Edward Simon Weil was born October 15, 1919 in Panama City, Panama. Ed married Gilda Weil on February 27, 1945. He and Gilda celebrated their 62nd anniversary last year. He was the father of five children, four daughters: Mitzie Carroll, Marion Martinez, Ivonne Strasser, Ida Weil, and one son, Edward S. Weil, Jr. He was grandfather to eight grand-children and four great-grand-children. In his younger years, Ed was an avid hunter, having inherited this love from his father, a very successful businessman in Panama. His father, by the way, had worked in the building of the Panama Canal, just before Ed was born. Ed later worked with the Canal before immigrating to the United States. Ed, unable to enlist in the armed forces during World War II because of health reasons, served for five years with the Merchant Marines. The ship he was assigned served in the important capacity of providing oil and supplies for the war ships. After moving his family to California in 1958, Ed eventually went to work for the Mountain View School District in El Monte where he served as a bus driver for more than 20 years before retiring in 1981. During the time at the school district, Ed belonged to the California State Employees Association, serving several terms as President of the local chapter of the organization. During his tenure, he developed a very close relationship with the Superintendent of the School District, Mr. Madrid. After retirement, Ed and Gilda bought a home in Oceanside, California -- a place where they previously had their weekend getaways and vacations for many years. There, Ed worked as a part-time bus driver for the Rancho Vista Retirement Center for the next ten years. He also worked for a time as a driver for the meals-on-wheels for seniors. He and Gilda were parishioners at St. Margaret's Catholic Church. They had lived in Oceanside for the past 25 years, moving back to Los Angeles County late last year due to declining health. Ed was an avid reader -- one his favorite authors being Clive Cussler. He especially liked the challenge of reading long novels -- the longer the better. He loved hats of all types -- seldom being seen outdoors without one. For the ladies in the audience, Ed also loved shoes. For all you chocoholics in the audience, Ed never saw anything with chocolate that he didn't crave. Ed Jr. and Ed Sr. sporting new hats Dad and Mom enjoying holidays and Laughlin together Dad did his life to the fullest, Memorial Service pictures Dad's Memorial Service Pictures Mom and Ida visiting Dad while he recuperated at Upland Rehabilitation Center Bonzi enjoys the visit with his master, Dad, at Upland Rehab