Edward
John
Fix
Ed Fix unexpectedly passed away at mid-day on August 25th, 2022. He had his last moments among beloved woods near Toll Bridge Park outside Parkdale, Oregon with the family dog Bruno and a fellow dog-walking friend.
Known in Hood River for his commitment, contributions, and compassion for his students and school district, Ed was a “fix”ture in the Hood River School District, mainly at the Hood River High School in the later years.
LIFE STORY
Edward John Fix Jr. was the first son born to Edward Sr. and Barbara (Kettwig) Fix in Devil's Lake, North Dakota on February 19, 1952. The growing Fix family already had three daughters; Sharon, Linda, and Barbara (Peggy), then in 1966, brother Brian was born creating the final addition to the Fix family.
While in Devil's Lake, Ed went to St. Joseph/St. Mary's until transferring to the public Devil's Lake Central and was a very active athlete, mainly in football and basketball.
After high school Ed went to Fargo, North Dakota who then graduated from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree for Humanities and Social Sciences in May of 1974, followed by a First Grade Professional Certificate majoring in both History and Sociology in 1975.
Staying within North Dakota, he taught social studies for grades 6-12 in the public school system in Lehr, North Dakota from 1974 to 1977.
In 1977, recently singled Ed followed family members out to Northern California, where he bounced around mainly in Marin, El Dorado, and Placer Counties. Doreen Zimmerman of Lehr, North Dakota later joined Ed and family in California and were married in May of 1982.
Newly Californians Ed and Doreen were enjoying their new life on the west coast and greeted their first daughter Sarah Kathryn in Novato, California on January 1st, 1984.
In 1988, the family visited good friend Henry Schifter in Hood River, Oregon and fell in love with the valley. The Fix family along with Ed's mother Barbara and brother Brian made a plan - return to California to sell their house, pack up their things, and move north to Hood River.
Once the Fix family was all settled, the transitioned Oregonian Fix family was enjoying the quieter lifestyle and scenic new home in Odell in the summer of 1989. Their second daughter Courtney Anne was born in The Dalles, Oregon on November 29th, 1992.
Ed worked in the Hood River School District for almost 30 years. Starting in 1989, he held various roles including Teacher's Assistant at Mid Valley Elementary, Custodian at May Street Elementary and the Hood River High School, Bus Driver and Substitute Teacher for the district, and finally History and SPED Teacher at the Hood River High school.
The year 2000 saw many changes for Ed. The beginning of the year finalized the separation of his and Doreen's marriage.
Towards the end of the year, Ed met Isabelle Marie Giraud from Toronto, Canada and they married the following summer shortly before Isabelle moved to Hood River.
The marriage brought on an almost international Brady Bunch of sorts as Isabelle had three children of her own; daughter Sissa from Paris, twin sons Justin and Chris from Toronto. The international family dynamics influenced many vacations abroad as well as in Oregon, which then inspired many more travels. Their marriage lasted 6 years.
Inspired by Isabelle, Ed achieved a Master of Science in Special Education from the Grand Canyon University in 2006 which allowed him to return to the school district as a fully accredited teacher in Oregon.
In 2016, Ed met close friend and travel companion Laurie Kavanaugh while they were both out dog walking near Toll Bridge Park. Together they traveled to Europe and around the States to experience new and old locations.
From growing up in North Dakota, Ed was always a Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan even after moving out to the west coast. More recently, he discovered the talent behind college sports from track and field to basketball. In more recent times he became an avid Oregon Ducks women's basketball fan.
He read through most of the Hood River library's catalog. He had a very green thumb. He was always open to meeting new people, loved a good conversation, and was an enthusiastic storyteller. He loved history, especially of the 20th century and exploring his German heritage.
FAMILY
Ed is survived by daughters Sarah Fix-Hunnicutt and Courtney Fix, sisters Linda Hartman and Barbara (Peggy) Christianson, brother Brian Fix, and the family dog Bruno. Predeceased by his parents Edward Sr. (1968) and Barbara (1990) Fix, sister Sharon Johnson (2005), and ex-wife Isabelle Giraud (2016).
SERVICE DETAILS
A Celebration of Life will be held in Ed's honor on Saturday, September 10th at 10am at the Hood River Valley High School Bowe Theatre at 1220 Indian Creek Road, Hood River. A last walk to Ed's last moment will be taken directly afterwards outside Toll Bridge Park.
In lieu of cut flowers, the family has asked that you plant a favorite flower or tree in Ed's memory as he was an avid gardener and was most at peace in nature.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.