Edwin Herman Cabrian died June 23, 2005 at Overlake Medical Center, Bellevue at the age of 81. Ed was born in Snohomish, Wash., on Oct. 14, 1923 to Steve and Mary (Juretich) Cabrian, who emigrated from Yugoslavia shortly after World War I. After graduating form Snohomish High School in 1942, Edwin immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy to begin what turned out to be a long and distinguished military career.

During WWII, while serving with VC-69 aboard the USS Wake Island (CVS-65), he earned medals for operation in both Asiatic-Pacific and European-African-Middle Eastern theaters. Edwin also served during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and was a Purple Heart recipient for injuries suffered in Vietnam.

In 1951 he married former schoolteacher Dorothy Apgar and in 1959, Edwin permanently moved his wife and four children to Oak Harbor. He continued his Naval career with Whidbey-based P-2 squadrons, VP-1 and VP-2 until his retirement in 1968 as an Avionics Technician, Chief Petty Officer (ATC).

After retirement, Edwin enjoyed a successful career in local real estate and was active in St. Augustine’s Catholic Church and the church council. He was a 53-year honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight of the Oak Harbor Council from July 1973 through June 1975. Edwin was also an Honorary Life Member of the Whidbey-Fidalgo Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

Edwin is survived by his three daughters, Kathy, Mary and Caroline, all of the Seattle area; one son, Steve of Virginia; and two granddaughters, Laura of San Diego and Emily of Virginia. Dorothy, his wife of 33 years, died in 1984 and his brother Calvin of Snohomish preceded him in death in 1994. Edwin is also survived by his special friend of 20 years, Arline Lauver.

Funeral Mass for Edwin Cabrian was celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church on June 29 with Rev. Robert Rhimes, S.J. as Celebrant. Interment with full military honors followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard and the Knights of Columbus Honor Guard.

Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel.