Charles G Edson

It is with a heavy heart that I read about Charlie´s passing. He was a great mentor and outstanding advocate for Landscape Architecture and American Society of Landscape Architects.

I was among the many people who have passed through the doors at 33 S Broad St in Lititz, PA. My journey started with the help of my good friend and classmate Mark Beauchamp, now a Principal at CLR Design, getting me an interview with Derck & Edson during the recession of 1989. It was this first experience as an intern Landscape Architect with this great group of people that helped me become a Licensed Landscape Architect.

I remember my first day like it was yesterday. I walked into the office and was shown to a drafting table on the second floor of the building at 31 S Broad. Charlie walked in and laid a roll of hand drawn sketches and a hand drawn survey with a contract and notes for, if memory serves me correctly, Pequea Elementary School. I didn´t know the first thing about laying out a school or the approval process, but there I was with Charlie. He explained just enough about the project and where it was that I could get started. I was tasked with working on this project including, but not limited to, the layout and drafting of permit and construction drawings and keeping our fees in budget. It was a sink or swim situation.

Charlie also encouraged me to participate in ASLA which I have done ever since. This and his mentorship have given me the tools and professionalism that have served me so well over my career. My thoughts go out to the Edson family and the many existing and former employees who had the pleasure as I did of working with Charlie Edson.

Charles Edson was a really good person. He excelled in his profession, was a great husband to Lois and a great dad to his kids.

He was a valuable member of our Lititz community to everything from cub scouts to ABC's.

He will truly be missed. His family will miss him most of all.