Obituary of Edmund Vincent Rice

Edmund Vincent Rice, 73, of Herndon, VA passed away from complications of Multiple Myeloma December 15, 2019 at Reston Hospital Center. Born May 18, 1946 in Washington, D.C., Ed was a son of the late Edward Vincent and Sara Rice. Following high school, he attended Belmont Abbey College then Virginia Commonwealth University. His education was interrupted by U.S. Army service in Vietnam. Assigned to Army intelligence, he saw combat then was later happily stationed in Italy. While there he took up snow skiing as well as gained an admiration for Italian design. Following his Army enlistment, Ed finished his degree in English Literature at VCU. During his multifaceted work history, Ed was employed as a hospital orderly, respiratory therapy technician and, later, medical salesman. The last 28 years before retiring, he filled various roles for the Fairfax County government including social worker and environmental inspector. Despite multiple serious health challenges along the way, he remained largely employed full time. Ed was admired by co-workers, several of whom have become lifelong friends. But Ed’s true passion began with two wheels and a motor exemplified by the dozens of motorcycles and roadsters he acquired over his life. He loved the winding two-lane road leading to another top-down adventure, accompanied by a soundtrack of classics from the 60’s and 70’s. Ed also acquired an admiration for the simple life and culture of the Thai people and took many extended visits to Thailand. He was enthralled by the natural world, deriving joy from encounters with animals during long trail walks and boating excursions on the Potomac River with close friends. Quick witted and articulate, Ed charmed women young and old. His generous personality and non-judgmental empathy touched so many who knew and now miss him. Ed is survived by his brother Donald Baker Rice (Crystal) of Lawrenceville, GA, sister Sheila Jean Rice of Gulfport, FL, nieces Adrian Rice, Melody Rice Adler and nephew Jeremy Rice. Additionally, lifelong friends Bob and Pat Leisy, Bobby and Juree Dittmann. Inurnment is to be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be determined. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice