Edward "Ed" Frank Pruss

Airplane enthusiast, lifetime explorer, geologist, and real estate agent, Ed Pruss, 82, of Longmont passed away at home on February 12, 2025. He was born in San Diego to Hugh Pruss and Marie Hoffman. Ed lived most of his young life in Reseda. During those years he enjoyed camping, scouting, and backpacking in the Sierra Mountains and time with his brothers Jim, Tim, and Larry. After high school he attended several colleges including Pierce, Santa Monica City, Valley State, Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo, and then UCLA.

Around 1970 he moved to Laramie so he could attend the University of Wyoming to study geology, where he earned his PhD. During graduate school he spent many hours in the mountains near Cody, Wyoming for his thesis work. During those years, Ed took flying lessons from an old cowboy at an airport outside the city. They had to chase antelope from the dirt landing strip and those flight lessons would change the course of his life.

In 1973 he was chosen to go with a group of scientists to Antarctica via New Zealand. On April 6, after his return, he married Jan Nichols in Conifer, Colorado. They made their home in Laramie until he was offered a job in Houston as an oil explorer for Shell. Carrie was born in 1976 and they lived in Houston until Ed was offered a job in Denver, where Jan's family lived. They returned to Colorado and lived on a small farm in Boulder, Colorado and new baby boy Taylor arrived. Life on the farm was wonderful for Ed and his engine, firetruck, tractor, and animal collections all grew.

Later he became a real estate agent in Boulder, never again living outside of Colorado. At home Ed was good at gathering and fixing old trucks, tractors, engines, or anything mechanical. His mechanical and fabrication skills kept him awake at night, innovating tools if they didn’t exist. He loved fishing, camping, backpacking, and exploring with family and was at his happiest sleeping under the stars. Mischievous Ed would also want to be remembered for his skills for using puns and pulling pranks. Anytime he was around, it was best to check under your pillow or sleeping bag before turning in! Known as the “fun” uncle, you could find Ed teaching outdoor skills and answering any random questions.

Ed loved singing in the choir at Grace Commons church in Boulder for years and frequented the Longmont Symphony. As a faithful member of the Vintage Aircraft Association and Antique Airplane Associations in Longmont, he had a passion for anything related to antique airplanes. Spending time with his grandchildren Alexandra, Austin, Breanna, Brooklyn, and Blake brought him joy. He filled his calendar going to their music and sporting events near and far.

Ed leaves behind his daughter, Carrie; son, Taylor; brothers, Jim and Tim; five grandkids and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the EAA Aviation Foundation pilot school on https://www.eaa.org/eaa/apps/donations/donationform and write “In honor if Ed Pruss” in the comments. A celebration of life is planned for March 23, 2025 at 1:30 PM in Grace Commons Church, 1820 15th Street, Boulder, CO 80302.