Edward Zagaiski

Beloved life partner and best friend of Cheryl Filarski for over 29 years. Loving father of Karl (Angelique) Zagaiski and Dennis Farnam (Denna Colussi). Cherished grandfather of Sarah and James Zagaiski. Preceded in death by his parents Edward and Eleanor Zagaiski. When Ed was young, his mom would take Ed and a crew of family members to work on the cherry orchards picking cherries for the owners in the Old Mission Peninsula of Traverse City. His father would fly up later to join them. Ed was 50% Polish and 50% Chippewa Indian Sault Tribe. Jokingly, he would tell everyone that his tribal name was Running DumDum – he had an incredible sense of humor! Ed was an avid bowler, bowling three times a week. He was awarded the MDUSBC Senior Tournament Team Champs in 2018 and 2022. He loved playing euchre and enjoyed country western dancing. It was at one of these dances that he met Cheryl. He loved Elvis’s music, so much so, that in the early 80’s, he did a couple of Elvis impersonations for local look-a-like competitions at local bars. Ed enjoyed baking, something that him and his mom would do when he was young. He often talked about the cookies that they would make together at Christmas time. Ed continued that tradition with his boys. Not only was he good at making cookies, but Ed had a flare for making a variety of no-bake pies. Chocolate, chocolate chip, chocolate mint are some to mention, but the most popular were his no-bake fruit pies. Give him a fruit and he would make a pie out of it. Watermelon pie was one of his specialties and highly requested by his friends. He also made a delicious Lemon Meringue pie, which was requested by family constantly. His diversity in baking, led him to enter the Michigan State Fair in the baking division in September, 2009 and he won 2nd place for his pineapple cake. Ed “Alvis” retired from Chrysler Warren Truck Assembly Plant after 40 plus years of hard work, earning a much-deserved retirement. Yet, he took a post-retirement job at Meijer doing overnight stock for five years. It was there where he met some wonderful co-workers whose friendships still remain with him to this day. He loved nature, taking rides to Stoney Creek to look for deer and turkey, enjoy a casual walk, watch the fireworks in the summer and just take in the beauty of nature. Especially the fish, he had a thing for always wanting to look for fish whenever we were by a lake, pond, river, or stream. Ed also enjoyed his time on the road traveling around the country and all over our beautiful state. His memories of traveling with his dad was something that he talked about often. Whether they traveled by plane (his dad was a pilot) or by car, Ed would never say no to an adventure. As an adult, with a family of his own, he made sure that traveling would be a memorable part of their lives, too. Ed and his family would go camping every chance they could to Jellystone Park in Traverse City. It was something everyone looked forward to and now cherishes as a memory. Once he met Cheryl, the traveling continued, as they both loved being on the road. All around the country and especially up north to Sault Ste. Marie, where his mom was raised. The Kewadin Casino was operated by his tribe and he spent a considerable amount of time there. Ed always enjoyed collecting rocks on the beach and when he discovered "Yooperlites," searching the beach for them at night became a fun passion. He was an attentive caregiver to Cheryl’s mom for seven years. Sharing that responsibility took a lot of burden off of Cheryl, but that's the type of person he was, selfless, caring and loving. Ed loved his kitties. He had a collection of feral cats that he would feed regularly on the back porch. He would name each and every one of them. Along with feeding the squirrels and birds, the back was beginning to look like an animal sanctuary. Of course the raccoons and possum had to join in once in a while. Ed was an amazing father to his boys. Not only did he work a full-time job at Chrysler, but for many years, he had a part-time job working at Northville Downs. He wanted to provide for his family in every way possible. Both of his boys cherished their time together, with the fondest of memories growing up in a loving family. Ed was the most selfless, generous, and kind person you would ever meet. He sacrificed so much for the sake of others’ happiness. Ed never complained about anything. It was an absolute honor to know him and call him a friend. Ed will be dearly missed by his loving family and cherished friends.

Edward Zagaiski

September 8, 1942 - March 7, 2023