Ventura
Edward J. McKernan
On April 14th, 2015 it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edward J. McKernan, beloved husband, father, granddad and great granddad.
Ed was born in White Plains, New York in 1925 to Edward McKernan and Ann Roe McKernan. His father died when Ed was nine years old, so he became the surrogate father to his two younger brothers and sister. Ed liked to say he was “once removed from the boat“, telling about his parents coming to this country from England in the first part of the twentieth century. Their names are proudly listed in the archives of Ellis Island. His mother, Ed and his three siblings lived in Rye, New York. Sometimes the widowed mother and children would go to England to be with her family. Yet, her final decision was for her children to stay in America. When Ed graduated from high school in 1943, he immediately volunteered for the service of his country, He was proud to be counted among World War II veterans, having been in the Eighth Armored Division in Europe, a forward observer in a Sherman tank.
He was part of the movement of liberating villages and cities across Europe; personally involved in fighting across Belgium and Germany, notably the Battle of the Bulge. All his life, to the last, he was a true patriot.
After the war, Ed attended Samson College in New York, and later moved to Colorado to obtain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management at the University of Denver. After graduating, he moved to Colorado Springs for a position in the lumber business. He joined in with friends who enjoyed skiing and other activities, which led him to meet the love of his life, Regina Conway.
He and Regina were married in Colorado Springs in 1954. The couple moved to Denver and raised four children, Edward, Ann, Tom and Jim.
For most of his career, he was associated with collegiate supply firms, manufacturers of cap and gowns, gym wear and wholesalers of academic jewelry. He served in sales in Colorado, as a sales manager in Los Angeles and as a division executive in Chicago.
Later, he and his family returned to California where they were most happy. In frequent visits to Ventura and falling in love with the town and its environs, he and Regina moved here in 1996.
It was in retirement when Ed, always an avid reader, turned his attention to writing. He published two large hardcover volumes of “My World War II Years”, an exquisitely composed timeline, including heart rendering letters written by him and his mother when he was in the war zones of Europe. Also, in another publication, he recorded his interesting life history, as well a history of his family and ancestors.
He attended “Preserving Your Past” classes at the Ventura Senior Center and was dearly loved by his classmates. His life stories were truly enjoyed because of his talented writing. Often, the writing was so witty, laughter would radiate across the classroom. His classmate friends will sorely miss his kindness.
He is survived by his wife Regina and their four children: daughter Ann and husband John, three sons: Edward and wife Charla, Tom and wife Judy, Jim and wife Nancy. He leaves six loving grandchildren: Edward and Tim Unger, Kelly Cavanah and Shane McKernan, and Katie and Michael McKernan. Also, two great grandchildren, Lily and Penelope, plus many treasured nephews and nieces. He is survived by his brother, John McKernan of Illinois. His sister Ann and brother Frank predeceased him.
Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated Monday April 20, 2015 at 11am in Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 3175 Telegraph Road Ventura. Interment will be in Colorado. The JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME, 757 E. Main Street Ventura is entrusted with funeral arrangements.