A Tribute to Ed Caldwell
4/1/2004
As we walk through this life together, from time to time – if we’re lucky – we encounter a handful of very special people. They are people who light up a room when they walk in the door. They are people with a kind of inner glow that illuminates the lives of others. They are straight shooters. They are honest. They have dignity and strength and honor and a deep sense of caring. Ed Caldwell was one of those people. Just a month ago, the town of Chapel Hill, in its wisdom, proclaimed Edwin Lee Caldwell Junior Day. On that day, the people of this community recognized Ed’s vast contributions over the years to Chapel Hill and Carrboro. They remembered his untiring efforts to bring this community together and his unselfish work on behalf of all people. That’s because Ed Caldwell was a bridge builder. He made it his life’s work to construct ties of love and understanding between people and between groups. In doing that, he helped build a strong community.He did his work deliberately and quietly. But when Ed Caldwell knew something needed saying, he’d say it. How many times have all of us here today seen Ed sit silently in a meeting, taking it all in and reflecting. And then when Ed rose to speak, you knew he was going to “tell it like it is.” That was his way. That was his gift.Those of us from Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity knew Ed as a brother and trusted adviser. He grew up in the DKE House. He served on our board for years. He was always there with his special brand of advice and wisdom.Ed carried the bright torch passed from his father whom we know as Brother Eddie, the most beloved Deke who ever walked up that brick path on South Columbia Street. Ed walked in that wide shadow cast by Eddie and Pearl. And when that shadow was taken from us several years ago, he stepped boldly into the light of leadership. Like his father before him, Ed Caldwell sensed the goodness and the potential of a bunch of sometimes unruly college kids and helped make them into a band of brothers and, eventually, into fine men. He did the same things in this town and in this state and in this world, and he did it with a special touch and grace. Ed Caldwell was one of the finest men I ever knew – wise, courageous, bold when he needed to be, restrained when he had to be. And always loving, always giving of himself for the greater good.We will miss Ed Caldwell terribly, but I know God has a special place for people like him. Somewhere in heaven I know there is a town hall, a church pulpit or a corner table where Ed will continue to speak his heart.To the beloved Caldwell family, I would like to say in closing, thank you for sharing Ed with us for all these years, and Eddie and Pearl before that. And because of this great gift, you are part of our lives and we are part of yours. Forever.(For more, please see http://newsobserver.com/tarheel/story/ 2923374p-2685767c.html.)
