Edmond D. Bridges passed on March 26, 2016 from complications associated with the neurological disease ALS or Lou Gehrig Disease. Ed was born in Wayne, Neb. on April 27, 1934.

He attended public school in O’Neill, Neb., and attended one year at Wayne State Teachers College in Wayne, Neb.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1953 as a band musician and discharged in October 1956.

Ed married Kenna Lee Hawks of Moab, Utah on Oct., 29 1955.

They moved to Bellingham, Wash., to start winter quarter 1957 at Western Washington State College, graduating summer quarter 1959 with a BA in music education.

His first teaching “gig” was with the Lake Quinault School District in 1959 for 3 years.

His second “gig” was an assistant to the music department at Western Washington State College in 1962, earning a MA in music education.

His third “gig,” from 1963 to 1968, was in the Elma School District and his fourth “gig” was in the Oak Harbor school district from 1968 to 1977.

Ed entered commercial fishing in 1972 for salmon in Washington and Alaska, retiring in 2016.

Ed is survived by his wife, Kenna Lee Hawks Bridges of Moab, Utah, his forever bride of 61 plus years; Michael D. Bridges and his son Austin Bridges of Moab, Utah; and Michelle J. Bridges of Salida, Colo.

There will only be a private service for the family.

One final quote from Ed to all his friends and students:

“Think well for me and my family, and if you desire, make a donation to the music scholarship Oak Harbor Music Festival.”

In lieu of flowers, please donate to www.oakharborfestival.com