Ed Morlan

Edwin Purl Morlan III was a big fish in a little pond. He was a loving husband, steadfast father, war hero, mentor to many, and tireless community advocate who made big ripples in the regional waters.

Morlan died Tuesday, Nov. 15, after likely suffering a pulmonary embolism while undergoing eye surgery on Oct. 31. He was 66 years young.

Morlan -- "Captain Ed" to some, "Chainsaw Ed" and "Fast Eddy" to others -- worked for 27 years as the executive director of Region 9 Economic Development District, a nonprofit that provides support to local small businesses and startups.

At his retirement party in September, entrepreneurs who've benefited from Morlan's help, fellow economic developers, coworkers, friends and family lined up to share stories of the big impact Morlan has made over his decades helming Region 9.

Known as a creative, out-of-the-box thinker, Morlan helped fund businesses like Mercury Payment Systems, Steamworks Brewing Company, Zuke's and other well-known companies. During his tenure, Region 9 climbed out of a deficit and loaned over $22 million to business ventures throughout southwest Colorado.

Drafted into the army at age 19, Morlan served his country in the Vietnam War, earning both a Silver Star and a Purple Heart during his time as a medic in the United States army. He served in one of the most dangerous regions of the war and managed to save a few lives and suffer just a few injuries.

Morlan believed in the importance of being an active and contributing member of his community. He served on the Bayfield Town Board for over two decades and also served several terms on the Bayfield Planning Commission. He spearheaded the effort to bring faster internet connections to Southwest Colorado, was in the inaugural class of Leadership La Plata, helped launch an entrepreneurial accelerator, worked on several state boards and more.

His commitment to the community won him the Barbara Conrad Leadership Award and other honors and awards over the years. This summer, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper declared July 28 to be Ed Morlan Day.

Morlan was known by his family members as a MacGyver-like man who could fix or build anything. He and his friend Stu Cohen finished building what now houses the original section of AJ's Pizzeria on Mill Street in Bayfield. He and his wife Jackie managed several properties in Bayfield for over 35 years under the business name PFL, or Partners for Life. His last gift to Jackie was this past Mother's Day when he built an archway at the entrance to their home. Ed and Jackie were just shy of celebrating 39 years of marriage.

Ed and Jackie had two daughters, just 19 months apart. He was an attentive father who went to almost all of their many sports games in middle and high school, helped them get through college and continued to offer help and guidance through their adulthoods. He was a loving grandfather to his two grandsons, too.

Morlan loved camping, traveling, kayaking and building things. His favorite quotes included "Wherever you go, there you are" and the Socratic paradox, "I only know that I know nothing." He had a remarkable memory and almost always knew the answer to the questions, but when he didn't he was always quick to offer the enigmatic answer of "aardvark."

Morlan's celebration of life is at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Performing Arts Center at Bayfield High School at 800 County Road 501. Family, friends and fans are invited to join and wear Hawaiian shirts, dresses or leis. The memorial will be followed with a community potluck at the Pine River Senior Center at 111 W South St. in Bayfield around noon. Folks can drop food off at the Senior Center before the memorial starts at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ed Morlan SCAPE Entrepreneurs Fund. Donations can be made at any First Southwest Bank branch, or mailed to SCAPE at 1211 Main Avenue #1, Durango, CO 81301.

Morlan is survived by his wife, Jackie Morlan, sister, Ann Taylor, daughters Amber and Kinsee Morlan, son-in-law Jeff Hammett and grandkids Huxley and Harper Purl Hammett.