EDWARD M. MUSGROVE

Edward M. Musgrove, age 89, passed away on September 12, 2018 of pneumonia at PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Bellingham surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 30, 1929 in Victorville, CA the youngest in a family of 2 girls & 4 boys.

He graduated from Monterey Union High School and upon graduation enlisted in the Army Air Corp near the end of WWII which later became the Air Force.

After three years in military service, he began working for General Electric in Richland, Washington as a draftsman.

At the same time he started training and studying to be an architect.

Ed had an inner drive to create things which continued throughout his life.

It was in Spokane, WA where he began his professional architectural career.

He worked for several firms before opening his own practice.

In the nearly 30 years he practiced architecture in Spokane, there are many buildings and projects in which he was involved.

He helped to change the landscape of Spokane as he was a key figure in the development of Riverfront Park and the Flour Mill; both are landmarks in Spokane to this day.

In 1981 the firm, then named ECI, expanded to Anchorage, AK and Ed moved to Anchorage to develop and manage projects.

In 1993 he retired from the architectural practice of ECI/Hyer and moved to La Conner. Never one to sit idle, he began looking around for architectural work in the area. However first, In 1994, he purchased the marine fuel dock in La Conner which he owned and operated with his wife for nearly 20 years. During this time he continued to work on local architectural projects which include Maple Hall and The La Conner Retirement Inn, where he was one of the developers. His interest in developing new projects never waned.

When he wasn’t drawing or managing the fuel dock, he could be found on a golf course. Slowed by a stroke in 2011, Ed led a quieter life as he wasn’t able to golf, fish, travel and practice architecture as he had before his stroke.

He will be remembered as a fierce competitor whether competing for architectural projects or trying to win a golf match. As a young man, he was the California State Breast Stroke Champion. On his personal side Ed was a loving and compassionate father and husband with a great sense of humor.

Ed is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Ann; his five children, from a previous marriage to Jean Sorenson, Nancy Bare (Ken), Whitehall, Montana; Shirley McBride (Kevin), Terrebonne, Oregon; Patty Musgrove (Ward Kibbler), North Plains, Oregon; John Musgrove, Scappoose, Oregon and Marc Musgrove (Michele), Atlanta, Georgia; his two grandchildren, Savana McBride and Colson McBride.

Ed was part of a team that won the competition in 1981 to design the new Z.J. Loussac Library Building in Anchorage, AK. He also designed many schools throughout his career. He loved La Conner and was a regular at the La Conner Library so it is fitting that contributions in his memory go to build a new library for La Conner. Remembrances in Ed’s name can be made to the La Conner Library Foundation, PO Box 1025, La Conner, WA 98257 for their new building.

Details for a Celebration of Ed’s Life will be announced at a later date.