I am sorry to tell you that Edwin Manchester died this week

When he managed the local seed orchard for the US Forest Service, my mom worked for him for several years. She always liked and respected him.

I met him when he volunteered to manage the Murphy River Walk project. Starting with nothing, he supervised and coordinated with Heritage Partners, government agencies, volunteers, and others and helped make the dream of a walk from Konohete Park to the L&N Depot a reality. When he resigned the position, Johnny Strawn volunteered to continue managing the River Walk project.

Edwin was active with various organizations in and around Murphy, NC.

This is quoted from his obituary in the Cherokee Scout:

"After his retirement, Edwin worked 17 years for the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He was active in establishing the Jaycees in Murphy. He was a charter member of the HouseRaising Volunteers of Cherokee and Clay Counties Board of Directors. He initiated the River Walk extension. He served on the board of directors of John C. Campbell Folk School, worked toward opening Samaritan’s Promise in Andrews and Hayesville, served on the advisory board of the Office of Economic Opportunity, and was a member of Murphy First United Methodist Church and Upper Room Sunday School class."

He will be missed and fondly remembered by those lucky enough to have known him.