Edward J. Ping

Edward J. Ping passed away in Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 14, 2012. He was born in Aberdeen, S.D., Nov. 23, 1944.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Ann Jensen Larsen, and Jackson Clayton Ping. He is survived by his wife, Harriet, of Green Valley, Ariz.; sister, Patricia Drexler of Loreto, Mexico; brother, Scott C. Ping of Whitefish; nephew, Brian Buscemi, of Houston; and niece, Kelly Ping of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Most of Eddy’s years were taken with the struggle of many afflictions including the effects of being shot down three times in a helicopter, to being exposed to Agent Orange. He was highly decorated in Vietnam where he served two terms. He was one of two men in his company that came back “whole.” He was decorated with two silver stars and two bronze stars with oak leaf clusters. “Eddy,” always cool under fire, loved his country which he eventually gave the ultimate price. Following his time in the military, he pursued a career in real estate in Crosby, Texas, and later at Rio Rico, Ariz. Friends came easy to Eddy. Wherever Eddy went, he made good friends.

We will all miss Eddy’s humor as anyone would that got to know him well. Eddy always loved a good joke but never would suffer a fool.

As an avid hunter, fisherman and excellent golfer, Eddy spent his later years with his brother Scott in Whitefish. While in Whitefish he made a whole new group of friends that will miss him sorely. With a comfort zone between 97.5 and 98 degrees, Eddy moved back to Green Valley with his loving wife, Harriet. He will be interned at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. His memory will always remain to all that knew him and loved him.