The news that Ed Aliverti died is very sad news, indeed.  Ed was a good guy.  At heart, he was just a good guy. 

But beyond that, he chose to live life in a thousand ways that brought pride and pleasure to countless people.  His gifts and talents amazed us all, I am certain.  He just kept on living his optimism, doing all he could do, cheering those around him with his good-natured banter, even when he was ill. 

When I was in high school, “Mr. Aliverti” was a young teacher, an instant success with the students, especially those with an interest in choral music.  He was friendly to everybody.  (The girls thought he was adorable. The curly dark hair. The grin. Well, yes, he was adorable.)

Most of all, though, he was a teacher, one who brought forth from his students better music than the students knew they had within themselves.

I’m certain thousands of young people through the years deepened their appreciation of music into a lifelong love, due to Ed Aliverti.  I’m sure many of them continue to sing through adulthood largely because he encouraged them when they were teens.  (Alas, I did not sing, so I missed out on a great deal.)

Ed Aliverti certainly enhanced Edmonds High School, as he no doubt enhanced programs elsewhere. In recent years, he attended various get-togethers of our high school class, still keeping in touch with students.

Many years after high school, I saw Ed a number of times at high school wrestling state meets. 

My daughter’s first high school boyfriend was a fine wrestler, and I think he went to State every year.  I had never seen such organized bedlam…many mats involving many boys, all wrestling at the same time.  And there was this voice… this fine distinctive rich voice, speaking over the noise.

Delighted, I still recognized the voice from the 1950s and sought Ed out to say hello. 

He was renowned for announcing wrestling matches, from high school kids to Olympic athletes.  He loved people--crowds, noise and activity. I doubt he was good at saying “No” to requests for help.  He invested years educating youth, encouraging athletes, supporting theatre, entertaining people of all ages and being a friend to countless individuals. 

The death of Ed Aliverti brings great loss to our community, but we were privileged to have him around these many years.  People whose lives he touched will remember him, always, and when we do, we’ll smile.

A reminder to remember the Edmonds Food Bank, as donations have dropped way off since the holidays. Hunger is the same every month.  The Food Bank appreciates the generosity of individuals and thanks the many businesses that regularly donate items.  (Example? Imagine what a treat it is for a child to find among Mom’s food bank groceries a package from Nama’s Candy. Surprised?  Consider going to Nama’s, on North Fifth, buying your kids a treat, and thanking Nama’s for their generosity.)