Edward Diamond passed away Oct. 25, 2014, at Providence Hospital in Everett, at the age of 89. Ed is survived by his wife, Arlene Diamond; children, Heather Diamond (Fred Lau), Holly Diamond, Lindsay Diamond (Katie) and Brent Diamond (Maren); grandchildren, Sorrel McCarthy (Mike), Danika Diamond Haller, Lacey Haller, Maija and Espen Diamond; and great-grandchildren, Aiden Kuseski and Elise, Colleen and Bryn McCarthy.

Born Dec. 15, 1924, in Seattle to Russian immigrants Isador and Ksenia Diamond, he was the only child. Ed attended Garfield High School (class of ‘41), the University of Washington and Washington State College (Go Cougs!). He interrupted his studies to serve in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946, becoming a pharmacist’s mate. Resuming his studies at WSC in Pullman, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1948 and his DVM degree in 1949 from the College of Veterinary Medicine. In 1950, he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the Veterinary Corp of the U.S. Army Reserves and in 1951 married Arlene. Perhaps best known as Dr. Diamond, he began practicing veterinary medicine in Ballard and Lake City, then in Everett as owner of Diamond Veterinary Hospital from 1956 to 1987 and the Animal Emergency Clinic of Everett from 1982 to 1987. For his many years devoted to caring for animals, he was awarded the Washington State Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year Award in 1991.

In addition to building his veterinary practice and raising four children with his wife of 63 years, Arlene, Ed devoted his life to many community organizations and causes. He served as a member of the Snohomish County Board of Education 1962-65, member and past president of the Everett Public Schools Board of Education 1965-1973, member of the State Board of Education 1973-1986, and member of the Everett Animal Control Advisory. He was appointed by Gov. Evans to the State Council for Children and Youth 1965-71, by Gov. Spellman to the State Governors Advisory Committee on Education Program Consolidation 1983-1986, and by Gov. Gardner to the State Veterinary Board of Governors 1986-1990, an organization he chaired in 1990. He was a member of Doric #92 Masonic Lodge and the Campfire Board of Directors, recipient of the PTA Golden Acorn Award, member and past president of Everett Kiwanis Club, member of the Rotary Club of Everett, and past vice president of Bethany of the Northwest Foundation. He also entered city politics, and beginning in 1989, served five years on the Everett City Council, first as an interim appointee and then as an elected member.

Both before and after his retirement in 1994, Ed and Arlene traveled together extensively to many domestic and international destinations and enjoyed innumerable local and distant cultural and entertainment outings. They have been members of Faith Lutheran Church and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Everett and upon moving to Whidbey Island in 2004, joined Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland. Ed remained busy and active, enjoying trips with the South Whidbey Model A Club and served as treasurer of the South Whidbey Historical Society.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland on Whidbey Island, and a celebration of life at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Everett. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to either of the two churches hosting services, Bethany of the Northwest, the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine or a charity of your choice.