Cecil Edwin Sinclair

Simply the Best Cecil Edwin passed away peacefull on November 15, 2018 after suffering a stroke. He was born in Las Angeles Ca. to Ouida and Cecil Sinclair February 2, 1934. As a boy he moved with his family to Felida Wash., and eventually settled in Vancouver Wash. He attended Fort Vancouver High School where he met his beloved wife Peggy Jo Ackley. They were married Oct. 15, 1951 and celebrated thier 67th anniversary this year. They had three children; Linda, Jennifer, and Edwin Jr. After marrying Peggy in 1951, he joined the United States Navy, serving honorably in the the Korean Conflict as an engineer on amphibious landing craft. He never spoke of any combat he may have seen or experienced, but only relayed stories of the funny, crazy, and interesting things he did. He was honorably discharged in 1953. After returning home from the Navy and settling in Vancouver Wa. he began working as a fireman for SP&S Railroad in 1954, soon advancing to steam engine locomotive engineer. Well liked and loved by his fellow workers, he was affectionately nicknamed "Fast Eddie". His career spanned 42 years and he happily retired in 1996. In the 1950's he attended Portland University, or as he called it "P.U. on the Slough", where he earned his Bachelors Degree in English. While at P.U., his play "The Messenger" was produced and received critical acclaim. However, his favorite memory as a student there was when he did a low fly-by in his Aeronca Champ airplane to wave at his fellow classmates. He got off the hook with only a reprimand from the Dean of the College! He also attended Clark Junior College earning his Associate of Arts Degree. At Clark his classmates voted him Junior Class President, and he was very involved in Theater. Ed was a fearless adventurer and the list of his interests, passions, and hobbies is a long one! He was a flat-track racer, small aircraft pilot, sky bike pilot, photographer, golfer (he got to play golf with Sean Connery in Scotland at the St. Andrews Old Course!). He was a fine woodcarver, carpenter, fisherman, hunter, songwriter, musician (guitar, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, piano, auto-harp and spoons!), boxer, bowler, pool player, writer, poet, and unicycle rider! He often enjoyed going for rides on his full dress motorcycle with his son Edwin, and close friend Dave Palmquist. In the 1970's he even built a little log cabin in the woods by hand without the use of power tools. It's not surprising that he celebrated his 65th birthday by bungee jumping! He and Peggy traveled extensively visiting Great Britain, France, and his beloved ancestrol Scotland several times where he made many long lasting friendships. He had a deep passion for showing his lovingly restored 1940 Oldsmobile for which he proudly won 178 trophies, most for "Best In Show". He'll be deeply missed by his many car club friends. Ed was a lifelong "dyed in the wool" Democrat, Athiest, and devoted humanitarian, donating to many charities and foundations. Particularly supporting The Wounded Warrior Foundation, Boy's Town, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He deeply believed in equality and justice for ALL Americans, especially the young, infirm, and underprivileged. He sincerely felt that peoples fleeing tyranny and violence, seeking safe haven for thier children and families, should be embraced by our United States, this great country of immigrants. He was intensly proud of his children and grands. The athletic talents of his great-grandsons gave him incredible joy and pride. He was thier devoted fan and took endless miles of video. He and Peggy rarely missed a game over the span of many years, and watching the boys play sports was a highlight in his life. He was the kind of guy that kids and animals were immediately drawn to. What better legacy? Ed truly broke the mold! He was a such a unique and fascinating human being, and will be deeply and profoundly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known and loved him. He is survived by is beloved wife Peggy, children Linda Bottassi, Jennifer Palmquist, his pal Edwin Jr., brother Jerry Sinclair, grandchildren Joshua Ross, Katie McQuin, Emily Sabo, Tony Bottassi, Eddie Sinclair, Hannah Bergeron, William Palmquist and Alex Palmquist, and 10 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, and who loved him back. He is also survived by his long-time, very close and loyal friends John Copeland and David Palmquist, who was like a son to him. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Mary "Nonnie" Schram, grand daughter-in-law Michele Ross, and close, life-long friends Dick Daily and Buddy Lawhorn. Ed was wicked funny, very talented, and incredibly smart, to which all of his family and friends can heartily attest. He was an interesting, loyal, devoted, and greatly respected husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. If you were lucky enough to have known him, you know that he had an endless capacity for unconditional love and friendship that never wavered. Just by being himself, Ed gave us all so many precious gifts. He gave us much laughter, shared his inate sense of fairness with us all, offered strength, loyalty, honesty, and inspired us with his enjoyment in, and never-ending love of life. So long "Fast Eddie". You'll be deeply missed.

Cecil Edwin Sinclair

February 2, 1934 - November 15, 2018