It was with great sadness last Monday that I heard of the peaceful passing on April 3rd of Ed Arnaudin who’s photographs, taken at sports car races spanning 1957 – 1959, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to research and share on this blog over the last six months.
Ed showed signs of a passion for engineering in childhood with an interest in midget racing and by building powered model planes, he went on to graduate as an Engineer from Columbia University.
While serving as an Officer with the United States Marine Corps in Korea Ed married his high school sweetheart Dorothy for whom he provided well in life and in death.
Ed’s interest in racing continued from his childhood in to the late fifties when he attended sports car races where he took many of the photographs that have appeared in this blog.
In professional life Ed headed teams that were granted six US Patents from 1965 to 1975 relating to the production, coating, insulation and shielding of electric copper cables.
During the 1960’s and 1970’s Ed shared his passion for racing with his sons Rick and Steve at Indianapolis, photographs from this period will appear here in future blogs.
As a manager Ed became vice president of the Copperweld Corporation in which role he mentored younger executives who referred to him as “Kahuna” possibly a reference to the 1959 film Gidget in which the leader of a group of surfers is called ‘The Big Kahuna’.
Ed was an active member of his church where he took leading roles in Sunday School and Bible Study.
A keen golfer until his health prevented him enjoying playing further Ed continued to enjoy the game from the 19th hole.
After surviving throat cancer, in retirement Ed returned to his love of model flying becoming an award winning model glider builder.
With racing interests that also included NASCAR and Formula 1 it was surprising to learn that Ed was of the opinion that the World of Outlaws sprint cars is the superior form of motor sport, perhaps a reflection of his life long consummate ‘hard ass’ exterior personality.
Ed is survived by his wife these past 60 years Dorothy, sons Rick and Steve, the latter who kindly sent me his Dad’s photo’s to share, five grand children and brother Robert, to all of whom I hope you will join me in extending sincerest condolences.
A service of witness to the resurrection and celebration of the life of Edwin H. Arnaudin ,Jr will be held tomorrow. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to The Brandermill Church, 4500 Millridge Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23112 and Bon Secours Hospice Foundation, 5875 Bremo Rd. Suite 710, Richmond, VA 23226.
My thanks to Steve for sharing the details of his Dad’s life.
Please join me again tomorrow when I shall be sharing the latest from the Italian Auto Moto Festival held here in Bristol City Centre. Don’t forget to come back now !
