Charles Edward “Ed” Gilpin, veteran, inspiration to many
Charles Edward “Ed” Gilpin died peacefully with family members and loving companion, Burrill Haskell, by his side Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at his home as a result of an ongoing cancer malignancy.
Ed was born April 8, 1930, in Baltimore, Md., son of the late Lillian Jay. At 17, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and was stationed on a Navy vessel during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge from the service, he entered the HVAC trade as a draftsman. He then married his high school sweetheart, Lois Hoover (Lois Gilpin). During the 1960s, he changed his career to a sales position with an industrial instrumentation manufacturer, Robertshaw Controls Co. In 1970, Ed became partner and co-owner of H.P. Rodgers Inc., a manufacturer’s rep firm in Baltimore. Soon after this move, he purchased and became the sole owner of the firm. Ed sold the business and semi-retired in 1992. He and Lois then moved to Lewes. After approximately five years, they moved to Milton and Ed fully retired.
As a man knowledgeable in carpentry, electrical and plumbing basics, Ed made many improvements to the Milton home. When all improvement aspects of the home were completed, he became discontented having no new home improvement projects to tackle. In 2000, at 70, he decided to look for part-time employment. He came across an ad placed by the City of Lewes for a part-time assistant residential building inspector position. Ed was awarded the job.
He went on to hold that position with the city for 17 years, helping homeowners and building contractors alike in the completion of their projects meeting the city’s code requirements. Ed’s technical knowledge, infectious personality, and desire to help people endeared him to just about everyone who made his acquaintance. Ed became well-known around Lewes and well-liked. Everywhere he went, he would be greeted by someone he had helped as a public servant to the residents of Lewes.
The presence of Ed, a man in his 70s and well into his 80s, still so articulate, professional, and knowledgeable, helping everyone he met became a wonder to all how a man of his age could be so young at heart. In 2017 at 87, he retired (again). , Ed’s beloved wife of 65 years, Lois, passed away Nov. 9, 2019, from an ongoing battle with cancer. In early 2020, he sold the Milton home and moved to the city of Lewes to be near his many friends. Ed then met Burrill Haskell, and they became loving partners and remained so until Ed’s recent passing.
Living and remaining very sharp until the age of 94 years, Ed leaves a multitude of close friends of all ages. He is and will be deeply missed by many.
Quote by Bill Ayrey, good friend and Lewes resident: “I really admired Ed for so many reasons. He was an inspiration to all of us who aren’t kids anymore but realize there is still a lot of good living ahead if we live it like Ed did. He had so many admirers for that reason, but he had many friends just because he was such a nice guy, plain and simple.”
In addition to his loving partner, Burrill Haskell, Ed is survived by his sons, Craig Gilpin and his wife Kimberly of Charleston, S.C., and Gary Gilpin and his wife Curtis (Karen) Sorensen of Baltimore, Md. He considered himself blessed with his additional family of eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, whom he loved very much.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lois Gilpin; his son, Douglas Gilpin; and Douglas’s wife, Karen Susette Gilpin.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held for Ed at a time and place to be determined.
Visit Ed’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
