Last Saturday, I was able to attend the Celebration of Life for Ed Shanks, or as Becker graduates would remember him: Mr. Shanks, the Industrial Technology “Shop” teacher.  As the “behind the wheel” guy for decades, he also rode shotgun for a good many Becker students who toured Sherburne County in the school’s Driver’s Ed. car in an attempt to gain the experience necessary to pass the driver’s license test.  It took me two tries, but it wasn’t Ed’s fault — I blame my mullet and my mom’s Camaro.

I have many fond memories of Mr. Shanks and can remember vividly riding in the back of his van, sans seat belts, with about a dozen other kids when we ventured to Lake Mille Lacs for an ice fishing “Mini-course day” when I was in about eighth grade.  

After I started teaching in Becker, Ed was my cohort as we earned our Master’s Degrees and we even went on a few fishing trips together.  One memorable one was on a very cold weekend in January, 1999.  How do I remember what year it was?  Because there were six of us in the same fishing house on Lake of the Woods when the Vikings lost the 1998 NFC Championship game.  When Gary Anderson missed the field goal, our buddy “OB” threw the radio against the wall, ending our listening session.  These were pre-cell phone years and we didn’t know until the next day that the Vikings had lost for sure.

Celebrations of Life really have a double meaning to me — as they do allow for reminiscing and the re-telling of stories — yet they also are a good reminder to make the most of the days we each have on this Earth.

I’m grateful for having the opportunity to know Ed as both a student and colleague, but also that his life worth celebrating was the occasion for me to re-connect with a half-dozen of my former teachers and coaches.  Even in death, Ed was bringing people together and putting smiles on our faces.  

We were able to talk about the good old days and we exchanged phone numbers and promises to get together soon, before the next funeral for sure.  It’s one promise I hope we all follow through on . . . because celebrating life is important.  Thanks Ed, and may you rest in peace.