Edward Ernest Hornby, 67

Edward Ernest Hornby, 67, passed away May 10, 2013, being diagnosed with Leukemia just one week prior. It is presumed the cause was Agent Orange exposure when he served in the military. Ed was a kind and gentle man who always had time for laughter, a smile and positive words for everyone he met. He was naturally quick to forgive, never complained and was optimistic when faced with adversity.

Ed was born, Nov. 9, 1945, in Evansville, Ind., and grew up on a farm in Morgantown, Ky. He moved to Tucson, Ariz., as a teenager where he graduated from Catalina High School in 1963. He attended three years of college in business administration at the University of Arizona and was a member of ROTC. Ed served in the U.S. Army for three years, one of which was in Vietnam. He was employed by Chevron USA, Tucson Asphalt Division, for 25 years.

He married Barbara Adams Hornby in 1974 and together they raised their three children in Tucson: Robert, Rachelle and Daniel. They would have been married for 39 years on May 30, 2013. When their two older children left the nest Ed, Barbara and Daniel moved to Blanchard (Barbara’s childhood home). Two of Ed’s grandchildren, Jordan and Cody, followed in their “Papah’s bootsteps,” enlisting in the U.S. Army during the past two years. Ed was particularly proud of their accomplishments that helped him open-up about his own stories pertaining to the honor of serving our country and the sacrifices that are made.

Ed particularly loved children and animals; providing homemade ice cream, popcorn and encouragement for neighborhood kids, feeding and playing with pets and making sure the rabbit next door was well fed and got back in his cage if he escaped. He particularly loved the animals that his daughter owned and her dogs brought forth the true meaning of “hound” if he didn’t give them his usual attention.

Ed was also “heartfully” involved with the Blanchard Community. He was a “happy wonderer” taking short excursions to various places around town just to strike up a pleasant conversation. He gained the reputation of the unofficial greeter at the Blanchard Post Office and EZ Stop. Ed served on the Blanchard Cooperative Water Association Board for a short time and was a big help to Blanchard Area Seniors, Inc. (BASIC), an organization of personal importance to the Hornby family as it was co-founded by Ed’s mother-in-law, Rae Adams.

He took care of little things at the Blanchard Senior/Community Center that mounted up to a lot; making coffee, hauling garbage, recycling cans, folding newsletters, picking up rummage (and dolls), participating in highway clean-up (in memory of Rae Adams and Alvin Strange), setting up/cleaning up for events and so much more. Sharing laughter and kindness were his most notable contributions.

Ed is survived by his wife, Barbara, and son, Daniel of Blanchard; daughter Rachelle Hornby of Tucson; son Robert (Tracy) Hornby of New Jersey; and grandchildren, Jordan, Cody, Caroline, Kate and Jack. Surviving siblings include: brother Richard (Anne) Hornby of Long Beach, Calif.; sister Dorothy Hornby of Colorado Springs, Calif.; and sister Rita Hornby of Tucson. Ed is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and a wealth of wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his father, David Hornby, and mother Margie Hornby. May we be comforted to know he will be patiently waiting to greet us at heaven’s gates. May his sweet spirit continue to embrace us until we meet again.

A celebration of Ed’s life and potluck will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2013, at the Blanchard Senior/Community Center. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in memory of Ed to Blanchard Area Seniors, Inc. (BASIC), P.O. Box 127, Blanchard, ID 83804.

Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Newport, Wash., is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guest book at sherman-knapp.com.