Honoring the Legacy of a Humble Hero: A Tribute to Ed Smeal

My husband’s father, Ed, departed from this world last week. It’s impossible to express the magnitude of our loss, but I wish to share a few words in honor of him.

Ed was a remarkably humble man. He didn’t want any kind of service or posthumous attention. However, I feel that he is someone who truly deserves recognition (forgive me, Ed). While I am taking this moment to pay tribute to him, I will keep it brief because I know he wouldn’t want any fanfare or spectacle (I’m still listening to you, Ed).

As mentioned in his obituary, Ed was an ordinary hero who went out of his way to help others. He didn’t wait for someone to ask for help, but rather he sensed when someone needed it and provided it without any expectation of acknowledgment or reward. He believed helping others was simply what good people do, and he never asked for anything in return. Ed was a truly good man, and his passing serves as a reminder of how rare and valuable individuals like him are in this world. It is my hope that his legacy inspires others to follow in his footsteps and strive to do good simply because it is the right thing to do.

On Nathan’s and my wedding day, Ed’s close friend and former neighbor Ron asked him, “Did you lose a son or gain a daughter?” Without hesitation, Ed replied, “I gained a daughter.” When…