05/06/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we let his friends and family know, we lost "Uncle Ed" earlier today. Edward Charles Lopes of Rochester, who had many nicknames and was very fond of endowing others with their own. He answered to EC, Papi, Eddie, Ed, Edward, and I'm sure he was called many others. He was a character unlike any other.
He lived by his rules, and at 93 years old, he was pretty freaking independent right up until recently. There are so many fond and funny memories for us with him. He became a major part of our lives in 1984 and for more than four decades he was family. He loved this mill and being our main supplier for many many years, and then as the honorary "Yard Boss" for several as he wound down into retirement.
One day later in his career, Ed went off to look at logs with my father, leaving his log truck in the yard. My brother Jon suggested changing the name on the doors of his truck from Ed Lopes Logging to J&E Logging as a joke. Jon's initial being first was sure to add insult to injury. Well Jon and I giggled and tee-hee'd for an hour while we hastily stenciled magnetic signs with the "new" business name and slapped them on Uncle Ed's truck doors. He was pretty pi**ed when he got back until he realized they were just big magnets and we took them off the truck with our tails between our legs. He thought it was very funny after his blood pressure returned to normal, but that took a day or two! (I have photos somewhere.)
He also took the role of mentor pretty seriously with his fellow "wood choppers". He made a decent living in the woods, with his hands and his head. He knew what everything cost, what was worth taking time for, and how to be the most productive with what he had to work with. He built a solid reputation for his honest dealings with the landowners and the local sawmills. He was always willing to share advice and his experience with those in the industry, often befriending many of them. He was truly one of our areas best loggers.
At this time, there are no plans for a service as he did not wish for such.
He will surely be missed. Rest In Peace Uncle Ed. We hope there is a big never ending handle of Dewar's and a huge bag of black licorice waiting for you. 1933-2026
