Mr. "K" Did It & Said It His Way

Two good friends with strong different political and religious views proved over many years that these differences could never deter what true friendship is all about.
Since our first names were the same I always called my long time friend and golf partner Ed Korth by the first initial of his last name "K".
Ed Korth, 88, passed on to his heavenly rewards on April 7 and with this death I've lost a longtime good friend and a 38-year golf partner in the Monday Men's league at the Roscoe Twin Village Golf Club.
As faith sometimes arranges it I was scheduled for a South Carolina golf trip which included Ed's son, George, from Paducah, KY and up to the first of April George figured that he would be able to make the golf trip and then shortly after getting back to Kentucky he would come up to Livingston Manor to help his mother and father because at that time Ed was scheduled for some rehabilitation at an area nursing facility following a fall he had in his home the week before.
Ed's health took a turn for the worst and George's driving plans changed from Florence, South Carolina to Livingston Manor, NY.
George kept me and my golf group in touch with what was going on and unfortunately had to inform me on April 7 that his dad had passed away just an hour before he called me.
If there ever in one's lifetime was a clear definition of odd fellows it was Ed Korth and I who totally disagreed on politics and religion but still enjoyed a firm and loving friendship and many years of bowling on the same team and golf league partners for 38 years.
Ed took a strong Liberal stance on politics and I leaned toward the Conservative view and at times we really got into it with our discussions but never left angry at each other and that's how real friendship should be.
In our religious discussions he always felt very strongly that one did not have to go to church to believe in God so I feel very strongly that God has welcomed Brother Ed into his new heavenly home.
We can never forget the many years of traveling together to bowling tournaments throughout New York State and the very distinct and elaborate hospitality room we would establish at the motel we were staying in. We got famous for the way we enjoyed tournament play and all that went with it.
Ed was also famous for his unique style of bowling using a backup ball and somewhere he acquired the nickname of "radar" for his accuracy.
The many hours of leisure and party time at Tennanah Lake where Ed and Lois owned a seasonal lakeside home will always be a part of my memory bank. He owned a 19 foot Royal Craft boat equipped with an 8- cylinder GMC engine and when he floored it the front of that big boat would lift right out of the water toward the sky....those times at the lake with Dutch and Louise Korth and Marty and Elaine Reisner and many friends were just the best of all times.
For 38-years we were known as the Ed and Ed team at Twin Village Golf Club and "K" was known for always hitting it straight down the middle. Although he was never a long-ball hitter "K" enjoyed the game and always looked forward to our next golf outing.
Besides bowling and golf Ed "K" was a generous man and loved showing off his famous garden and always offered goodies to those who came by and took the Ed Korth garden tour. He also loved watching and making sure the wildlife around his home were well fed.......Ed was a real dedicated and kind person and always made sure the feeders around his home were full at all times.
Ed Korth was also one of the most highly respected automobile mechanics in the area. He work for some 20 plus years for Steinhausers Garage in Callicoon Center and then owned his own garage, Ed's Esso and Exxon in Livingston Manor for 27 years. He often talked about the Studebaker automobile and the special education that he went through going to their mechanics school and the Mercedes Benz school. Often called by other mechanics and automobile dealerships for his vast automotive knowledge Ed always was willing to help out when needed.
Mr. "K" did it and said it his way and those "Shell Steak" get togethers and so many more great memories will remain with us forever all because of a lasting and loving friendship.