Edward J. Pepper

Posted

Edward J. Pepper, age 62, passed away at home on Tuesday, Aug. 25, after a courageous battle with cancer and COPD. Ed will be remembered as a kind, caring, compassionate and soft-spoken gentle man with a big heart, along with his radiant gleaming eyes. He was born on Sept. 17, 1957, in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, to Bob and Joan Pepper. Ed married the love of his life, Sheri Rathbone, and they remained best friends throughout his entire life.

Ed leaves behind his two daughters, Candice Murillo and Tabathe Pepper; four grandchildren; brothers, Bob, Joe and Mathew Pepper; sisters, Laine, Donna, Tracy and Brandi; and many nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his infant son, Kelly Zane; sister, Patty; and both his parents, Bob and Joan.

Ed’s childhood consisted of ranching, riding horses and herding cows throughout the mountains of Utah. He mastered the trade of welding and lived and worked in Colorado, Utah and eventually made his way to Wyoming. He always had a love for animals, particularly dogs and horses. Ed had a passion for fishing and spent many hours fishing the Bear River and could be seen on any summer day on his scooter along with his dog, Buddy, at the Bear Ponds.

Ed loved his family and his friends and enjoyed sharing old stories with those he loved. He spent a lifetime collecting old bottles, arrowheads, rocks and various treasures. He was a courageous, honest, honorable man, who always gave encouragement to others and always smiled and joked in spite of the illness that plagued him. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held for close friends and family at noon on Saturday Sept. 12, Ed’s home at 301 A Ave. in Evanston.