In Loving Memory of Grandpa Weiss

From the Santa Barbara News-Press
August 17, 2007 9:07 AM


Edwin Weiss, 84, died on Wednesday evening, August 15 in the Mission Terrace Convalescent Hospital of Santa Barbara.

The son of parents, Alex and Alice Weiss who had emigrated from Latvia, Ed was born in Portland, Oregon on January 25, 1923.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Shirley, in 2000. Ed was also preceded in death by his sister Erna Grimsrud of Portland. Following the death of his beloved son Edwin K. Weiss, Ed continued to be a wonderful father to his 3 daughters and their families: Kathleen Himmelberger of Palo Alto; Constance and son-in-law Bill Dravenstott of Ashland, OH; and Jennifer Weiss of Mission Viejo. He was the proud grandfather of six grandsons: Robert Dravenstott of Denver, CO; Richard Dravenstott of Geneva, Switzerland; John Dravenstott of Cleveland, OH, and Ron Dravenstott, of Ashland, OH; Daniel Himmelberger of Citrus Heights, and Scott Himmelberger of Palo Alto. He had 6 great grandchildren.

Ed was an active participant in life until the day of his stroke (July 28, 2007). He was raised in Portland, Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University with an engineering degree. Ed & Shirley were married on VJ Day, August 14, 1945 in Fort Benton, Montana. He worked as a civil engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Bonneville Dam, OR, in Detroit, MI and in Oak Park, IL. Ed and Shirley were foster parents to more than a dozen children. Ed was a certified VFR small airplane pilot. Ed and Shirley built two family homes in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, before moving to a Chicago suburb. Upon retiring to Santa Barbara in 1978, they purchased the Kan-Do Services Company and Ed worked part time another 10 years in the handyman business.

Ed and Shirley were active members of First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara, taking a particular interest in woodworking and making crafts for the annual Holly Faire. They were also avid lawn bowlers at the Santa Barbara Lawn Bowls Club. Ed continued his love of softball with weekly games of Senior Softball. He competed as the oldest runner in a 5K run at age 77, and continued to jog several times a week on the beach near his home. Since Shirley's death, Ed was a dedicated weekly volunteer at Cottage Hospital.

Ed has been an inspiration for his family and friends for his strong work ethic and his honest reputation. His warmth and love will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Monday, August 20th, 2007 at2:00 p.m. The Rev. Hillary Crisley will officiate. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Memorial donations may be made to

First United Methodist Church, 305 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA., Santa Barbara Lawn Bowls Club, 1216 De La Vina St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101, and Seniors Softball Leagues of Santa Barbara.