Edward Rutledge Farnham

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Edward “Ed” Farnham, 85, of DeLand, Florida, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 28, 2025, at Hospice Care Center of Orange City. Having outlived his family, Ed had a plethora of friends that loved him like family and who were with him in turns throughout the weeks and days leading up to his final breath, holding his hand, until the very end.

Born in St. Pete, Florida Ed was the only child born to his parents, and was lovingly raised by his mother, Hicks Sumner and his aunt, Edna Childs. Ed had an eclectic life story from working on the set of The Price is Right, to Lifeguarding at Daytona Beach in 1959-1961, to installing telephone towers for Western Union during the Cuba Missile Crisis in 1962. At one point his family had a castle in England which he said the family would give tours to help with the upkeep of the castle. Ed too enjoyed travel and lived in the French Quarter for a year. He also lived in Houston, Tx where he took over a fitness chain for 9 years before he returned to St. Pete and joined Arthur Jones’ vision in the incipient phases of what would become Nautilus.

Ed enjoyed learning and pushing himself to excel. He used to say “life is a like a fountain of ever flowing information “. He worked in real estate as a licensed sales associate and then managed a number of health clubs while he lived in Texas. Additionally, Ed’s devotion and dedication in Texas to helping the youth from the juvenile courts was recognized with a Service Award from the Juvenile Probation Department of Harris County, Tx. When he came back to Florida, he quickly worked his way to became the general manager of Nautilus sports/medical industries from 1975-1986. Ed was passionate about fitness, not only for himself but also for others; he received the Distinguished Service Award for recognition of outstanding service and dedication to the improvement of the interscholastic athletic program in the state of Florida as well as significant contributions to the coaching profession in 1978. Ed went on to receive his Certification in Fitness Management in 1986. After Nautilus was sold he worked for Med-X from 1987-1991. He then worked for Biocurve equipment during the 1990’s before retiring. Ed had a successful career in the fitness and sports industry; He was always first in the office, last to leave, and if you ever visited him while he was at work, there was no telling what famous celebrity you might meet in his office.

While Ed’s passions were in health and fitness, he also had great interest in collecting rare items like those from shipwrecks, narwhals, and sports memorabilia. He enjoyed playing racquet ball in his prime. Ed really appreciated nice cars and enjoyed walking around classic car shows. He loved sharing the pond he designed and built at his house with friends, and throughout the years enjoyed the swans and ducks whom he brought in to call it home. He loved his parrots and his bird ‘Alex’ who he taught to conversate with him and finish the punch line for his “one-liners”. Ed was a social butterfly with a giant heart who was known for remembering names. At first introduction, whether you were a server at a restaurant, or the attendant at a gas station, or the person next to him at the gym- He always started the conversation by asking your name, and he didn’t forget it. From then he would address you by name each time he saw you. This was true to his final days and many of the rehabilitation team, nurses, and doctors were impressed by this lost touch of connection and personality that Ed made a gold standard.

He is survived by his beloved friends, many of whom had a part in developing this tribute to his life and we will continue to honor Ed by carrying on the passions for health and fitness, as well as exemplifying the kind and chivalrous acts that he embodied to anyone who was down on their luck or in a rough spot. Ed would give you the shirt off of his back, his last dollar, and a place to stay if you needed it. Ed never met a stranger. He could start a conversation with anyone and end up being their friend instantly. He also could sell ice cream to an Eskimo. Ed also had a great sense of humor and used it as a means to gently get out of situations he wasn’t fond of- like having his picture taken- To which he would always say “Sorry, I’m in witness protection, I can’t” and sneak out of frame with a grin on his face.

In true Ed fashion, his final wishes emulate those of the private gentleman and thoughtful friend he was, rarely bringing attention to himself; As such Ed’s final wishes were to not have a formal funeral service or memorial. Instead, we celebrate him through this tribute to his life, the accomplishments he achieved, and the friendships he collected; Knowing that mourning someone is sadness wrapped in the privilege of having known them. Messages and final wishes are welcome and will be read on this platform. Additionally, if any memorial donations to assist with final arrangements or cards would like to be shared, they can be sent to: C/O Jennifer Roland, 1050 N. Clara Ave DeLand Fl 32720 in lieu of flowers.