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Obituary for Edgar "Ed" Brattain
Edgar “Ed” Handy Brattain passed away on February 20, 2010 in Brookings, Oregon at the age of 98. He was born in the Springfield, Oregon area on January 4, 1912 to Edgar “Easter” and Alice Brattain. Ed was the youngest of nine children having six sisters and two brothers. Ed was recently preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Barbara, who passed on February 12, 2010, also in Brookings. Ed died a few hours before Barbara’s scheduled memorial service. Their marriage was one of true love, commitment, and dedication. He is survived by his son Dan and daughter in law Kathy, and their boys, Zach Brattain and fiancé Patricia Moen; and, Jake Brattain; daughter Sandra Holden and husband Bob and their children Teyrl Andrews and husband Phil; Shane Holden and wife Anne and their children Alexis and Ian; Marel Gerke and husband Grant and their children Morgan and Cole; and Scott Holden; and, daughter Pat Johnson and husband Gene and their boys Grant Johnson; Pete Johnson and partner Richard; and, Mike Johnson and wife Petrece and their children Nicole and Hunter. Ed graduated from Siuslaw High in Florence, Oregon and married Shirley Maxine Megeath the same year. They had two daughters Sandra and Pat. The marriage ended in divorce. Ed worked for various timber companies before becoming an Oregon State Policeman. He worked as a State Trooper for five years and was assigned to then Governor Earl Snell as his personal driver and security officer. He also served in the Dalles and other Oregon locations. Ed left law enforcement and pursued a 45-year career in the timber business, managing various sawmills and logging operations. Ed met and married Barbara Ann Risi in 1953 and they had their son Dan. Ed and Barbara also owned and operated an egg ranch for five years with 18,000 chickens. Growing up on the family ranch with his siblings, Ed learned to love the outdoors and loved the time he spent out in the woods cruising timber. Ed enjoyed fishing; water skiing; camping, and other outdoor activities. Ed was also an avid golfer most of his life. He was always very active and took his health seriously finding ways to exercise and to stay fit. Ed loved to read and was always well versed on current world events. At the age of 83, Ed earned his pilot’s license, which at the time was believed to be the oldest pilot to have started flight training and earn a license. Ed flew until he was 92 years old. However, he remained at the controls of many aircraft until his death flying with his son. Ed took his last aircraft ride the day before he died with his son Dan in a helicopter. Ed loved his family, his beloved dog Max, and was very involved in the Methodist Church in each of the various communities he lived in. The night before he passed he was able to visit with all of three of his children and many of his grandchildren and other relatives who were in town for Barbara’s service. All will dearly remember that evening. Ed’s memorial service was combined with Barbara’s service held in Smith River on February 20, 2010. Those wishing to honor Ed can make a donation to the Ed and Barbara Brattain Memorial Fund, C/O the Wild Rivers Community Foundation, Box 266, Crescent City, Ca 95531. The fund will be used to assist under-privileged community members in the local area.
