Three of our favorites from the summers our families shared the trail. He led every switchback and lost every card game — on purpose, we think.
— The Nguyen Family · Friend · Backpacker · 1998
One moment…
A keepsake
The memory book
Everything shared on this site, laid out as one book — every memory, every saying, every candle. Print it, or save it as a PDF to keep. It grows as people share, so print it again closer to the service.
In loving memory
Edward Lee Giles
Ed
“The memories we make last a lifetime.”
The memories, voices, and candles of everyone who loved him · printed July 19, 2026
The memories
Paparoo let us stay up too late watching Padres games and quizzed us on the lineup at breakfast. I can still hear him yell 'Slam Diego!' from the recliner.
— Sharon Giles · Family · Grandpa · 2018 · left a voice recording
Best golf partner a guy could ask for. Recorded this on the back nine last summer — you can hear his laugh. Miss you, Roo.
— Tom B. · Friend · Golfer · 2023 · left a voice recording
Mr. Giles was the principal who actually knew every kid's name. Found this old photo — that's him in the back, always smiling.
— Mr. Alvarez · Student · Teacher · 2005
What did Roo teach you?
He coached me in '94. Toughest, kindest man I knew. Told me to keep my chin up after a strikeout and I've carried that my whole life.
— Coach Dave · Player · Coach · 1994
I taught down the hall from Roo for years. He made the hardest days lighter. The whole school felt like his family.
— Linda M. · Colleague · Principal · 2001
The things he always said
“Why do golfers carry two pairs of pants? In case they get a hole in one.”
“Keep your head down and your hopes up.”
“Slam Diego!”
9 candles lit for Ed
Trennton · Uncle Jim · Grandkids · Miss Rivera's Class · Coach Dave · The Nguyen Family · Linda M. · Tom B. · Sharon
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.”
John 15:13