"Optimism is the key to a long and bountiful life", mused the now-deceased during his 93rd year. Born August 23, 1898, Edwin Henry Wilson grew up on a hard- rock farm in Concord, Massachusetts. He thus was heir to the ideas, poetry, and free-thinking of Thoreau, Emerson, and the great American Revolutionaries. Biplane pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War I. Educated at Boston University, Meadville Theological School, and the University of Chicago; Crufts Fellow at Oxford and the University of Paris; Doctor of Divinity (University of Chicago). Father and grandfather.
A devoted Unitarian minister for more than 60 years, he served congregations in Dayton, Ohio; Chicago; Salt Lake City; Purdue, Indiana; and Cocoa, Florida. A committed liberal by nature, he was Executive Director of the American Humanist Association (1949-1970), was a lifelong member of the ACLU, a charter member of NOW, and Humanist of the Year in 1979. He ardently and steadfastly championed the rights of all persons, of ethnic and religious minorities, homosexuals, women, the physically handicapped and the disadvantaged.The world is a better place now because Ed Wilson lived in it and sustained his faith in his fellow man. The possibility of living in three centuries within reach, his death at 94 seemed untimely.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Janet Jenkins Wilson, February 1986. His survivors already miss his fellowship, insight, sage counsel and clear vision; sons, John and Dana, their families; and his grandchildren: Catherine, Dana Jr., and Stephen. His family is deeply grateful for the care of the devoted staff at the VA Medical Center, the Dialysis and Geriatrics Units, to Kai Karawande, and especially to his personal physician, Barry M. Stults.
A memorial services will be held at the First Unitarian Church, Saturday, April 10, 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church's building fund.
Requiscat in Pace, Grandpa.
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