Edwin Harry Wilson, 86, died on Nov. 29 in McMinnville, Ore. He was born in San Diego, Calif., on June 18, 1922. “Ed” was a lifelong student with a love of learning and a very curious nature. His undergraduate degree was in engineering and business management from Arizona State College. He attended a variety of colleges over the years, including Cornel University in Ithaca, N.Y., and San Diego State, and received an MBA from Denver University.

Mr. Wilson was a veteran of World War II and served proudly as a naval officer in the South Pacific. He started his career in sales in a variety of companies, primarily in the engineering field, across the country including Michigan, Denver and Southern California as he was pursuing his education.

Mr. Wilson settled into an aerospace career starting at Convair and then working for Zepp Aero in El Segundo, Calif. During that time, he was part of the team that developed the oxygen system for the Boeing 707.

In 1963, Mr. Wilson moved his family from Southern California to Mercer Island, where he became a partner in Spencer Aircraft. Mr. Wilson and his wife (of 46 years), Cynthia, lived on Mercer Island for 35 years. Both of their daughters graduated from Mercer Island High School.

Mr. Wilson was passionate about gardening, specifically vegetables and orchids; tennis, playing five sets each weekday for the first 10 years after retirement; and was an avid reader.

Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia, and is survived by his two daughters, Rosalind “Roz” Vancil (Lynn) and Deborah “D.J.” Wilson (Bill Hoadley); three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Remembrances are suggested to the Oregon Alzheimer’s Association at 1650 N.W. Naito Parkway #190, Portland, Ore., 97209.