Kern County Obituaries

Ed Kern 

Submitted by Don Stowell; 13 Feb 2008

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Source Unknown; Date Unknown

1929 – 2005
Ed Kern, former Bear Valley Springs The Cub editor, died of cancer on Jan. 19 at age 76.
Ed, known to some as Eddie, was an important voice in the affairs of Bear Valley. A true gentleman of 
consideration, dedication and honesty, he always pushed for conservation of the community's unique 
environment, for fiscal prudence in the management of its affairs and for preservation of its economic 
vitality.
With his beloved wife Pat, Ed moved to Bear Valley Springs from Thousand Oaks, where he had served as 
an executive with the Boy Scouts of America. He had previously held the position of associate publisher of 
Boys Life magazine, working in New York City and at the Boy Scouts headquarters in New Brunswick, N.J.
Ed's service with the scouts and as editor of The Cub reflected his love of nature and his dedication to its 
preservation. From early boyhood, he was an avid camper and hiker.
Ed was born in Baltimore, Md. and moved as a child to Haddon Heights, N.J. He received his education in 
the Haddon Heights schools and at Princeton University.
Ed's highest ambition was to be a naval aviator. He succeeded, obtaining his wings in Pensacola, Fla. in 
1953. He flew the F2H-2 Banshee, the Navy's first operational jet, from the carrier USS Coral Sea that was 
deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in 1954.
When he was 10, he was stricken with osteomyletis, then a dreaded bone disease, often fatal and always 
crippling. Ed underwent a first-of-a-kind operation and came through with full use of a scarred leg. He 
became a champion swimmer and tennis player as well as an aviator.
Ed's years in Bear Valley enabled him to deepen his interest in nature. He loved its valleys, hills, abundant 
animal life, colorful fields and gardens. The clear skies permitted him to use his telescope to explore the 
heavens. Astronomy and space exploration were life-long interests and he was honored to attend the 
launch of SpaceShip One from Mojave as well as space shuttle landings.
As a citizen and newspaper editor, he was interested in many issues, including the sewer system, water 
supply, equestrian trails, official accounting of public monies, role of community organizations and the 
Fourth of July celebrations.
His position as editor of The Cub gave him a leadership position that he used, not to promote any self-
interest, but to advocate preservation of the valley's natural habitat and to seek cooperation and discipline 
among various interests.
Ed had many devoted friends throughout the area.
Ed is survived by his wife of 47 years, Pat; son Larry of Westerly, R.I.; daughter Trundy of Gilbert, Ariz.; 
and brother George of New York City.