Edward Schulze
Edward Raymond Schulze passed away March 4, 2025, battling Pancreatic Cancer with strength and positivity until the very end. Ed is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Richard (Melissa), daughter Heidi (Josh) and grandchildren Natalie, Giovanni, Miles and Wyatt enjoying every treasured moment with him. He kept in touch with everyone and never stopped giving his time and heart to the people and causes he believed in.
His rich legacy of community service was reflected in the countless committees he supported, most notably earning him the distinguished honor of being named the 2017 Novato Citizen of the Year.
Volunteer from the beginning to bring the Buck Institute to Novato, President of Homeowner’s association for 31 years. He served on several committees for the Novato Fire Protection District including one to pass a tax measure- a cause he strongly supported, drawing from his experience as a volunteer Fireman for the Kentfield Fire Dept. He worked at Mare Island Naval Shipyard for almost 35 years as a licensed Civilian Electrician. He worked on the submarines and later assumed administrative roles. After the closing of Mare Island, they offered a Locksmith School which Ed pursued and got his Locksmith License. As a lifetime commuter on Hwy 37 for 35 years he was actively involved with the State Route 37 Policy Committee and stayed well-informed on all matters. Certified alumnus of both the Novato Police Department Citizen Police Academy and the Marin County Sheriff’s Citizen Academy. He spent years serving on the Marin County Parole Board, the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force Oversight Committee and as a Marin Grand Juror for 2½ years following as a trainer. He was still involved with the County Operational Area Disaster and Citizen Corps Council. He co-chaired the city’s Clean & Green Day with another past Citizen of the Year. He reviewed bond funds on the city’s Street Improvement Oversight Advisory Committee. He worked closely with West Marin residents and organic farmers on pesticide restrictions while representing Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control Board, a role he remained dedicated to, until shortly before his passing. He was recently presented with Volunteer of the Year Award from the Marin County Farm Bureau. Alternate on State of Calif. Abalone Advisory Committee being a former abalone picker. He served on the Marin County Fish and Wildlife Commission for many years, and recently an Ed Schulze Scholarship was initiated.
When Ed’s children were young, he was an assistant soccer coach and Boy Scout Leader. He was also involved with the school district long-range facilities planning committee. Later in life
with the blessing of grandchildren, he cherished every moment with them, (sports, birthdays, family gatherings). Abalone fishing with his wife and children became the highlight of many family vacations and a lasting friendship with owners of Ranch. We will never forget his passion for duck and deer hunting, he shared with his forever friends. Above all, Ed was a devoted family man, happiest when surrounded by loved ones. He was a friend to all that knew him and never missed a chance to dance with his wife. He was even certified to perform weddings, proudly marrying his son, daughter, nephew, niece, friends and their children-a true testament to the trust and love others placed in him.
Edward Schulze’s Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Margaret Todd Senior Center, 1560 Hill Road, Novato at 4PM. All are welcome.