Edward Kenneth Selven

Edward Kenneth Selven, 79, of Astoria, died Friday, May 9, in Portland.

Ed was born November 6, 1934, in Astoria, Oregon, to Ole and Jennie R. (Grove) Selven. His mother, Jennie, died when he was 18 months old and he was raised by his aunt and uncle, Julia and Chris Olson.

He graduated from Astoria High School in 1952. He went into the United States Air force and was honorably discharged in 1957.

He married Jacqueline Williams in July of 1957. They later divorced.

Ed joined the Astoria Fire Department, and retired after 25 years of service. He enjoyed guns, and was co-owner of the Gun Corner in the 1970s in Astoria.

He loved hunting and fishing, and making his model airplanes. He loved being a motorman on the Astoria Trolley, and telling the stories of where he grew up.

Ed loved his Norwegian heritage, and there was always a story to be told. He loved to stand watch at the Astoria Firefighters Museum and to share stories of when he was on the fire department.

He belonged to the Astoria Elks lodge #180, where he was past exalted ruler, and he also belonged to the American Legion.

Family and friends were everything to him. Ed enjoyed life to its fullest.

Ed is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kellie and Bob Bakanen of Astoria, son Terry Selven of Astoria, and son Rob and daughter-in-law Jani Selven of Eugene. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Michelle DeVos, Amy, Kaari, Kristen and Michael Selven. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Megan McCall-DeVos and Mason and Colton DeVos.

He is survived by his sister Ruth Cook of Longview, Wash., numerous nieces and nephews, and three special friends, Kenny and Melanie Hansen and Ted Langdon.

He was preceded in death by a son Michael James Selven in 1965, and his sister Marie Jane Selven in 1944. A half-sister Marion Phillips, half-brother Orville Myers and half-sister Thorraine Tucker died earlier.

A celebration of life to honor Ed will be held at the Astoria Elks Lodge, 453 11th Street in Astoria, on Sunday, May 18, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Firefighters Museum at 555 30th St., Astoria.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online guest book at www.caldwellsmortuary.com.