Eddie Weese

Eddie Weese found his true love early in life – music. From his walls, covered in posters and flyers, to his DJ work, his rocker hairstyle and his own band, Eddie was one of the lucky few who never forget who they are, and spend their lives following their dreams. Although he had big dreams, Eddie also enjoyed life and took things day by day. Generous and caring, he went out of his way to help others whenever he could, and was devoted to his beloved family and friends.

Eddie was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the oldest of five children. His proud parents were Joan and Eddie Weese. Eddie Weese (Sr.) was a professional musician - a guitarist, lead singer, and organist. He played with some big names in his time, but tragically passed away when his son was only six years old. Young Eddie was drawn to music too, and wanted to carry on his dad’s legacy by becoming a musician.

Eddie was a bit of an introvert as a child, and liked to stay at home (and underfoot, according to his mom!). He loved playing, and some of his favorites were playing Monkey, the Dukes of Hazard, and Batman. He had some heart problems as a kid, and a neck fusion. When he was twelve years old, he had to be in a body cast for nine months in order to fix his spinal cord. Eddie wasn’t afraid of the surgery – but he was upset that his hair had to be shaved off! Eddie was proud of his hair his whole life, and even as a teenager had already started to cultivate a longer “rocker” style. In the years to come, the color and length would change, but you could be sure Eddie’s hair would always turn heads!

Eddie really blossomed in his teenage years, growing from a quiet child into a high-energy, outgoing musician. He never had a lesson in his life, but found his passion in the guitar. He loved the instrument, and taught himself how to play. His first concert was Van Halen, and he never looked back.

Eddie graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1982, but for him school was never more than a side issue. He had started working at Roller World in 1980, and this is where he really found his niche. Eddie loved being around people, and he had a talent for connecting with others. He also worked as a summer DJ at WIDR, the Western Michigan University radio station. Eddie also enjoyed watching his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was into football, but his fused neck prevented him from playing – that was one of the reasons that skating was perfect for him.

At Roller World, Eddie was nothing less than a celebrity. He skated, he sang, he played the guitar – it’s not an exaggeration to say that he was a chick magnet! His signature song was Happy Trials by Van Halen, which he always ended with a screech and a high kick. In those days, Eddie had a blue van complete with a mural on the side and a bed in the back. He lived a free and easy life in the parking lot of Roller World for a number of years, and liked to say “don’t come knocking if the van is rocking!”

After Roller World, Eddie went on to work at ABC Warehouse, where he was employed for fifteen years. He was their best salesmen, with his friendly and light-hearted personality winning over the hearts of customers and co-workers alike. He always wanted to make people happy, and his catchphrase was “Let’s do a deal!”

Starting in 1990, Eddie became the proud father of two beautiful daughters: Ashley and Corlyn. He loved his girls, and always tried to protect them. He took them to his own favorite places – rock concerts, Roller World, Lake Michigan and the pier at South Haven – and cried when he heard about their first boyfriends. Eddie was a cool dad, but not always very domestic. Although he tried hard, he was a terrible cook – Ashley says thank goodness for McDonald’s and pizza (Eddie’s favorite foods were chocolate milk and pizza). Eddie’s family was completed by two chows. Eddie loved animals, and in fact at one time wanted to be a veterinarian.

When Eddie outgrew the blue van, he moved into a little house in Portage, Michigan. He quickly transformed the house into a temple of rock, with all the walls literally covered in pictures and posters. These posters included a poster he had had made of himself – he was a legend in his own mind. His house had a million memories, from all his favorite albums to his KISS dolls collection. In his free time, Eddie loved attending concerts. He was very generous, and was always buying tickets for family and friends.

In the eighties, Eddie started his own rock band, called the WEESEDIVER Band. He wrote all his own music, and their repertoire ranged from hard rock to melodic ballads. He even did covers of some of his father’s songs, as a tribute. WEESEDIVER played at some big venues, including Peppers. Eddie’s musical taste evolved from Van Halen and David Lee Roth to KISS, which became his all-time favorite band. Recently, Eddie was in the process of getting the band back together, including trying to talk his brother into playing the drums.

Generous, responsible and outgoing, Eddie was a loving father, a loyal friend, and a diehard rock musician and fan. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members.

Eddie Weese died unexpectedly in his home on August 19, 2012. His family includes his daughters, Ashley and Corlyn; his mother, Joan LeMaster; his siblings, Steven Weese, Tonya (Jay) Wilson, John Weese, and Angel (Roy) Rittenbarry; his maternal grandmother, Methel Coleman; and his step-grandmother, Jean Pruitt. He was preceded in death by his father, Eddie Weese.

Memorials may be made to his daughters’ Education Fund, care of Joan LeMaster. Please visit Eddie’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.