In Memoriam: Edward Velk

Edward “Chops” Velk of Canyon Lake passed away July 23, 2017 at the age of 84. As a young man, Ed attended Kent State University to play football and basketball but was called home to work in the steel mills. Ed married Bernadette “Bernie” Hripko in 1956 in Youngstown, Ohio. The couple moved to California in 1961 where Ed began a career with Rockwell International overseeing the building of the Apollo and Space Shuttle spacecraft.

Ed was also one of the original employees hired by the California Angels where he ended up overseeing stadium operations for the Angels, Rams and all stadium events.

Ed built his cabin in Big Bear and his lake front home in Canyon Lake with his bare hands and the help of his family and friends.

Ed’s biggest hobby was to support his grandchildren in all their endeavors, whether a gymnastics meet, band competition, cheer competition, dance recital, football, basketball, baseball or softball game, Ed was always there encouraging, supporting, and praising his kids and grandchildren.

Ed had a dry, witty sense of humor. He was always quick with a quip and loved to laugh. Ed loved people and sports and loved to build and help others. To his family, Ed was Superman who could solve any problem and fix anything.

Ed is survived by his wife Bernadette of 61 years, brother Gene and his wife Sandy of Rancho Bernardo and children Shawn, Lisa, Dale and Eric and their spouses Rick, Lori, and Angie. He is survived by his nine grandchildren, Christine, Kenny, Natalie, Morgan, Ricky, Heidi, Trevor, Mackenzie, and Brayden, and one great grandchild, Ben.

Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Aug. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Miller-Jones Funeral Home, and funeral services at Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. Miller-Jones Funeral Home with the internment to take place at 12:30 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at approximately 2 p.m. at the home of Ed and Bernie, 23016 Gray Fox Dr., Canyon Lake.