By Andy Jacobson, Senior Director, Advertising and Media Relations, Trustmark
If you’re reading this post, chances are you have worked with or at least met my former colleague Ed Framer, who passed away April 24th. But if not, I hope you’ll at least appreciate what he meant as well as who he was.
Ed was a giant in the field of population health research. He was a constant presence at the annual HERO Forum and Think Tank meetings where he could always be found deep in conversation, smiling, and laughing his unmistakable laugh.
Tall and bearlike; bespectacled, with a full white beard, Ed personified the “gentle giant.” He reminded me of a cross between a sea captain and an absent-minded professor. Every time I saw Ed he was dressed in khakis and a button-down shirt, pens in the pocket, a Casio G-SHOCK on his wrist, and running shoes on his feet. He was a nerd’s nerd and I mean that as a compliment.
Ed and I worked on projects together over the years and I was immediately drawn to him. We bonded over our shared Jewish faith and passion about politics and books. I don’t believe there was a Science Fiction author whose series Ed hadn’t devoured. He was a wine connoisseur and appreciated good food; Ed truly knew how to enjoy life.
Ed also gave me great insight for making healthy choices, fueled by his passion for living life to the fullest. We had this conversation a while back and without fail I share this insight with others multiple times a year. At the time he counseled me to think of each week as having 21 meals and to make choices with the big picture in mind.
As an example, Ed explained, let’s say you want to go out and have pizza and beer with your friends (in hindsight, I bet he had pizza and beer on the brain). Don’t deny yourself that beer and pizza; go out and enjoy it. But then consider the other 20 meals you’re going to eat that week in relation to the beer and pizza.
That analogy, in my mind, personified Ed Framer. He strove to offer practical, simple and logical insight and counsel. But with real people, not just data, at the heart of it.
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I’m deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Ed Framer. I first met Ed in the 1980s, when he was in a leadership role in the Society of Prospective Medicine. We happily talked health [risk] assessment ideas and formed an instant bond as part of a very small and, at-the-time, obscure fraternity. Ed was always generous in sharing of his ideas, his time and his quiet passion for our shared purpose. Our connection continued throughout the years and we had the great good fortune to be able to work together on a number of important HERO projects including the Measurement Standards initiative. Always thoughtful, always humble, always caring and always smiling. Ed was a role model we can all learn from. Rest in peace, my friend!
I was deeply saddened to learn about Ed’s passing. Ed and I collaborated on several projects over 15 or so years and brainstormed together frequently. He was a truly collegial, friendly, funny and generous person. I will miss his jokes, wisdom and energy.
Colleague and friend, Ed Framer exuded kindness, humility, generosity, respect, passion and insight. He made a significant contribution to our field through his work, research, collaboration and dissemination of articles and publications. His curiosity not only guided his career path, but also led to some of the most interesting insights and life lessons. I will always remember Ed as the person that took time to engage in authentic conversations – sharing a story, providing insight on a research article, or giving suggestions for good wine, restaurants, and travel. Your are a true HERO. You will be missed, my friend. Rest in Peace.