Ed Casne, 66
By any measure, whether it be a loving family, spiritual abundance, a successful business or most trout caught, Ed Casne achieved a life well lived. It was cut short by a brain tumor that tested his faith but never defeated his spirit. Ed died Sunday afternoon, Nov. 26, 2006, at home, in the enduring love of his family.
Born Oct. 22, 1940, in Butte, Ed grew up on a dairy farm on the Whitefish River in Kalispell, where he was educated in a one-room schoolhouse. From this humble background, he inherited a powerful work ethic and a sense of fair play that put every friend and acquaintance on equal footing.
He went on to earn degrees in chemical engineering from Montana State University and environmental engineering from the University of Washington but never let his academic or professional credentials stand between him and his clients and co-workers. A school janitor was as important as a school superintendent in Ed's eye.
After receiving his undergraduate degree, Ed served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Korea and in Duluth, Minn. Upon discharge, he went to work for the Boeing Company in Seattle. The massive Boeing layoffs in 1970 that led to the memorable billboards, 'Last One Out, Turn Off the Lights,' sent Ed to UW, where he completed the work required for his advanced degree in 1973.
It was in Seattle that Ed met Patti, who was working as an airline attendant for United Airlines. They were married in May 1970 and moved to Helena in 1974, where they had the good fortune to raise their three children — Amy, Ryan and Christopher.
These treasured children were the center of Ed and Patti's lives. Schedules were altered and appointments canceled for track meets, choral concerts, piano and voice recitals, cross-country meets, softball, baseball, soccer, basketball and football games. Ed was so proud that each of his children has grown into a fine young adult, and he was so very pleased to be 'Papa' to his 5-year-old grandson, Connor, who learned at his knee to camp, fish and play fort.
By leaving every campsite cleaner, releasing the trout he caught on a fly, hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing and recycling, Ed taught his children by example to treasure the environment.
Ed worked in the Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences from 1974 to 1982 as chief of the Subdivision Bureau. He was honored as the Employee of the Year in 1982, the same year he was recognized by the Montana Environmental Health Association for Distinguished Service in Environmental Health.
In fall 1982, he opened his own consulting engineering firm, Casne and Associates, now in the historic Child Carriage House on Sixth Avenue in Helena. His integrity and professional standards earned him the respect of the business community and his clients — most of whom remained lifelong friends. Ryan and Patti Casne carry on the legacy of his work.
He was proud to serve his community as airport commissioner for five years. The Helena Regional Airport underwent a major renovation during Ed's tenure, and he was delighted to welcome family and friends to the newly remodeled airport facility. He and Patti belonged to the Downtown Helena Kiwanis, which he served as secretary until earlier this year.
Ed was a man of deep faith, active in parish life at St. Mary Catholic Community as a Eucharistic minister and youth leader. He and Patti led a high-school youth group through a four-year 'Godparent' program where they shared their love of God and young people. Ed was honored to serve the diocesan church of Western Montana as a member of the Diocesan Finance Council for 10 years. He was involved in the Power of the Word prayer group and served several times as chairman of the Conference of the Holy Spirit. He was active in the Cursillo movement since 1982 and served as rector in 1991. Many were brought to a deeper faith as a result of his quiet, abiding faith in Christ.
Ed was preceded in death by his father, Sam Casne; his father-in-law, Joe Long; his mother-in-law, Eve Larrick; and his stepfather-in-law, Herschel Larrick.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Patti Casne; his children and spouses, Amy Casne-Fetz and Paul Fetz of Helena; Ryan Casne and Anna Rolando of Helena; Lt. JG Chris and Cassie (Pomroy) Casne of Alexandria, Va., and grandson, Connor Jones, of Helena. He is also survived by his mother, Evelyn Casne, of Kalispell; his brothers and their wives, Robert and Janet Casne of Camino Island, Wash., and Sam and Martha Casne of Seattle; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Alex and Nancy Long of Olivenhein, Calif., John and Susie Piek of San Marcos, Calif., and Bob and Teri Fox of Flint, Texas. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will miss him, too.
Friends are invited to celebrate Ed's life. Visitation will be from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at Retz Funeral Home in Helena. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, at St. Mary Catholic Community. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at St. Mary Catholic Community. Interment with military honors will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joe Sologub, Ed Beall, Frank Crowley, Milton Coty, Zane Kelly and Alex Long. Honorary pallbearers will be Gordon Bennett, Cliff Caughron, Andy Chovanak, Pat McCain, Ron Waterman, Norma Tirrell, Dan Ellison, John Fitzpatrick, Tom Pomroy and Bob Fetz.
Scripture will be read by his brothers-in-law, John Piek and Bob Fox. Prayers of the faithful will be led by Diane McKittrick and Bill Beaman. Margy Kernan will play the flute.
In lieu of flowers, friends may honor Ed's life with gifts to the Diocese of Helena, care of Bishop George Thomas; the 'Angel Fund,' care of the Helena School District, or St. Mary Catholic Community Building Fund.
Ed loved this passage from St. John of the Cross: 'In the twilight of life, God will not judge us on our earthly possessions and human successes, but on how well we have loved.' Ed loved well.