Edward Laurier Schwabe, 92, passed away on Sunday August 12, 2018 at his home in Anacortes, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in McCammon, Idaho on October 28, 1925, the son of Edward and Agnes (Benno) Schwabe. Ed spent his early years in Long Beach, California and attended George Washington High School in San Francisco. He joined the Navy in February 1944 and served on a destroyer, the USS Cowell during WWII in the Pacific. He also served in the Korean War. He was a proud American. His hope, "That my family recognize the freedoms and opportunities that did not come without sacrifice by men and women before."

Ed met Carol, his loving wife of 71 years, in 1945 while stationed in Seattle. They were married in 1947. Their move from California to the Pacific Northwest was an easy choice. Ed worked for the Seattle Gas Company and then moved his family to Anacortes in 1955 with the opening of the Shell Oil refinery.

Ed was an avid reader of history. He loved nature and being out of doors. He made sure his family appreciated the many activities offered by local parks and beaches. He also enjoyed camping trips across the country and exploring state and national parks, monuments and battlefields that he had come across in his readings. Ed was always supportive of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as they walked onto a play field or a stage. He was always up for a card or board game with his great-grands. He enjoyed his community of friends at the United Methodist Church and his physical therapy pals.

Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was steadfast in his love, the anchor of his family.

Ed is survived by his wife Carol; his children: Karen, Mitchell (Teresa), Jeffrey (Sonia); his grandchildren: Marisa (Blake), Kristin, Phil (Kayla), Michelle (Jacob), Justin (Paige), Sara (Jeremiah), Breanne (Will); 21 great-grandchildren; a dear sister-in-law, Jean Kukulan Reilly and family from the Bay Area, and a cousin, Doris Harkness and family of Seattle.

A memorial celebration is planned on his birthday, October 28, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Anacortes. Details will be forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Ed's memory can be made to
Friends of the Forest, Anacortes
611 R Ave, Anacortes, WA 98221 · (360) 293-3725

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel of Anacortes, WA.  To share a memory of Ed, please sign the online guestbook at www.evanschapel.com