Edward "Ed" Roland Ness, 86, described by his family as a "beloved father, devoted husband, enthusiastic storyteller, at-ease conversationalist," passed away surrounded by his loved ones on July 13, 2024.
Ed was born on July 8, 1938, the eldest child of Esther and Knute Ness of Wrangell. He fished alongside his father, hunted in the woods of what is now St. Elias National Park, and spent ample time outdoors growing up.
After commercially fishing 13 seasons and loving boats, Ed pursued a career as a marine surveyor and worked in this capacity until 2020, traveling all over Southeast. Ed and his family left Wrangell in 1975 and moved to Ketchikan. After moving in 2020 to Port Orchard, Washington, he continued to travel back and forth to Alaska.
In his spare time, Ed loved walking the docks, striking up conversations in coffee shops or wherever he happened to find himself. "He truly loved being out and about in the community and interacting with whomever he encountered. He had a keen sense of humor, a peaceful demeanor, and made everyone he met feel like a welcome friend."
In addition to marine surveying, Ed built houses and commercial buildings in Ketchikan and Wrangell; operated heavy equipment and helped build roads and a commercial aircraft runway; and worked for the Department of Fish and Game and Ketchikan Public Utilities. "As a skilled carpenter, he built his family two beautiful homes, each unique but similar in that they provided spectacular views of nature while overlooking the water."
Ed and Clara Ann met young, married and raised their family in Wrangell and Ketchikan, where they lived for 60 years. In Alaska, they loved spending time picnicking with family and friends on the beaches, being out in their boat fishing, working in the yard, or spending time on cherished family trips.
Ed is survived by his wife of 64 years, Clara Ann Ness, of Port Orchard, Washington; son Ed Ness Jr., of Bremerton, Washington; daughters Brenda Cooley, of Bend, Oregon, and Wendy McLaughlin (Doug), of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren Katelyn Cooley, Matthew Cooley, Curtiss (Augostina) Cooley, of Seattle, Washington, and Saron McLaughlin, of Atlanta, Georgia; twin sisters Marilyn Baptista of Kirkland, Washington, and Carolyn Greiner, of Juneau.
"His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts, but we are grateful and thankful that Ed accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior several years ago," his family wrote. "We look forward to being reunited with him in heaven."
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 10 at Christ the Rock Church, 4100 SW Old Clifton Road, Port Orchard, Washington. A reception will follow.
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