Edward A. Jacobson

Ed and I worked together as change management consultants in the 1990s. Ed was on loan from KPMG and I was part of Nolan Norton, a subsidiary of KPMG which housed the global change management practice.

The big project for Ed and I was the State of Michigan automation project. Ed and I shared an apartment in Lansing, MI for over a year. We both has other clients, so would come and go.

Ed was a great room mate. He was funny, always had some clever thing to quip or get into. A true joy to be around. Together, we loved to eat and took in many of the Detroit area eateries.

We lost contact, work-wise, in the late 90s and went our separate ways. Ed capitalized on his amiable personality and quick wit doing speaking engagements and some consulting work. I continued in change management work. There are videos of Ed "doing his thing" and you can see the real Ed Jacobson. Funny and smart. A very bright guy.

My contact with him was just about yearly. And a few times we would meet in Chicago, where he lived and we usually ate at the Dancing Noodles, a favorite place of his.

Ed, I am missing you and sorely missed hearing of Joan and your greater family. And was truly surprised that you moved (?) to California.

I hope you are in a good place now. Charlie Merrill contacted me on July 1 to tell me that he accidentally discovered that you had passed. I guess that highlighted your very private side.

You were a friend and a good guy, Ed. I will remember you.

What a beautiful tribute to an incredible man. We are appreciative for all he contributed to the betterment of the planet while on it and know his Spirit will continue to provide wise guidance. You are Loved Ed!

Ed. That name says so much, means so much to me. I cant even contemplate how to do justice to the process of describing how valuable my friendship with Ed has been. I cant adequately convey how he made me a better person. I am in awe when I reflect on his very special being. But I just dont have the words.

I just dont have the words. Years ago, I shared with Ed how I didnt have the words to express myself. He straightway purchased and presented me with a horn like the one Clarabelle the clown, a character from the Howdy Doody show, used to communicate, for which we had such a great laugh. There were so many other fun and funny shared experiences and deeply profound ones too.

In addition to the many laughs, I learned so much from Ed. I appreciate his sensitivities, loving guidance, and counsel. I love how his brilliance combined with that sweet caring nature and willingness to freely give of himself, of his talents. I have reflected on so many special, wonderful memories. I will cherish them and him forever.

Ed was a long time friend, mentor, and Uncle Eddie to my children. He brightened our home and tolerated the engulfing hugs of our four children. Dave and I will never forget our times with Ed. He could string more puns together than anyone we knew.

I am grateful for the many years of monthly phone calls and the times we had the chance to break bread (okay a tortilla or two as well) together. His wit, wisdom and way of being always made you feel safe in just being yourself. When change was needed, he reminded me that a "fence can be a very uncomfortable place to sit."

Friendship...The comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them out, just as they are - chaff and grain together - certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping and with the breath of kindness blow away the rest. Dinah Mulock Craik (1826-1887)

I will cherish my calls and times and miss my friend and mentor.

Love to Jody and Eddie's family.

Neal