Ed Leedy had a 40 year career with Industrial Risk Insurers (IRI) of Chicago Illinois. I met Ed in the mid-1970s when I was a new engineer getting started in fire protection. Ed had several decades of experience in the field at that time. He became a mentor and a friend.
Ed represented the IRI on numerous National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) technical committees. I worked with Ed on the technical committees covering carbon dioxide systems, halon systems, and protection of computer systems. He brought a depth of knowledge coupled with an uncommon level of common sense and unquestionable integrity to the work of these committees. Ed championed good, common sense fire protection and contributed greatly to the betterment of the NFPA Standards with which he was involved.
Over the years, Ed and I became good personal friends. After his retirement from IRI in 1998, we remained in touch – and I often called Ed for his insights on various fire protection questions. He was a good friend. Ed passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025. I’m sure he is enjoying his eternal reward in God’s presence with his late wife Sandy and his youngest daughter Nancy who passed before him.
Thanks, Ed, for your friendship and example.
