Edward Wilfred Ker went to be with his Heavenly Father on February 1, 2013. Edward was born on November 22, 1915 in Ririe, Idaho. His parents were Dora (Henrich) and Wayne Ker. He grew up, attended school and worked on the family farm in Rigby, Idaho. He graduated from Rigby High School in 1934 and attended college at San Francisco State and College of Idaho. After leaving college he worked for the Soil Conservation Service and on the family farm. Edward's family lost their farm and in 1936/37 was able to move to Ontario, OR. The Owyhee Irrigation Project was being developed. Edward and his Dad camped out on the property by the first well. The family settled on Dead Ox Flats about 10 miles north of Ontario. They cleared land to develop a 200 acre irrigated dairy farm and about 400 acres of dry land. They milked about 60 cows and were able to grow most of their own feed. Edward met his wife of 73 years, Bonnie Smith, while working with his Dad on a custom thrashing crew in the summer of 1937. They were married in January 1940. While working with the irrigation district in Oregon, Edward learned about the Columbia Basin Irrigation in Washington and visited an area called Quincy. He visited the area with Bonnie and Kate in the early forties and in 1946 purchased 160 acres of dry land northwest of town. He spent some time over the next few years leveling land, fixing up the house and well. In October of 1952, when the irrigation system was finished and water was going to be delivered in the spring, the family moved to Quincy. Edward was a very successful farmer. He grew many experimental crops for the area - flower, onion, carrot and radish seed that became staple crops in the area. He also raised sheep and cattle. He was able to grow his operation and help others in the area. Some of the other interesting crops he tried are garlic, chicory, sugar snap peas, and lettuce. He also found time to participate in many community, state and national agricultural organizations. Edward participated in Chamber of Commerce, Farm Bureau, Grant County Cattlemen's Assoc., Columbia Basin Development League, Toastmasters, 20-year member of Washington State Potato Commission serving as chairman in 1974-76, member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary, 29 years on the Columbia Basin Irrigation District Board and was on the State Farm Home Administration Board. He also served on the National Potato Council Board of Directors. He helped bring exchange students to the area and had some stay in his home. In 1997, Quincy started to honor a farm/farm family of the year at the Consumer Awareness Days. Edward was the first to be presented this award. This is the year they moved to Richland, WA. The land is being farmed by Edward's nephews. Edward started golfing at age 80 and enjoyed it for a few years. He also blessed the family with his wood working skills for many years. This is a hobby that he enjoyed very much. Edward and Bonnie have had a lot of opportunity to travel. They have visited many countries with agricultural tours, including "People to People" to promote the products of Washington. They have been in Europe, Russia, China, South America, Canada and Mexico. The most important trips have been the one with the whole family to Disneyland and the one to Hawaii. And how can we ever forget our annual trips to Rockaway, OR. Big PaPa has really given his family a great opportunity to bond and have fun times together. Edward was preceded in death by his daughter, Betty, parents, sister and brother. He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie and four children: Kate (Blaine) Jensen, Keith (Billie) Ker, Edna (Larry) Davidson, and Emma (Phil) Schoening, and sister, Mary Wagner. He has 13 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. A service to celebrated Edward's life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 895 Gage Blvd., Richland, WA on Friday, February 8, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request that a contribution be made to the charity of your choice.