Ed Gould has never been someone to sit still for long. His life has taken him from law enforcement and military training to investigations, security, Scottish pipe bands and the Coast Guard Auxiliary service. Now at 10 Wilmington Place, Ed is still meeting people, staying involved and finding reasons to get out and enjoy each day.

Growing Up in California

Ed was born in Long Beach, California, and moved around a lot as a child. His father was overseas in the war, and Ed balanced working many jobs while attending school to help support his family. “I learned early on that you have to take care of yourself,” Ed recalls.

A Career in Law Enforcement

Ed knew early on that he wanted to work in law enforcement, eventually joining the Orange County Sheriff's Department after attending Fullerton Junior College and Pepperdine University. When he was drafted during the Vietnam era, a series of aptitude tests led to an unexpected assignment as a drill instructor at Fort Ord, where he trained young recruits in weapons and military skills. The experience contributed to significant hearing loss, but Ed returned to law enforcement and continued his career.

A 57-Year Love Story

Ed met his wife, Jane, when they were both working in law enforcement. He spotted her at a restaurant, but it took another year and a little persistence before they actually went on a date. “We've been together ever since,” Ed says, more than 57 years later.

An Unexpected Career Chapter

A serious injury while responding to a call in Dana Point eventually forced Ed to retire from law enforcement. He spent months recovering, then built a second career that took him from Riverside County to Arizona, where he worked in investigations before joining the Central Arizona Project.

There, Ed was given the opportunity to create a security department from the ground up. He taught himself the technology, developed systems for access control and surveillance, and eventually built the program into a multimillion-dollar operation. “That was probably the most satisfying job I ever had,” he says.

Life in Idaho

After retiring, Ed and Jane moved to Hope, Idaho, where they spent 27 years near Lake Pend Oreille. Their remote community became a close-knit group of friends who gathered for games, dinners and Sunday brunch, with everyone looking out for one another.

Ed also played in a Scottish pipe band for 25 years and volunteered with the Coast Guard Auxiliary for 11 years, teaching water safety and survival. Staying active and connected has always been part of who he is.

Finding a New Community

As Jane's dementia progressed, Ed spent years learning about the disease and making sure she had the care she needed in 10 Wilmington Place’s Memory Care community. Eventually, with encouragement from his son Kevin who lives in the Dayton area, he moved to 10 Wilmington Place so he could remain close to Jane while also having support of his own.

Ed visits Jane nearly every evening, often staying for several hours. “It gives me peace of mind,” he says. Knowing she is cared for allows him to spend time with her without carrying the responsibility alone.

Staying Busy and Staying Happy

Ed has no plans to slow down. He recently connected with a local Scottish pipe band, joined a Mustang club and enjoys bowling and other activities. He has owned four Mustangs over the years and still drives a convertible today.

And Ed has a simple philosophy about staying engaged: “You cannot retire from. You must retire to.” For him, retirement means having somewhere to go, people to see and things that make getting up each morning worthwhile.

Ed's Advice for Life

Ed starts each day with two goals: make someone smile and give someone a compliment. He believes happiness is a choice, and he tries to make that choice every day.

After 88 years filled with plenty of unexpected turns, Ed's advice is straightforward: “Every day, you have a choice to be happy.” It is a philosophy he continues to put into practice, one conversation, activity and new experience at a time.

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