Dear Editor,
Noblesville lost a true friend this week; one who will be remembered for a long time by many of us. There are those clichés which are so familiar to us …”He was one of a kind” or “They broke the mold when they made him” – those sorts of tributes. However, in the case of Eddie Mode nothing could be more true!
I first met Eddie when I became President of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce years ago and I recall as I was visiting the merchants around the Square and stopped in to see him; he wanted to know what he could do to help the Chamber! That was a request I did not hear often so of course when I gathered my wits about me we had a long conversation about the mission of the organization and how we could work together. In my 14 years at the Chamber I made many requests of Eddie; his hosting network breakfasts and meetings, sponsoring Chamber events, and donating to the Capital Campaign. Yes, Eddie would tease me and grouse some about my requests but he never said “no.”
The last time I saw Eddie was just a few weeks ago. I was in a local bank and overheard him telling the employee that he was preparing to go back to Nicaragua to see the children and families (to whom he had become so close over the years and had helped them meet their many needs for food, shelter, and education) and explaining his long-time mission there. I had not seen Eddie for a few months so we chatted a bit and he seemed to be in a great mood. I noted when I left the bank that there was a dog waiting in his car, anxiously looking into the bank for his friend. Eddie loved family, dogs, children, veterans, and obviously Noblesville.
He will be missed, but I am sure that he is keeping the Heavenly hosts entertained by his colorful and interesting stories of his life on Earth. I look forward to his greeting, “Hey Girl!” when I see him again someday.
Sharon McMahon
Noblesville
The second youngest man to invade Okinawa, was on the cover of LIFE magazine, was sitting on the deck of the USS Missouri and watched the Japanese and Douglas Mcarthur sign the documents of surrender thus ending WW2. He lived a great life. Raised 5 children. Always thought and did for others. He led by example. He was a living treasure from this country. I was out of the country at the time of his funeral and missed rendering a final salute to Eddie. I will remember you for all of my days Seabee. Go easy Eddie, hope I see you again someday.