Edward VanDyke, corporate executive, restaurateur, museum owner and mentor to many, died Aug. 4 at a hospital in Scottsdale. The untimely death of VanDyke, 69, robs the community of one of its brightest stars.

VanDyke is remembered as an expert in history in general and African American history in particular. He is also remembered as a man who wanted to be judged by performance, refusing to accept race as either a crutch or a barrier to his success. This was witnessed by the diverse crowd that came to pay their last respects in Scottsdale.

Ed, as he was called, was born in Chicago on December 29, 1940. He attended St. Elizabeth Grammar and High School and Kennedy King College. He was a 25-year employee with the Altria Corporation ascending to the position of Vice President of Human Resources. His career path to him to various parts of the country and he would learn as much as he could about the area in which he lived.

Ed loved all sports and supported whatever teams were in the area where he was living. He owned Edward's Restaurant in Scottsdale. Ed was very knowledgeable about history, which led to his founding of the African American Multicultural Museum, which is also located in Scottsdale.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Kay Ellen (Goodman); son, Derek Michael, (San Diego, Calif); daughters, Sylvia Renee (Horace) Neysmith (Norcross, Geo.), Ellen Kay (Gregory) Bell of (Danbury Conn); six grandchildren, one brother, one aunt, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives too numerous to mention.

He was a Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Eagle Scout. He learned the importance of performing service projects and volunteering in the community in order to obtain his badges. These activities made him want to volunteer and perform service projects for the rest of his life.

Geneva Crawford, a family friend said, “Ed was one of the brightest lights spiritually that I have ever encountered, he will always have a place in my heart.”

Ed was very instrumental in bringing a traveling exhibition featuring the history of African-Americans to St. Patrick Parish in Scottsdale in 2008.

The exhibition, “America I AM,” was a multi-sensory experience with artifacts, text, video, music and an interactive opportunity.

“It brought history out to educate people,” said Isaiah “Kit” Marshall, Director of the Diocesan Office of Black Catholic Ministry. “It’s really the history of African-Americans and America, bringing relics and materials from every period of our country’s history. The unique thing is that it’s interactive.”

Ed’s wife, Kaye, co-founder of the museum and the Board members of the African American Multicultural Museum will continue to keep his legacy alive by moving forward with his dream of making the Museum a destination for learning about Multicultural and African American history.
Donations may be made to the African American Multicultural Museum, in care of 11259 E. Via Linda #100-159, Scottsdale, AZ  85259.

To learn more about the museum or info on becoming an active Board Member visit aammuseum.org or call 480-314-4400.