Obituary of Edwin V. Briggs

Wayland – Edwin V. Briggs, “Ed” – “Captain Ed” passed away early Sunday morning September 22, 2024 at the Livingston County Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mt. Morris. Ed was born August 10, 1935 in Naples the son of Lyle and Edith (Valentine) Briggs. He grew up in Naples, graduated from high school in 1953. Ed was active in high school as he was class president for 4 years, student council president, a member of FFA and attended Boys State. He also played baseball and basketball, and was a trumpet player in the high school band. Ed had a love and passion for music. He won singing contests as a young man and enjoyed calling square dances whenever he could. After high school he studied Mechanics at Alfred State. He worked on his grandfather’s farm as a young boy and fell in love with farming. He and his first wife, Ruth, purchased a dairy farm on Carney Hollow Road in Springwater, Briggane Farms, where they raised their four children Nancy, Jim, Julia and Barbara. Ed was active in 4H and took his children to show cattle at various county fairs. Everyone in the family had a job on the farm. Ed was a good teacher and instilled a good work ethic in his children. Ed’s love of music was carried on to his children. He encouraged them to “practice and work hard!” Music became an important part of their lives. Ed and Jerrie Zimmer Vose were married in 1985 and together have celebrated over 39 years of marriage. By now Ed had begun a career in construction and in 1987 he was the foreman for construction of the Keuka Maid Dinner Boat in Hammondsport. This was a significant accomplishment for Ed as he really took an interest in the project as a whole. After 1 year and 12 days it was completed. Upon completion he earned his Engineer and Captain’s License to pilot the Keuka Maid. He co-managed the company with his wife Jerrie and was Captain for 19 years prior to his retirement. Ed was a previous member of the Wayland United Methodist Church, participating on many committees, prayer groups, trustee and chorus member. He also participated in Community Theater. Ed enjoyed playing cards, camping, dancing, growing tomatoes and watching Buffalo Bills games. Ed was a caring, unselfish person that always had a smile and will be missed by all his family and friends. Ed was predeceased by his parents, Lyle and Edith Briggs; his daughter, Nancy Middleton; his siblings and in laws, Grace (Kenneth) Dillon, Rodney (Betty) Briggs, and Robert Smith. He is survived by his loving wife, Jerrie Briggs of Wayland; his children, James (Mary Last) Briggs of Wayland, Julia Davis of Wayland, Barbara (Brian) Smithers of Winter Garden, FL; his son in law, Tom Middleton of North Cohocton; his step son Casey Vose of Wayland; his grandchildren, Mikaela Middleton, Brian (Julia) Middleton, Daniel (Jessica) Middleton, Benjamin (Emily) Briggs, Molly (Terry) Vandelinder, Sarah (Michael) Converse, William Briggs (Emma Stappenbeck), Micah (Erica) Davis, Matthew (Miki) Davis, and Trina and Timothy White; 16 great grandchildren; his siblings, Jeanne Smith of Clifton Springs and Lauren (Barbara) Briggs of Big Flats; along with many nieces and nephews. Ed’s family and friends are invited to his funeral service on Sunday September 29, 2024 at 2:30pm at the Wayland United Methodist Church, 1 East Ave., Wayland. Interment will be at Wayland Village Cemetery at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to the family to assist with funeral expenses.