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Edward Charles Furtek

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Catholic University of America Duke University Kenyon College University of California San Diego

Edward Furtek Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 23, 2022.

Ed will be remembered for his dry and infectious sense of humor, warm smile, love for Bob Dylan, endless list of historical book recommendations, and full-throated devotion to Servite football and Duke basketball. Ed served proudly as UC San Diego's Associate Vice Chancellor for Science and Technology Policy and Projects. Throughout his career, he lobbied for science and technology and worked to enhance the innovation capability of the San Diego region. While at UC San Diego, he created and led the Regional Network for Homeland Security and San Diego Science and Technology Council. Before coming to UC San Diego in 1992, he worked as Chief of Staff for Senator John Glenn (D-Ohio), taught as an assistant professor at Kenyon College, and served in the Peace Corps in Tonga. Ed received his B.A. and M.A. from the University of California, Riverside, his Ph.D. from Duke University, and his J.D. from Catholic University. In his retirement, he continued working as a vocal advocate in the Rotary Club and La Jolla Shores Association. Ed's life was guided by his love for learning, travel, sports, and spending time with friends and family. He is survived by his children, Anna, Mariah, and Luke; his grandchildren, Samantha and Cady; his siblings, Edrieanne, Mary Lou, Vicki, Laura, and Joe; and his nieces and nephews, Rebecca, Rachel, Nick, Jeremiah, Max, and Grace. May you think of Ed and smile the next time you sit down to a steak dinner with loved ones (order an extra side of mashed potatoes in his honor).

January 30, 1946 - December 15, 2022

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Recent Activity

January 30, 2023

Donald Yeckel posted to the memorial.

January 29, 2023

Marla Blessing Hendrickson posted to the memorial.

January 24, 2023

Sandie Milne posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Donald Yeckel

January 30, 2023

I echo the comments of Dr. Henri Migala, below. Ed was indeed "highly respected and admired by his friends and colleagues at the Torrey Pines (La Jolla) Rotary Club". Indeed, he was so self effacing that we knew only fragments of his very distinguished educational, political, and academic background. Sadly, his medical problems increasingly kept him from participating in our meetings -- nearing the end, even cutting him off from email contact. I missed him then, and I will continue to miss him now.
In sorrow,
Donald Yeckel

Marla Blessing Hendrickson

January 29, 2023

The Blessing family and I extend our heartfelt sympathy and comfort to the entire Furtek family on the passing of Ed Jr. Our mothers were sisters who both married sailors serving in the Navy before WWII. Both families were privileged to live closely enough to share holidays, barbecues, flag football games, adventure hikes, and other family fun. Ed and I were both 2nd-born cousins with just 1 year difference in our age. When I was in 2nd grade, my mother became very sick and both my younger sister and I stayed with the Furtek family and attended school from their home. So Ed and I formed a bond that was very strong and lasted a lifetime. During our high school years, Ed and I could talk and listen to music together for hours on end. Ed attended some of my school softball games and I attended some of his school dances. At the time that Ed was playing Rugby at UCR, my husband and I followed him by also attending UCR, where I played varsity softball and volleyball. We shared a mutual respect for each and a love of sports. After graduation, we went our own directions on separate coasts. Later (each without knowing) we both went to law school, got our Jurist Doctorates, and worked for elected officials (Ed for senator John Glenn & me for the Mayor / City Council of Santa Ana). In retirement, Ed and I reconnected and exchanged letters and bragging rights of our children and grandchildren. Despite some long separations from each other, we remained joined at the hip. It has been my privilege to know him and to grow up knowing such a loving, caring family, especially my precious cousin Ed. I loved him as a brother. Rest in peace my dear friend and beloved cousin.

Sandie Milne

January 24, 2023

I am saddened to hear of the passing of this very special man. Ed was my late husband's college roommate and lifetime close friend but I was also blessed to have him become my friend. In the early 1970s (when it seemed everyone around me was smarter than me) Ed gave me confidence in the validity of what I had to say. He listened and responded carefully and I can never express how much that meant to me. We kept in touch at Christmastime after my Husband died and I treasured his notes and updates. He was very proud of each of his children and grandchildren ....and I was happy that there was a brightness about him when he spoke about his family . It was only when Ed didn't respond to my note this year that I felt compelled to put his name in Google Search only to find that he had passed on. Rest in Peace Ed...you and Pat can now engage in endless philosophical discussions once again!

Dr. Henri Migala

January 11, 2023

Ed was a highly respected and admired by his friends and colleagues at the Torrey Pines Rotary Club, where he was a member. Our lives were enriched and enhanced by knowing Ed and he will always and forever be remembered for his warmth and kindness. When we are fortunate, we meet people who bless our lives, and we were all blessed by Ed's friendship.

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Fred Furtek

December 27, 2022

I´m saddened by the unexpected loss of my cousin Ed. Though separated by miles, we kept in touch and met whenever life allowed, and those meetings were precious to me. His passion for life, his hard work, his sense of humor and his intellect made him my hero. His life left the world a better place. My prayers go out to his family.

Joanna Bushwaller

December 24, 2022

A beautiful life! Ed was a brilliant and handsome man, with a great sense of humor. RIP Ed. So many people loved you.

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