Posted by Ken on March 12, 2002 at 19:12:03 from 24.168.119.18 :
It seems that too much time has passed since Ed died for me to write anything, but I learned of his passing moments ago. You might say that it was a mere coincidence that I had a class with him at UB in 1992. At the time I needed a class, any class, to fill in my schedule. I was a business major at the time and the class "sociology of religion" did not seem to matter that much to me. That was my first semester at UB and my last as a business major. The next term I was, without even realizing it, a sociology major. It wasn't that I learned the most from my class with Ed in terms of what people usually consider learning to be. It was much more. I saw in Ed, and in the way he addressed all his students--and even those in the halls--a quality that I desired to have myself. He shared an openess and warmth that I still rarely encounter. He showed me the joys that come with going after truth and knowledge, and that sociology was a great way to get that. After UB I considered becoming a social worker, but that did not happen. I am now about to get my MA in English, but I still have the desire to get my PhD in Sociology. It would be the greatest gift to be able to reach and effect students the way that Ed was able to. I still have all my notes and the countless handouts that he would bring to class daily--always wanting to share and provoke thought. To this day I run my life by one quote that Ed passed on to the class "the unexamined life is not worth living." I know that Ed did not write this, but for me it is Ed who I credit with its meaning. It is easy to pass along facts, figures, stats, etc... but Ed made those words live for me, and for that I am forever thankful. He was a wake up call when I needed one. He didn't tell, but showed me a path that could lead to true happiness and personal satisfaction. I am thankful for having the chance to be a student of his. I left no great imprint on him, but I am proud to say that Ed Powell has greatly changed my life for the better by showing the way. I would like to take a moment to thank his family for sharing him and to let them know that they have no way of ever truly grasping the wide and rippling effects Ed had on so many lives because his reach was greater than our vision. Rest in Peace.