Edward John Hirschfeld

Born on July 7, 1945, in Sterling, Colorado, Edward “Ed” Hirschfeld was the epitome of a hardworking, salt-of-the-earth man. He passed away on September 8, 2024, leaving behind a life rich with adventure, laughter, and a bit of grease under his fingernails. Ed was a man who could fix anything with an engine, spot a hidden mountain lake from a mile away, and could always be counted on to have a fishing pole or a hunting rifle at the ready.

Growing up Ed discovered his natural gift for mechanics early on, “souping up” hot rods for local drag races long before Fast and Furious was cool. He once helped transform a Ford van into a V8-powered, four-wheel-drive mountain machine—before SUVs even existed—because, why not? Ed had a knack for making things faster, stronger, and better. Whether it was tuning race cars with his brothers Joe and Ray or helping neighbors fix their trucks, he was the go-to guy for anything mechanical.

Ed’s love for the great outdoors was legendary. Dirt biking, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling—if it had wheels and went fast, Ed was all in. But nothing quite compared to the thrill of fishing Colorado’s hidden mountain lakes with his lifelong friends, like Dave Linker, his brother Con, his brother Joe, or heading out for their annual elk hunting trips with his brother Ray. Those moments spent in nature weren’t just hobbies, they were Ed’s happy place, filled with laughter, tall tales, and plenty of fish stories (some of which might have been exaggerated, but who’s counting?). Ed was also a family man who loved spending lots of quality time with his immediate family – he loved bbqs, holiday dinners and other celebrations. Oh, and let’s not forget his dogs, Ed definitely loved his dogs (Hunter, Raven).

A true cowboy at heart, Ed embraced the values of hard work, humility, and grit. He loved country music, horseback riding, the simplicity of country living. He wasn’t one to boast, but he had a heart of gold and a no-nonsense attitude that made him both respected and loved. His spirit was strong, his heart big, and his kindness genuine. Ed was the type of man who would lend a hand without asking for anything in return, always looking out for family and friends. Though life wasn’t always easy, Ed faced each challenge with bravery and determination.

Ed was preceded in death by his brothers Raymond and Joseph Hirschfeld, and his brother-in-law Ron Viddick. His legacy lives on through his son, Duane L. Hirschfeld; grandson, Devin L. Hirschfeld; sister, Catherine Viddick; and brother, Con Hirschfeld; numerous nieces & nephews.

Ed lived life on his own terms—whether on two wheels, four, or horseback—and we can all imagine him now, racing down a mountain trail, finding the perfect fishing spot in the sky. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.