Edwin Monsma

5/16/31 - 7/15/24
Edwin J. Monsma died peacefully at his home in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, on July 15, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family. Ed was a gentleman and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He lived his life with integrity and graciousness and followed a path of self-sacrifice and service to his country.

Ed was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on May 16, 1931, to Edwin and Freida (Van Wesep) Monsma. He attended Grand Rapids Christian High School (class of 1949) and Calvin College (class of 1953), excelling in academics and track and field. Ed enjoyed recounting running a 4:38 mile on a cinder track without track shoes. In 1953, Ed moved to Washington, DC, to attend George Washington University law school on an academic scholarship. He graduated from law school and passed the D.C. bar in 1956 on his first attempt.

While in Washington, DC, Ed met and later married his English wife, Barbara Harle. The couple was stationed in Spokane, Washington, where Ed served for two years in the Army. Following his honorable discharge, Ed and Barbara moved to Northern Virginia where they started a family and Ed began his legal career with the General Accounting Office (GAO). He served with the highest distinction for the GAO and Office of Management and Budget, retiring as Assistant General Counsel at the GAO. At the start of his legal career, Ed was encouraged to move back to Michigan and practice law "as a big fish in a small pond." He preferred to remain in D.C. as "a small fish in a big pond." Ed recounted with pride providing legal review of the policies and procedures for the historic transition of power from President Nixon to Gerald Ford.

Ed enjoyed swimming, running, adopting dogs and cats, watching Formula 1 racing, classic cars, good food and wine, entertaining, exploring quantum physics, and traveling extensively worldwide. Following Ed and Barbara's move to Ponte Vedra beach in 2017, the couple continued to entertain, and Ed enjoyed engaging in spirited debates over the interpretation of law, typically over a good glass of whiskey.

Ed is predeceased by his parents, wife, daughter (Jessica), and sister (Mary). He is survived by his daughter Liz McCarthy (Jim); son Ian (Deirdre Groll); grandsons Trey (Aleena) and Christopher (Amanda); great-grandchildren Ainsley, Mikayla, Dean, and Camille; brothers Jim (Jan) and Chuck (Norma), and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Zoo or the Vicar's Landing Scholarship Fund. Please visit his online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Arrangements by Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home. Private Celebration of Life pending.