Edward William Wales

Ed was born in Detroit, Michigan, on December 14, 1946, and raised in Allen Park, Michigan, a son of Raymond and Kathleen (Huddlestone) Wales. Ed graduated from Allen Park High School in 1964. Following high school, he attended Wayne State University, graduating in 1968 with a degree in Interior Architecture and a minor in Photography.

After graduation, Ed began working at Wayne State University Medical School, where he filmed experimental surgeries from 1968 until 1976. In 1976, he made the move to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he would build a life that perfectly reflected his adventurous and independent spirit. He first worked as manager of the Airport Drive-In Theater and later, alongside his brother, Ray, purchased the Butler Theatre, operating it until its closure in 1995. Following that chapter, Ed worked at Feltner Plumbing and Heating until it closed, and then at the Women’s Center doing maintenance work until his retirement.

Ed was a true outdoorsman who proudly lived off the grid for 35 years in his cabin on the Upper Dead River Basin in Champion Township. He loved every minute of that life. His home, affectionately known as the âLaughing Moose Lodge,ã was a favorite stop for friends and passersby. Everyone stopped at Ed’s place, and no one left hungry. He was quite the cook and delighted in making dinner for guests. After the meal, he was known to break out his accordion and play, filling the cabin with music and laughter.

Music was one of Ed’s great passions. He played the pipe organ and was especially proud to have once played at the historic Fox Theatre. He loved Big Band music and never missed an episode of The Lawrence Welk Show.

Ed had a special love for his dogs, affectionately known as his “Woofers.” They were notorious for roaming the Dead River Basin area, and when you saw the dogs, you knew they were Ed’s. He was a devoted supporter of Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter (UPAWS) and proudly walked his dogs each year in their annual “Strut Your Mutt.” He also had a lifelong fascination with moose, which perfectly suited his larger-than-life personality.

Ed was jovial, fun-loving, and deeply social. He had a booming, unforgettable laugh, always throwing his head back when something struck him as funny. He believed the glass was always half full. He loved winter and often said the more snow, the better. His sense of humor, warmth, and generosity made him someone people were naturally drawn to.

Ed is survived by his brother, Raymond Wales of Harvey; numerous friends; and especially Bertha Hommer, who is lovingly caring for his beloved Woofers.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his lifelong friend, Robert Hommer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to UPAWS, 815 South M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841 in Ed’s honor.

Ed will be remembered for his laughter, his music, his dogs, and the welcoming warmth of the Laughing Moose Lodge. His spirit will live on in the woods he loved and in the many stories shared by those fortunate enough to have known him.

Visitation for Ed will be held on Friday, February 27 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services.

Services will take place at 1:00 pm with Pastor Chad Mager officiating. The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com