, Jim, and Mike Miller. He was predeceased by his father Earl Edwin Edlund, mother Mary DeKeyser Edlund, first wife Doris Grayce Stempges O'Diorne, and second wife, Eileen Miller Edlund. Celebration of Life service will be 1:00 p.m. FEB 21, 2009 at Unity Church of Overland Park, 10300 Antioch, Overland Park, KS (reception following). No flowers, please. Donate instead in Dick's memory to K.C. Hospice House or the National Federation of the Blind. Send pictures and stories to [email protected]. In his own words, "I've had a pretty good run". Or, as Winston Churchill said, "I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter."

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Published by Kansas City Star on Jan. 8, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Edlund

8 Entries

Frank Quinlan

January 16, 2009

I first met Dick when I called on him several years ago to talk about insurance. That was the first of many conversations. I later invited him to be a panelist at an event with the Lenexa Chamber Of Commerce. I remember how at ease he was and his subtle wit and graciousness. He enjoyed that luncheon and was well recieved by the other attendees. I think the one thing that always impressed me about Dick was I don't think he ever considered blindness a problem but rather an opportunity. I am so sorry to hear of Dick's passing. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. Blessings to his family.

Glenn & Norma Crosby

January 12, 2009

We could write a long narrative about how much we loved Richard. He was a friend, a colleague, a member of our family. Most of all he was an original. There is no one like him on this earth, and his presence leaves a great hole in our hearts.

Willard Freeman

January 9, 2009

Dick Edlund.

Where does one start?

I met Dick in 1976 in Los Angeles at the NFB National Convention. I got to know him better in 1977 when he was National Rep at the Oregon convention.

After moving to Maryland I saw him frequently as he was in Baltimore so often that the Governor wanted him to file a tax return there (just kidding).

I last saw him in 1991 in Kansas City where I was attening a meeting. We went to dinner at a neighborhood steak place near his home and everyone we saw knew him.

I think we talked last about 3 years ago. We'd fade away but always got back in touch.

Dick had an unwavering faith in the abilities of blind people, regardless of whether one was a lawyer or a workshop production worker.

The blind of this nation are better off because of Dick, but so is his beloved state of Kansas.

I will miss his great stories, his common sense approach to the world, and his wonderful sense of humour.

Michael Byington

January 9, 2009

Dick Edlund and I were sometimes foes, but overall, more often we were friends. We fought bitterly at times over issues and theories of what is best for blind and visually impaired Americans and Kansans, but I believe we also sincerely enjoyed each other's company. I certainly know that I enjoyed his. One does not always have to agree with another to respect them, their accomplishments, and their dedication. Dick gained my respect at times as a most worthy adversary, and often at other times as a comrad in arms. For those reading this guest book who are not familiar with the business of advocacy on behalf of people who are blind and low vision in America, there are two organizations of the blind that both advocate on behalf of that population, and both claim to represent the most accurate opinion of what blind people think is necessary, want, and need in order to be productive, independent, self-supporting citizens. Those two organizations often do not agree, particularly on some of the finer points of advocacy and rehabilitation theory. At other times, the two organizations work together very well and productively. Through holding many offices with the organization, Dick was long regarded in Kansas as being the spokesperson and focus of one of the organizations, the National Federation of the Blind, and its Kansas Affiliate. I have held a similar role for the past 25 years or so with the other organization, the American Council of the Blind and its State affiliate, the Kansas Association of/for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Because we held these positions, Dick would not expect me to suggest that he was always right or correct in his views and in the efforts that he undertook. Indeed, I can not say that. Nor would Dick ever suggest that I was totally on target or correct in my views. Nonetheless, in the larger picture, we worked for many of the same things over the years, and sometimes had the pleasure of doing so together. I know how much Dick will be missed by his family and close associates, and I send them my heartfelt sympathy. As for Dick, I hope he finds that they have some good stout and porter in heaven, and if they do not, I am sure Dick will get them to start providing some. If I manage to get there too some day, I look forward to having a few with him.

Bennett Prows

January 8, 2009

I have been a long time friend, coleague and admirer of Dick as we have known each other predominently through the National Federation of the Blind. Dick could have been a great second father to me, and always was an excellent sounding board. He was completely fun to be with, and could tell jokes till dawn in any category you named. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with him and Pila, and his family as well. Here's to you, Richard.

Richard Fatherley

January 8, 2009

Dick and I first became friends in 1991, as he served in the Kansas House. He had an authentic Kansas persona, and was a patriot. He may have been blind, but he had tremendous vision and understanding of the human condition. I was proud to know him.

Rosie Herring

January 8, 2009

When I met Richard thur Pila I was amazed how well he got around he was a encouraging man. I know he will be missed by many. my prayers are with his Family. May God Bless you.

Bill Daugherty

January 8, 2009

I am so sorry to learn of Dick's passing, but I was very pleased to have known him. He always made me think, and he always made me laugh. Dick Edlund was truly one of the most unique and memorable men I have ever met in my life. My condolences to the family.

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