Honoring a Life of Service: Remembering Ed Singler

By John Barnett, former AARP Washington State President

It is always a shock and sad news when we learn that a good friend has left this world. I met Ed Singler in 2001 when, as Volunteer State President for AARP Washington, he chaired a committee to interview potential candidates for a newly formed AARP Volunteer Executive Council. I was accepted and had the privilege of attending monthly Council meetings chaired by Ed during his six years as State President.

Ed was an exceptional leader, always interested in what his fellow volunteers had to contribute and expressing gratitude for their input. Being new to AARP I would say that Ed was my mentor, guiding me through the necessary steps to learn how this large organization functions on the state and national levels which he knew well.

Doug Shadel was AARP Washington State Director during Ed’s time. Here is what Doug remembers: "I was fortunate enough to work with Ed when he served as AARP Washington's volunteer state president. He was incredibly generous with his time, offering to share wisdom accumulated over decades as a civil rights leader, attorney and aging advocate. Ed and his equally talented spouse Joan helped us navigate some very complex and contentious state legislative fights over the years, always offering a calm presence, wise counsel and fierce advocacy that more often than not, led to victory. The world is a better place because of Ed's unwavering commitment to the public good. Rest in peace my friend.”

Ed, with his legal background, did an amazing amount of volunteering, not only for AARP but for other organizations that contribute to quality of life. In this he was joined by his wife, Joan. Together they served as a team. At many events I observed them volunteering together and was greatly impressed.

Ed and Joan had a long and outstanding history of community service, working to enhance the lives of individuals of all ages across the state. They were instrumental in the civil rights movement in Seattle. In 1961, they co-founded the Seattle Chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) along with a few other individuals. Seattle CORE was the driving force behind the city’s civil rights movement, challenging employment discrimination, housing discrimination and school segregation. The University of Washington Press published Joan’s book, Seattle in Black and White; The Congress of Racial Equality and the Fight for Equal Opportunity.

Ed and Joan were also leaders in seeking to improve supports for older adults who wish to age independently and in their own communities, and they worked to recognize the role of grandparents as a personally rewarding, socially important and productive activity. They were founding contributors to the construction of new offices and senior residences of Seattle-King County Senior Services. Each year at Thanksgiving, Ed and Joan donated turkeys to the Pike Place Senior Center and then delivered meals to home-bound seniors.

Moreover, they are the first in Washington State to win the prestigious Andrus Award as a couple. It is AARP’s highest award for public service and is bestowed only once a year. A truly noteworthy accomplishment.

Ed made it to his 93^rd birthday, leaving us in December 2024.

“Ed, the thousands of people you have helped will miss you.”