When I read the news about Ed in Steve's e-mail, I felt a sadness and loss that I hadn't felt in years. Although I had not seen or spoke to Ed since leaving Hydro some years ago, it felt like I lost a best friend that I spoke to every day. As others commented, Ed was the kind of guy that made you feel good, liked, appreciated, respected, and so much more. His good nature and kind spirit showed in so many ways. He endeared many of us with nick names to let us know much he cared and enjoyed our company. He called me ACDC after my initials and our profession. I told him when I married Deborah that my nick name was even more appropriate, and we had a good laugh.
You always knew Ed had your back and that he would be there to help through any problem. He was a big bright spot on any project we ever worked on together with his positive, can do attitude.
I will miss Ed as I think of him with fond memories, but I thank the one true God for the blessing of his friendship. My thought and prayers are with Ed's family and loved ones.
I fear that no matter what I write, it is grossly inadequate for a man like Ed. The contributions he made to PG&E in 41 years are immeasurable. Few have had this positive of an impact. And those that did, usually got a powerhouse named after him. But more than the PG&E Ed, he was a friend to every person he met. He literally lit up a room when he entered. A hand shake was never enough, he had to wrap his arm around you and genuinely ask “how you doin?” Ed made my life easier because I knew that he was just a phone call away. He was always so busy, always on the road, but once you tracked him down, he was always willing to help. I know that if they’re having troubles with the generators where ever he is now, he is probably already working on them and should have them paralleled by the end of shift. Keep the lights on Ed, we miss you.
Sadly, these are not comments I had thought about writing, and certainly not this soon.
Ed was truly unique among the resources available to those of us in the hydro generation field offices. From our first meeting forward I always knew that I could depend on Ed for background information or suggestions for dealing with most any problem that might come up. No matter what the issue, the chances were good that Ed had already seen something similar and would have a solution in mind. Although we did not cross paths all that frequently, his contact information was always at the ready in case of need. A straight shooter, good information and no BS, that was Ed Ysunza and we all knew it.
Hydro Generation and the world were certainly better off because of Ed's presence and we will all miss him greatly.
A typical Specialist. We are thrifty and typically own only one suit possibly two, which if we had one it would be use for interviews, weddings, and (sadly) memorial services. We find comfort in a challenge and in some cases the bigger the better; our tools are a mixed bag of what we learned over time bringing us to the panicle of success in our craft. We can exhibit all the compassion and sensitivity of a circuit board when analyzing a problem and don’t necessarily pursue a management position. We enjoy and take pride in helping and supporting others accomplish a goal or solve a problem.
Ed exhibited all the characteristics of the accomplished Mechanical Equipment Specialist. He was a meat-and-potatoes kinda guy but watched his diet over the past few years. He would find any technical problem challenging and would not rest until it was solved. He worked hard, but he also knew how to relax. Ed was always active: always doing, always giving and always living. Ed was always dedicated to companies he worked for and always gave more than he received in return. He worked hard, and enjoyed his family.
Ed didn’t mince words or talk a lot of fancy talk: just get to the point. (Come to think of it, he might not like this speech much.) He talked a plain, simple talk in a way that was always understandable and meaningful. He’d often refer to a fellow specialist or co-worker as “a good hand”: “That guy’s a good hand; you know what I’m saying? He covers a lot of bases.” And sometimes if he dropped by on a short social call just to hang out or have lunch, he’d call you by the nickname he gave you; for me it was “Fish”. “What’s up Fish?” he’d say, and instantly it sort of made you feel at ease, like you might almost be on equal terms to talk with this pleasant figure looming at your doorstep.
He was sharp. He had an uncanny knack for grasping complicated or otherwise intangible concepts and expressing them in boiled-down layman’s terms. He was the resident expert on projects assigned to him. Once he made up his mind about something, that was that, and although he could be stubborn, he did it in the nicest way.
Ed had such a big heart. If things ever got heated or you disagreed with him, he’d come back around awhile later and try and smooth things over. His position wouldn’t have changed any - but it was sort of his way of saying “I’m sorry for being right”. He was gently intrusive and persistent: he wouldn’t be ignored or shut out. He leaned and pushed his way into our lives.
Ed was a loveable guy who gently barged his way into all our lives, pried us out of our shells, and filled our world with color. It is unthinkable that we would ever be without him. When Ed passed away on Sunday February 26, 2012 we all lost a buddy a companion and a friend. It seemed appropriate somehow, that the lights stayed on and the electrical grid didn’t skip a beat. To me, this day is a tribute, a reminder that our world functions effortlessly due to equipment Ed commissioned; our world however is less bright, less comfortable without him. It hurts that he is gone. I try to remember though, that along the way he was always telling us and asking us and showing us how to enjoy and experience life.
Ed was a good friend.I have worked with him for many years. I mostly remember him when he would call me any time day or night especially on weekends and say hay Jerrrr this is Ed and I need a little help. I would jump through any hoop any time day or night for this man and I think I did it a lot. I enjoyed all the time I spent working with him and for him. He had true values and was from the old school. We made personal promises to each other and always made it happen. Together what ever he ask we made it work. After I had my heart attack several years ago and then he had his I assured him he would do fine. He was strong and commented on how his wife was helping him. Then Ken was next. What a supprise. We discussed these times a lot and vowed to get thrugh it. I will always remember him and all the friends I have met through him. Jerry Griffin
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails in the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, there she goes!” Gone Where? Gone from my sight… that is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “There she goes!,” there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “There she comes!”
- Henry Jackson van Dyke (1852-1933) There is no doubt about the ship making it to the other shore if they had problems Ed would be there to fix them. Truly missed your friend known to Ed as "The Wrench" a nickname he pinned on me in 1989 when we worked together in SF
I've known "Eddy Spaghetti with the Meatball Eyes" since I came to work in Auburn in 1987. He became a very special friend. He taught me about everything inside a powerhouse. He didn't want to retire because his friends depended on him (everyone that he came in contact with became his friend). Whenever anything broke and one of his friends needed help, Eddy was there the next morning at 0700 regardless of whether it was Burney or Bakersfield.
Eddie thank you for making this so we can post. Your dad was such a special person and our family saw him as such a wonderful husband to your mom and father to both you and Mallory. There are so many good memories over the years they are too numerous to post. He was always there to help when he saw a need. He meant a lot to both Joel, Aaron and Paul and I. From the call he made to Joel after his crash to the coaching of soccer and of course the t-ball games way back when and then helping us out when we needed it. He will be greatly missed. Teresa, Eddie and Mallory you will all be in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. I feel very blessed to have had Ed be a part of our lives. We all love you guys. Lara, Paul, Aaron and Joel Semenoff
Ed now I know that Mike is in good company in heaven. Maybe the 2 of you are laughing at Teresa and I like you use to at the office Xmas parties. Or maybe your both sad that you had to leave us alone in this tough time. I know the both of you are in a happy place and are probably waiting patiently for us to come and join you in eternal peace. Gosh I miss the both of you so much. I'll help Teresa get thru this as she will for me. Still hate you guys had to go. The pain is so much more then just pain. Till we meet again and we will Ed and Mike. Watch over us so we don't do anything stupid. Lol. Love u guys. Belinda
Light a Candle
Comments
You always knew Ed had your back and that he would be there to help through any problem. He was a big bright spot on any project we ever worked on together with his positive, can do attitude.
I will miss Ed as I think of him with fond memories, but I thank the one true God for the blessing of his friendship. My thought and prayers are with Ed's family and loved ones.
Ed made my life easier because I knew that he was just a phone call away. He was always so busy, always on the road, but once you tracked him down, he was always willing to help. I know that if they’re having troubles with the generators where ever he is now, he is probably already working on them and should have them paralleled by the end of shift. Keep the lights on Ed, we miss you.
Mark and Katherine Nunnelley
Ed was truly unique among the resources available to those of us in the hydro generation field offices. From our first meeting forward I always knew that I could depend on Ed for background information or suggestions for dealing with most any problem that might come up. No matter what the issue, the chances were good that Ed had already seen something similar and would have a solution in mind. Although we did not cross paths all that frequently, his contact information was always at the ready in case of need. A straight shooter, good information and no BS, that was Ed Ysunza and we all knew it.
Hydro Generation and the world were certainly better off because of Ed's presence and we will all miss him greatly.
Ralph James (Ralpharoo)
A typical Specialist. We are thrifty and typically own only one suit possibly two, which if we had one it would be use for interviews, weddings, and (sadly) memorial services. We find comfort in a challenge and in some cases the bigger the better; our tools are a mixed bag of what we learned over time bringing us to the panicle of success in our craft. We can exhibit all the compassion and sensitivity of a circuit board when analyzing a problem and don’t necessarily pursue a management position. We enjoy and take pride in helping and supporting others accomplish a goal or solve a problem.
Ed exhibited all the characteristics of the accomplished Mechanical Equipment Specialist. He was a meat-and-potato es kinda guy but watched his diet over the past few years. He would find any technical problem challenging and would not rest until it was solved. He worked hard, but he also knew how to relax. Ed was always active: always doing, always giving and always living. Ed was always dedicated to companies he worked for and always gave more than he received in return. He worked hard, and enjoyed his family.
Ed didn’t mince words or talk a lot of fancy talk: just get to the point. (Come to think of it, he might not like this speech much.) He talked a plain, simple talk in a way that was always understandable and meaningful. He’d often refer to a fellow specialist or co-worker as “a good hand”: “That guy’s a good hand; you know what I’m saying? He covers a lot of bases.” And sometimes if he dropped by on a short social call just to hang out or have lunch, he’d call you by the nickname he gave you; for me it was “Fish”. “What’s up Fish?” he’d say, and instantly it sort of made you feel at ease, like you might almost be on equal terms to talk with this pleasant figure looming at your doorstep.
He was sharp. He had an uncanny knack for grasping complicated or otherwise intangible concepts and expressing them in boiled-down layman’s terms. He was the resident expert on projects assigned to him. Once he made up his mind about something, that was that, and although he could be stubborn, he did it in the nicest way.
Ed had such a big heart. If things ever got heated or you disagreed with him, he’d come back around awhile later and try and smooth things over. His position wouldn’t have changed any - but it was sort of his way of saying “I’m sorry for being right”. He was gently intrusive and persistent: he wouldn’t be ignored or shut out. He leaned and pushed his way into our lives.
Ed was a loveable guy who gently barged his way into all our lives, pried us out of our shells, and filled our world with color. It is unthinkable that we would ever be without him. When Ed passed away on Sunday February 26, 2012 we all lost a buddy a companion and a friend. It seemed appropriate somehow, that the lights stayed on and the electrical grid didn’t skip a beat. To me, this day is a tribute, a reminder that our world functions effortlessly due to equipment Ed commissioned; our world however is less bright, less comfortable without him. It hurts that he is gone. I try to remember though, that along the way he was always telling us and asking us and showing us how to enjoy and experience life.
Ed Fishback
Jerry Griffin
I am standing upon the seashore.
A ship at my side spreads her white sails in the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other.
Then someone at my side says, there she goes!”
Gone Where? Gone from my sight… that is all.
She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination.
Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, “There she goes!,” there are other eyes watching her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “There she comes!”
- Henry Jackson van Dyke (1852-1933)
There is no doubt about the ship making it to the other shore if they had problems Ed would be there to fix them. Truly missed your friend known to Ed as "The Wrench" a nickname he pinned on me in 1989 when we worked together in SF
T, Eddie & Mal... you are in my thoughts
Heidi-ho
He made us all laugh. I will miss him.
Kevin Goishi
Teresa, Eddie and Mallory you will all be in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
I feel very blessed to have had Ed be a part of our lives.
We all love you guys.
Lara, Paul, Aaron and Joel Semenoff