Golly, I am so touched and saddened to hear of Eddie's death. I knew him at Amherst College, and we sometimes walked to Valentine dining hall together. He was such a gentle, sweet fellow. I was looking forward to seeing him, and others from the class of 1976 at our 50th reunion. Gone too soon, alas.

I joined Eddie’s lab after hearing him give a talk during graduate school about his Alzheimer’s research. It struck me as singularly sympathetic, acknowledging the difficulty of watching patients struggle without being able to offer solutions, and I know now that it was perfectly reflective of Eddie as a person. He cared for others and was always thinking of how to deliver help. His remarkable memory was certainly a boon to his science, but it was most noticeable to me when, catching up after a few years apart, he inquired after my husband by name, a person he’d never even met! It was obvious that family came first for Eddie: they were consistent topics in conversation, and it felt like he was perpetually planning visits to see his kids (and importantly for a noted food lover, choosing the restaurants in which they would dine together!). I feel very fortunate to have worked with someone I grew to deeply respect, and I treasure the quiet words of praise he gave me during my postdoc. I grieve his loss with you.

I will remember Eddie as a wise and generous colleague and mentor who always had something insightful to share. With his office right next to mine, I often stopped by for a quick chat, and every time I walked away having learned something new. He had a gift for offering insight without ever making it feel like advice. Eddie was gracious in letting me follow in his footsteps, becoming actively involved in the local neuroscience community. He took great pride in his children, who attended his alma mater, and even taught at Amherst so he could be near them—a deeply respectful and endearing gesture that was truly a win-win. Years later, it was no coincidence that I encouraged my own son to attend a liberal arts college. It is an honor to continue serving in roles within our graduate program that Eddie once envisioned, and to help carry forward his legacy with the same spirit of wisdom and generosity that he brought to everything he did.

We are deeply saddened by Eddie’s passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Eddie was not only a respected colleague but also a dear friend to our late mother, Mary Sundsmo. We will always remember his warmth, generosity, and the kindness he showed to those around him.

Please know that you are in our thoughts during this difficult time. Eddie’s legacy will live on through his remarkable contributions to neuroscience and through the many lives he touched with his friendship and compassion.

With love and hugs,

Andrew Sundsmo and Amanda Masulnis

Children of Mary Sundsmo

Eddie was a brilliant scientist and caring man whom I am honored to have known and worked with for 15 years through my positions at BrightFocus Foundation. A few years back, we honored Eddie by naming our award to the top-scoring postdoctoral fellow the "Dr. Edward H. Koo Postdoctoral Fellowship Award for Alzheimer's Disease Research." He started the Postdoc award in 2007 to address the crucial need of supporting early-career researchers, and made seminal contributions over 20 years to help us fund the most innovative science in the world. In addition, he was funny, compassionate and easy to talk with. I will miss him. 

Dear Nancy

So sorry to hear if Eddie’s passing. 

Love to you and your family

Donna Ferriero