Obituaries: Edgar "Ed" Handy Brattain (Jan. 4, 1912- Feb. 20, 2010)

He was born Jan. 4, 1912, in the Springfield area to Edgar “Easter” and Alice Brattain. Ed was the youngest of nine child-ren, having six sisters and two brothers.

He was recently preceded in death by Barbara, his wife of 56 years, who passed away Feb. 12, 2010, also in Brookings. Their marriage was one of true love, commitment and dedication. Ed died a few hours before Barbara’s scheduled memorial service. His memorial service was combined with Barbara’s on Feb. 20.

He is survived by his son, Dan and daughter-in-law, Kathy and their boys, Zach Brattain and fiancee, Patricia Moen, and Jake Brattain; daughter, Sandra Holden and husband, Bob and their children, Teyrl Andrews and husband, Phil Shane Holden and wife, Anne and their children, Alexis and Ian, Marel Gerke and husband, Grant and their children, Morgan and Cole; and Scott Holden; daughter, Pat Johnson and husband, Gene and their boys, Grant Johnson, Pete Johnson and partner,  Richard; and Mike Johnson and wife, Petrece and their children, Nicole and Hunter.

Ed graduated from Siuslaw High School in Florence, and married Shirley Maxine Megeath the same year.  They had two daughters – Sandra and Pat. The marriage ended in divorce.

Ed worked for various timber companies before becoming an Oregon State Police officer. He worked as a state trooper for five years and was assigned to then Gov. Earl Snell as his personal driver and security officer. He also served in The Dalles and other Oregon locations.

Ed left law enforcement and pursued a 45-year career in the timber business, managing various sawmills and logging operations. He met and married Barbara Ann Risi in 1953 and they had their son, Dan. Ed and Barbara also owned and operated an egg ranch for five years housing 18,000 chickens.

Growing up on the family ranch with his siblings, Ed learned to love the outdoors and loved the time he spent out in the woods cruising timber. Ed enjoyed fishing, water skiing, camping and other outdoor activities. He was also an avid golfer most of his life. He was very active and took his health seriously, finding ways to exercise and to stay fit. Ed loved to read and was always well versed on current world events.

At the age of 83, Ed earned his pilot’s license, which at the time was believed to be the oldest pilot to have started flight training and earn a license. Ed flew until he was 92 years old; however, he remained at the controls of many aircraft, flying with his son Dan, until his death. Ed took his last aircraft ride, in a helicopter with Dan, the day before he died.

Ed loved his family and his beloved dog, Max. He was very involved in the Methodist Church in each of the communities that he lived.

The night before he passed he was able to visit with all three of his children and many of his grandchildren and other relatives who were in town for Barbara’s service. All will dearly remember that evening.

Those wishing to honor Ed may make a donation to the Ed and Barbara Brattain Memorial Fund, c/o the Wild Rivers Community Foundation, Box 266, Crescent City, CA 95531. The fund will be used to assist under-privileged community members in the local area.

Submitted by Redwood

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