Monday, October 10, 2011

Edmond Richard Panici




Edmond Richard Panici, beloved husband, loving father, devoted grandfather and great-grandfather, our “Papa” had his faith become sight as he stepped into eternity with his Savior on Sunday, October 2, 2011.  He entered this world on May 26, 1918 as the oldest son of Joseph and Frances Lehmann Panici in Chicago Heights, Ill.

Edmond spent his formative years in Chicago Heights and had many adventures in his childhood and young adult life.  He joined the Navy during WWII and it was at Norfolk Naval Air Station that he met the love of his life, Ilene.  After meeting in January 1946 and having only 2 dates, they were married on April 14, 1946.  Their life together included living in a few different places but the bulk of the years were spend in La Verne, CA, Anchorage, AK, Yerington, NV and finally Bellingham and Lynden, WA.  A highlight for Edmond were the years he spent driving truck and working on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, hauling pipe from Fairbanks up to Prudhoe Bay and down to Valdez. Some of our best family memories include listening to the many stories of his vast life experiences.  After retirement, they traveled many years in their 5th wheel and together experienced all 50 states in the Union. They lived a devoted 64 years together until Ilene went home to the Lord in Dec. 2010.  Their marriage was a shining example to many.  Edmond was a gentle, kind and precious man.  He loved unconditionally, generously, and deeply and knew not a stranger.    

Edmond was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ilene; brother Ray Panici and sister Ethel Shane; he will be greatly missed by brother Ken (Patti) Panici of California; sons Rick (Lura) Panici of Yerington, NV;  Ken Panici of Kalama, WA; and daughter Jo Anne (Mitch) Alden of Kalama, WA.  He will also be greatly missed by his granddaughter Chessa (Chad) Honey of Lynden and their children Mitchell, Isabelle, William, Shelley and JD, who have taken loving care of their Papa (and Gigi) for the last 12 years; and grandsons, Sam Panici of Okinawa, Japan; Nick Panici of Houston, TX and Michael (Mackenzie) Panici and their children Eddie, Eric, Elethyia, Kelly, Brayden, Rebekah and Toby of Victorville, CA. 

A memorial service will be held at Spring Creek Bible Church, 567 E Kellogg Road, Bellingham on Sunday, October 23 at 2pm.  In honor of Edmond, memorials may be given to Wycliffe Bible Translators (www.wycliffe.org) or the Lighthouse Mission.  You may share your thoughts and memories of Edmond here or at www.GoodStewardFunerals.org

20 comments:

  1. The words "you are so precious" resonates in my mind and heart when I think of Papa Panici. Many of us have heard those sentiments when we would visit him. It is actually you, Papa, that is sooooo precious. You will be dearly missed. Chad and Chessa,your tender loving care of your Papa and Gigi, is a beautiful testimony of your love for the Father, and it will forever impact my life. Thanks for the privilege of being a part of yours and their lives.

    Barbara Eschbach

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  2. What a rich heritage you have been blessed with. May the life of this dear man be a challenge to us all- To live ALL for Christ...even to our last hour of breath. We will be continuing to pray for your family, Chessa- as each of you must feel the great emptiness left in Papa's place....
    I can't imagine how happy Papa must be- as he exchanged his old, broken down vessel for a brand-spanking new one- with no sorrow, no aches and pain, no heartache... And is now enjoying the richness in Christ like never before- Joy unspeakable!!! The party of a lifetime!!!!

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  3. We are so happy for Bro. Ed and sad at the same time. I know that the family will have a great void that will never be completely filled. He and Gigi held a special place in our hearts. They were like grandparents to our family. Words seem inadequate to say how much he was loved, but he left a wonderful legacy of love for others. Our deepest sympathy to all who were blessed to be blessed by this simple man of God.
    Chris and Karlene Warden

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  4. Our prayers and sympathy are with all of you. He was a great man. Chessa, we remember how wonderful and caring they were to you and your Mom and they received all the love and care in return from you and your family. God bless all of you.

    Mike and Ila Hamblin

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  5. I only had the privilege of being around "Papa" a handful of times, this I know, he was very blessed to have spent the last years of his earthly life with such an amazing family. So loving and devoted are you bunch of Honeys. He passed into eternity a very rich man.

    Jon Rockwood, Diana, Abigail & Joshua.

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  6. Dad - I miss you so much, but everytime I start to cry I think of you whole again and out of pain and now reunited with mom and other Saints who have gone before. I am so grateful for your example of a Godly father, your unwavering faith and never questioning the Lord as to "why" you had so much pain for so many years. You were always so thankful for your wife and family, no matter what. The Bible verse that keeps coming tomind when I think of you is 2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Amen

    Jo Anne Alden

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  7. It was a pleasure to had met Grandpa Panici. I always enjoyed receiving x-mas letters from Grandma Panici and hearing about how everyone was doing. He will be missed everyday!! Jennifer Panici

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  8. Dear Family of Ed: I have so many fond memories of Ed and Ilene and watching you kids grow up. My heart aches for you, but I know you are rejoicing that they are with the Lord. With much love and prayers for your comfort from Jesus, Agnes Cliffe

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  9. Yes! We will miss you

    Ken & Patti Panici

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  10. So sorry to hear about Ed's passing, but I know he is living gloriously with the Lord now. He was a very sweet man, and always had the biggest smile. I'm sure the family will miss him greatly.
    Debby (Cliffe) Carter

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  11. We are so sorry for the passing of your Papa Ed we have such fond memories of our families together in Anchorage. Your dad and mom opened their hearts and home to our growing family and became the family we needed and enjoyed so many years together up there. May God bless you and give you peace knowing that your dad and mom are together again Praising Jesus like they did on this earth. We love you all.
    Sherri and John Harshman

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  12. I met Ed in Anchorage, AK more than 30 years ago. We instantly connected and became great friends for so many years. Ed was the kind a guy you knew you could always count on, for anything, including some the greatest stories ever. Ed is in Heaven now, there with my sweet Rhonda and his sweet Ilene. Each family member and friend can truly say there are a better person for knowing Ed Panici. A special blessing to Chessa and her family for the loving care they provided to Ed.
    Floyd Damron

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  13. I am so blessed to have known a man like Pappa. I'll always remember his kind and gentle demeanor and the sweet way he would ask "How are you doing, honey?" when I would come over. The little bit I knew of him will always stay with me!
    Kelsey Sebens

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  14. We loved Ed and Ilene like they were our own parents while they were here in Anchorage. As has already been said, Ed never knew a stranger and always had a great story to tell with passion. He and Ilene met a need in our lives as we started our marriage and lives together, 31 years ago. They were great role models and examples. Thank you, Chessa, for caring for them and loving them all these years. They will be missed by many...
    Tom and Denise Cobaugh

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  15. His service was precious. What a sweet man. We are praying for your family. <3

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  16. Thank you Abbie, we are so grateful for the prayers.

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  17. What a great man Ed Panici was...my family was truly blessed to have known you here on earth--looking forward to seeing you in heaven. Tell my dad Hi
    Susan (Baer) Smith

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  18. Ed and Ilene were so kind to our family. We've been blessed. Be assured of our prayers for their family.
    ~
    Phil and Sarah Baer, Jr.

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  19. Chessa, my deepest sympathy goes out to you right now. I know how special your Papa was to you! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your Papa was a wonderful man! I have such fond memories of him and your grandma!! They hold a special place in my heart!

    Dawn Harshman Mackesy

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  20. My heart-felt love and sympathy goes to my precious friends, the Honey Family as well as to Papa's daughter, 2 sons and their families.We grieve not as those who have no hope, but we grieve.May the Lord amaze you with the comfort only He can give.I will certainly miss his dear face and ready smile! I am so sorry for your loss.

    * There is something keeping for you, which is worth the having. Less of you resides out of Heaven now.* Samuel Rutherford
    ~
    Diane Moore,

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