The novelty of discovery forges the strongest friendships we may ever have. In
the summer of 1986, I made a friend with whom I shared more discovery than I
can possibly express. I was in my backyard when I noticed someone, my age,
walking down an adjacent alley with a portable video game, or what passed for
one at the time. I’m not sure exactly what I said, but the curiosity in that game
and the prospect of a new friend overpowered my otherwise shy demeanor. I
flagged him down and before school was back in session I had the best summer
of my life. My memories of Ed are too numerous to mention but what I always
observed in him, from that summer day in 1986, to the last time we spoke, was
how unselfish he was. From taking care of Josh and Chris and sticking up for His
sister, May; to training young soldiers for combat and devoting himself to his
daughter, Ashley. His actions served a greater purpose than himself. His service
in the military was exemplary in the greatest sense and his conduct as a Non-
Commissioned Officer justified his accelerated promotion to the grade of Staff-
Sergeant. He also played numerous high-school sports while excelling
academically. Despite his success, he was never pretentious or condescending. His
confidence was not fueled by the misfortune or docility of others. It stood alone,
bearing its own weight and that of those around him. I learned more with and from Ed
Carman that I may ever know. His death is the greatest tragedy that this life has
shown me. But his memory will guide me as I’m sure it will guide many. And
solace can be taken in the realization that he lived, and lived well. He did what he
believed in. And I never knew him to compromise his beliefs for personal gain or
self pity. We can all learn a great deal from him.
Please visit the guestbook link on this page and share a brief memory of Ed. My
hope is that everyone who knew him can strengthen his memory by sharing theirs.
Thank You