Edmund Kolod's Obituary
Edmund Kolod, age 97, passed away peacefully at home with his wife Anna Bell, daughter Annamarie, granddaughter Taylor, son-in-law Don and his ever so compassionate caregivers, Noris and Radka by his side.Dad had been diagnosed with critical aortic stenosis, but was doing fine up until February when he became increasing more short of breath and in need of his oxygen. On Saturday he was very tired and unable to get out of bed and slept most of the day. He woke up briefly and Skyped with Taylor and Anna Marie in Texas with Don’s help, then went back to sleep, until his passing on Sunday February 28th.Edmund was a loving husband to Annabell for 62 years, a great father to Annamarie and Paul and a wonderful Opa to Donald and Taylor.He loved to write cards for every occasion and put in a little advice with each one or bit of gratitude for having us in his life. In addition each holiday card was accompanied by box of See’s chocolates and a $20 for good measure. The $20 always carried a message of don’t spend it all in one place.For valentines this year he wrote all of us an especially in depth card expressing his love for us and telling us how proud he was of each of us for being in his life, I think he knew his life hear was coming to a close. Dad would never ever complain or tell us when he wasn’t feeling well. A prime example was playing soccer with his grandson Donald and going in for a triple bypass the next day.Dad came to this country as an adult after being raised by his aunt in Germany. At age 18 he joined the German navy and worked his way up to officer. He had planned to join his mother in America, but the war broke out and he was forced to stay. He had a pretty rocky and hard life up to that point. I think that hard beginning gave him perspective and gratitude on what was important in life.In his early 30’s he was able to make it to San Francisco where he met my mother. My grandparents, who knew each other, introduced my parents to each other. My mom’s two friends Irene and Mary encouraged my parent’s relationship.Mary and Irene and my mom, were like sisters and if they approved of dad, he was off to a good start with mom. They were married Dad got a job as a machinist and worked for several big companies. They moved to Belmont and raised their families. Irene, Mary and their other friends would come down to the country to party at mom and dads! They loved to barbecued and drink warm beer.He was very happy and proud when he became an American citizen, that was another milestone in his life which he was very proud of.He retired from Stanford Linear Accelerator after 20 years of service. After retirement he continued managing and repairing his properties. Dad loved to make his rounds the post office, Citibank the apartment building, daily walk in twin Pines Park and a few other locations. He stopped and chatted and gave advice to everyone and anyone he could.He had a few special friends at the bank and a young man he gave a lot of advice to on how to treat a woman and even taught the young banker how to dance. At the park he had a little friend he enjoyed walking with, until the boy was old enough to start school.Dad also began focusing on his daughter getting married, so he could have grandchildren. That took a long, long time to happen, he was thrilled when I finally got engaged and married. He was even more excited when Donald and Taylor came along and were able to call him Opa. Dad was able to see his grandchildren go off to college. He was so very proud of them.I am sure he left this world as a happy man.There will be a service at Skylawn Memorial Park on Thursday March 3rd at 12 noon. He is requesting family and friends wear blue his favorite color. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Red Cross. There will be a celebration of life party afterwards at their home in San Carlos
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