Edward A. Lau Jr. (1928-Oct 10, 2009).

Obituary

Lau, Edward A., Jr. Ann Arbor

Passed away on October 10, 2009 after a long illness. Born in Ann Arbor in 1928 he was the eldest son of Edward A. Lau Sr. and Alice Clack. He grew up in Flint, MI, spending summers all over northern Michigan especially near Pentwater. He graduated from Michigan State University in Electrical Engineering in 1949 and by a fluke of fate, got his first job at Pent Electric in Pentwater. While at MSU he met Jean Franklin and they were married on September 2, 1950. The Korean conflict and the U.S. Army called in November, 1950 and he spent two years attached to the Air Force in various parts of Washington D.C. and Texas. After two years in the Army, Ed returned to Detroit and worked at Chrysler Engineering until taking a job in 1956 with Precision Controls in Dexter, MI. The family moved to Ann Arbor in 1960 with Ed as V.P. at Precision where he eventually became President and owner of the company. It was (and still is) a small company that designed and manufactured circuit breakers, mostly for the automotive companies but also for Coleman heaters, R.V.s and several other battery companies. In 1980 he sold the company to his partner, Ron Hulquist, and retired to build his own computer, learn to use it and take up serious pursuits like golf, fishing, boats (mostly Sunfish), banjo and guitar, traveling, studying the Civil War, photography and reading. He and Jean continued to spend time at Old Mission, Bay View, Frankfurt and fly fishing on the Rapid River near Torch Lake. They took wonderful trips to Europe for a month, Hawaii, many of the Caribbean Islands, along the East Coast and New England, and the National Parks out west. They dabbled a bit in Elderhostel, and generally enjoyed life and the arrival of the most fun grandchildren. In 2007 they moved to a great condo in Saline, part of a se nior community, and had the good fortune to sell their house to granddaughter Valerie and her husband Trevor.

Ed is survived by four children and their wonderful spouses: Neil F. Lau (Cindy Browne) and Jenni L. Glysson (Ned) of Ann Arbor, Matthew D. Lau (Sarah) of Ypsilanti, MI, Amy S. Pines (Craig) of Westport, CT. They also have five beloved grandchildren and two grand-children-in-law: Monica Craven (Scott) of Youngstown, OH, Valerie Towery (Trevor) of Ann Arbor, MI, Meagan Lau of Ypsilanti, MI, and Noah and Liv Pines of Westport, CT. Ed is also survived by two brothers: Bill Lau (Phyllis) of Plano, TX, Jim Lau (Nancy) of Westfield, NJ and three sisters: Lucinda Gangler (Tom) of Ludington, MI, Carol Darnton (John) of Flint, MI and Betsy Baker (Gill) of Alpena, MI, sister-in-law Betty Andrus of Grants Pass, OR and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Keesler and brother-in-law Ted Andrus. A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at Green Wood (part of the First United Methodist Church), 734-662-4536, 1001 Green Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery. Donations may be made to your local Habitat for Humanity or Hospice.