Edmund Goddard Fearey Jr.

Ed Fearey, a long-time Astoria businessman, passed away September 30th, 2014 after a brief illness. He was 93 years old. He was born Edmund Goddard Fearey, Jr. on March 1st, 1921 at Valley View Farm near Newberg, OR. The family moved to Astoria in 1928, where his father, Edmund Fearey, Sr., took over an insurance agency. His mother, Margaret Frederick Fearey, was a homemaker and avid gardner. Ed attended Lewis and Clark School and was active in Sea Scouts, where he learned to sail on their boat, The Flying Cloud. He would enjoy sailing for the rest of his life. He also became a Life Scout and attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington, D.C. Ed graduated from Astoria High School in 1939, and enrolled at Oregon State College, (now University), where he became a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. In December 1941, he and several friends enlisted in the Navy, but were allowed to finish school as they were majoring in Engineering. Ed graduated in 1943 and was sent to New York City for officer's training. That fall, at a dance at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, he met Ann Marie Gebel. They were engaged three weeks later, before Ed's destroyer escort, the Richard S. Bull, left for the South Pacific. He was in charge of the engine room, and made life-long friends before the war ended. He returned to Astoria to marry Ann on November 17, 1945. After finishing his service, they settled in Astoria, where Ed began working at his father's insurance agency. Ed worked to improve the business, Ed Fearey & Co., and added Ship Service Co. in 1964. He served as Harbormaster, was an active member of the Lions Club, the First Presbyterian, the Astoria Christian Churches and many other clubs and organizations. He was the oldest and longest-standing member of the Yacht Club. Ed also worked on many charitable projects, and served on the Columbia Hospital Board. Ed and Ann raised three children; Ross, Charlotte (Charie), and Lois, and together designed and built four houses. Ed had a wood working shop and enjoyed furniture-making, as well as sailing. After retiring, Ed and Ann enjoyed traveling and visiting their grandchildren. Ann passed away in 2003 at the age of 80. The next year, on Valentine's Day 2004, Ed married a log-time friend, Charlotte Harrison Hallaux. They spent ten happy years together. Charlotte survives him at home. Also surviving are his children, Ross (Jo Ann) Fearey, Charie (Barry) Miller, and Lois Barnum (Tom Laughman); eight grandchildren and spouses, Megan (Erik) Rhodes, Joe Fearey, Chris Miller (Robyn Murgio), Amanda and Katie Miller, and Jonathan (J.T.), Alex and Schuyler Barnum, as well as three great grandchildren; Finn, Graham and Cora Miller. Services will be Saturday, October 11th, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Astoria Christian Church, 1151 Harrison Ave., Astoria. Contributions may be sent to the Clatsop County Historical Society or the Columbia River Maritime Museum.