Edward Link

Some men flaunt their success through bravado and bluster, living more by ego than example. Ed Link certainly wasn't one of them. Ed was a man who succeeded at everything he ever did, living a life so full of accomplishments and accolades, as well as his share of adventure and adversity. He was a businessman, a husband, a father and friend, but most of all, Ed was a man who taught us that ability means nothing without humility.

Ed's story began on a cool fall day in 1950, in the bustling city of Cleveland, Ohio. Those were fascinating times in this country, as the Nuclear Age began, and with it the Cold War and the Korean War, as well. It was clear the world our heroes had won in World War II would never be the same, especially for LeRoy and Dorothy (Comer) Link, who celebrated the birth of a baby boy on October 11, 1950, a son they named Edward.

Ed was the third of four children in the Link's Cleveland home, joining older siblings Al and Bonnie and later on by his younger brother, Mark. His mother raised the family while his father worked at Hydreco, a job, which moved them to the Kalamazoo, Michigan area in 1956, where they settled in Portage.

Ed led a very active youth, and displayed his athletic prowess at an early age. One of his proudest achievements was winning the Milham Park Croquet Championships several years in a row. When he was 14, he discovered the sport of bowling, which he was simply a natural at, and became a lifelong passion for him. By the time he attended Portage Northern High School, Ed had grown into a strong, lean young man, and became a standout varsity performer on the school's gymnastics team, excelling on the parallel bars.

After he graduated, Ed took some college courses to learn electrical work. He was a good student, naturally gifted in mathematics, and took to his electrical studies easily. Eventually, Ed bravely began his own electrical contracting company in the nearby town of Plainwell, called modestly enough, Electrical Systems. Ed would come to own and operate that business for the next two decades, and was a loyal member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union local 131.

In the early 1970s, a friend of Ed's introduced him to his beautiful cousin, a young woman named Diane Armenis. The sparks flew between them, and after dating for awhile, the young couple was married in 1973. In the coming years Ed and Diane were blessed with two wonderful sons, Steven and Aaron, who both made Ed so proud. He was a very active family man, and together the family took many memorable vacations, including a beloved trip to Hawaii, one year. And while Ed and Diane sadly divorced, they remained dedicated, loyal friends to one another.

Ed was a dedicated family man and hardworking businessman, but he also found time for his many, many hobbies and passions, especially bowling. He was a brilliant bowler, and carried a mid- to high-200s average most of his life. He also was a member of the ABC, which took him out west for world-class tournaments with his many leagues. And while many people bowl their entire lifetime without coming close to a perfect game, Ed managed to roll four perfect, 300 games!

His adventures didn't stop there, however. Ed worked hard, but also played hard, and was definitely a man who enjoyed his toys. He had a beautiful, 1971 Harley Sportster motorcycle, and a gorgeous, red 1976 Corvette Stingray, which he bought for Diane (but kept for himself)!

Of course, the ultimate in adventure for Ed was skydiving. He loved to skydive, and was registered at the Austin Lake Airport with over 100 jumps under his belt! He enjoyed golf, too, and played in many different leagues over the years, most recently at Gull Lake View Golf Resort, where he played with his dad. Ed also enjoyed gambling from time to time, especially a good game of seven-card stud poker with his buddies. At the casinos you'd find Ed at the craps table, or one of the other dice games. He loved all kinds of card games, though, and played bridge for many years, too.

Ed was a very social man, very fun-loving and outgoing, without being brash or boisterous. He was quiet and a bit reserved, but loved being in the action all the same. Great ability, great humility, that was Ed. He had many good friends, and was known as a "social" hunter. He'd join his friends on hunting excursions, but conveniently forget to bring his gun along, more content with the camaraderie than the actual hunting. He did enjoy fishing, however, for the peace and tranquility, and challenge at bringing in the catch.

Ed found camaraderie everywhere, from his bowling buddies, to golf, to skydiving, to his father and his sons. He also found companionship in his beloved dogs, and in 2006 he sadly lost his adopted greyhound, Broadway. Ed could be difficult at times, due to his extreme standards of quality, and belief in doing things correctly. But he only wanted everything in work and play to be done to the best of your ability, just as he did. He always said, "I may not always be right, but I'm never wrong."

Sadly, Ed was killed in an auto accident on Thursday, March 29, 2007, at the age of 56.

Ed was a remarkable man, who lived a remarkable life, a man who worked hard and played even harder. He was a devoted son, loving father and faithful friend, and a talented man with great ability, and yet even greater humility. He will be so greatly missed.

Learn more about Ed, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends, Monday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home RDMG, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane where a funeral service will be held Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Ed was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy in 1996. Members of his family include, his sons Aaron Link and Steven Link of Plainwell, his former wife Diane Link of Portage, his father LeRoy Link of Kalamazoo, his brothers Al Link of Canada, Mark Link of Kalamazoo, his sister Bonnie Andes of Washington, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Please visit Ed's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his Life Story, share a favorite memory or photo, sign his guest book, or make a memorial donation to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.