Edward Martin Zurcher Kennewick, Washington Obituary

Edward Martin Zurcher

<p>Edward Martin Zurcher, age 58, of Basin City, Washington passed away after fighting a courageous battle with cancer on January 11, 2023. Ed was born in Upland, California on October 11, 1964 to Hans Rudy and Heidi Zurcher. <br></p><p><br></p><p>In 1968, his family moved to Enumclaw, Washington where he was raised on his family’s dairy farm along with his two brothers, Ted and Jim, and his sister, Julie. Growing up, Ed enjoyed working on his family farm, being involved in 4-H, FFA, playing soccer, and wrestling. He graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1983. He then attended Utah State University for their Dairy Herdsmanship program. Once he completed his schooling, he spent time in Switzerland working on the Pfister’s dairy farm. <br></p><p><br></p><p>After his time abroad, he began dairy farming with his dad on Zurcher Dairy in Enumclaw, Washington. Ed always was&nbsp; thinking ahead at what the future might hold. In 1997, Ed and his dad decided to move the dairy farm east from Enumclaw to Basin City, Washington. While there, Ed purchased the farm from his parents and expanded the dairy herd, grew his own crops, and started a steer operation.</p><p><br></p><p>Dairy farming was Ed’s passion. He was proud of what he and his family had built. He was never afraid to take on&nbsp; leadership roles in the dairy industry. From being involved in the Ag-Forestry program to serving on the Washington State Dairy Federation, Ed was passionate about helping dairy farmers and was a strong advocate for the industry. <br></p><p><br></p><p>Another role that was important to Ed was being a devoted husband and father. In 1989, he met the love of his life, Heather Harris (Enumclaw High School Class of 1986), and they married in 1993. They had three daughters, Olivia, Alena, and Abigail. He loved his girls and was always there at sporting events, recitals, and fairs cheering them on with his famous princess wave.</p><p><br></p><p>Ed is survived by his mother Heidi; his wife Heather; his daughters, Olivia (Collin), Alena, and Abigail; and his siblings, Ted, Julie, and Jim. He is preceded in death by his father Rudy. Ed will be remembered for his laugh, sense of humor, wit, sharp memory, passion for agriculture, community service, and being a friend to many. <br></p><p><br></p><p>A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Red Lion Hotel 2525 N. 20th Ave. in Pasco, Washington at 1:00pm. All friends and family are welcome to attend. <br></p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, remembrances and donations may be made to Eastern Washington Family Farmers. For more information, please visit www.easternwashingtonfamilyfarmers.org/donate/.</p><p></p>
October 11, 1964 - January 11, 202310/11/196401/11/2023
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Obituary

Edward Martin Zurcher, age 58, of Basin City, Washington passed away after fighting a courageous battle with cancer on January 11, 2023. Ed was born in Upland, California on October 11, 1964 to Hans Rudy and Heidi Zurcher.


In 1968, his family moved to Enumclaw, Washington where he was raised on his family’s dairy farm along with his two brothers, Ted and Jim, and his sister, Julie. Growing up, Ed enjoyed working on his family farm, being involved in 4-H, FFA, playing soccer, and wrestling. He graduated from Enumclaw High School in 1983. He then attended Utah State University for their Dairy Herdsmanship program. Once he completed his schooling, he spent time in Switzerland working on the Pfister’s dairy farm.


After his time abroad, he began dairy farming with his dad on Zurcher Dairy in Enumclaw, Washington. Ed always was  thinking ahead at what the future might hold. In 1997, Ed and his dad decided to move the dairy farm east from Enumclaw to Basin City, Washington. While there, Ed purchased the farm from his parents and expanded the dairy herd, grew his own crops, and started a steer operation.


Dairy farming was Ed’s passion. He was proud of what he and his family had built. He was never afraid to take on  leadership roles in the dairy industry. From being involved in the Ag-Forestry program to serving on the Washington State Dairy Federation, Ed was passionate about helping dairy farmers and was a strong advocate for the industry.


Another role that was important to Ed was being a devoted husband and father. In 1989, he met the love of his life, Heather Harris (Enumclaw High School Class of 1986), and they married in 1993. They had three daughters, Olivia, Alena, and Abigail. He loved his girls and was always there at sporting events, recitals, and fairs cheering them on with his famous princess wave.


Ed is survived by his mother Heidi; his wife Heather; his daughters, Olivia (Collin), Alena, and Abigail; and his siblings, Ted, Julie, and Jim. He is preceded in death by his father Rudy. Ed will be remembered for his laugh, sense of humor, wit, sharp memory, passion for agriculture, community service, and being a friend to many.


A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Red Lion Hotel 2525 N. 20th Ave. in Pasco, Washington at 1:00pm. All friends and family are welcome to attend.


In lieu of flowers, remembrances and donations may be made to Eastern Washington Family Farmers. For more information, please visit www.easternwashingtonfamilyfarmers.org/donate/.

To plant a tree in memory of Edward Martin Zurcher, please visit our Tribute Store.

Events

Feb
04
Celebration of Life
Saturday, February 04 2023
01:00 PM
Red Lion Hotel
2525 N. 20th Ave.
Pasco, WA 99301
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