Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Edwin S. Schaller, Jr., BHS 1946

Edwin S. Schaller, Jr., BHS 1946

Jan. 16, 1929 - Sept. 16, 2012 Former Resident of Los Gatos

Ed was born in Chicago IL and raised in Burbank CA. He attended Burbank High School where he excelled in sports and served as senior class president. He received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA and was extremely proud of his membership in the Kappa Sigma fraternity. He later attended Santa Clara University, where he earned his MBA.

Shortly before graduating from UCLA, Ed was offered a job at Lockheed (following in his father's footsteps), this would become his home for the next 39 years. In 1954, a newly assigned secretary in his division, Diane Topp, caught his eye. They were married a year later in the Santa Barbara Mission chapel on Valentine's Day "so I wouldn't forget our anniversary!"

In 1957, Ed was transferred to Sunnyvale and assigned to work on the Polaris Missile Program. He traveled extensively and never would, or maybe never could, talk about the nature of his work. Diane Ed raised their 3 boys in Los Gatos and for 10 years Ed coached each as they rose through the ranks of the Quito Little League. Ed was also active in YMCA Indian Guides Gray-Y, in which he coached basketball flag football. He loved the outdoors, especially skiing fishing. The Family skied at Dodge Ridge, thawed out at the Mi-Wuk Motor Lodge, then headed off to Kelly's for dinner and a little pinball. Ed his boys fished together at Yosemite's Saddlebag Lake and, in turn, they taught their own kids how to fish there.

In April 2000, Ed Diane moved to Rocklin CA. Diane would be diagnosed with cancer in June of that year, and passed away in August. Diane was the perfect housewife, but Ed surprised us all by making a home for himself and surviving 12 years without her support. He was active in the Springfield Senior community, especially at the fitness center, until a circulatory condition hampered his mobility. He kept much to himself, living quietly, enjoying daily crosswords puzzles, watching news on CNN and rooting for his beloved San Francisco Giants, UCLA Bruins, and adopted Sacramento Kings.

Ed was lovingly cared for by his entire family during his final days, and he passed away peacefully with his son, Todd, by his side. Not surprisingly, his final words were, "did the Giants win?" They sure did, Dad!

Ed is predeceased by his parents, Edwin Spencer Schaller Sr and Ruth Eppinger Schaller, and is survived by his children- Mark (Amy) Schaller, Adam (Tricia) Schaller, Todd (Cherie) Schaller, and grandchildren- Trace, Alexandria, and Spencer, and Nik Robbins; and a sister, Jan Borchers Adams.

Ed requested that no services be held and the family is honoring that wish. We love you, Dad!

Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on November 16, 2012

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