Edward Thrasher

He was a big man with eyes that twinkled and a soul that caressed you.Edward Thrasher died on Aug. 5, in his cabin on the lake in Big Bear, Calif., not far from where he and his sister, Marilyn, had played as children.Marilyn was Edward’s constant companion and caregiver during his last two years. She covered him with love and attention as only an angel could have.Edward was born in Los Angeles on March 7, 1932. He went to schools in Los Angeles and served in the Navy in the Pacific.He had a long, extraordinary career as director of art for Capital Records and then Warner Brothers. He created album covers and images that earned him a Grammy and 13 Grammy nominations. He photographed and had relationships with Frank Sinatra (Ed created the “Ol’ Blue Eyes” concept), Barbra Streisand, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, Nat King Cole (with Natalie as a child running around the set) and the Beach Boys, among many. He is to this day a legend in the business.Edward spent much of his early married life with his wife, Linda Gray, and their children, Jef and Kehly, on their ranch in Canyon Country, Calif. Edward then moved to Aspen and spent the next 20 years enjoying the fruits of his labor in retirement.In later years he divided his time equally between the mountains of Aspen and the warm weather (and golf) in the desert of La Quinta, Calif.Edward’s passion for life and gentleness touched us all, and we prided ourselves in being part of his world and his life. If kindness and compassion are godly virtues, then Edward must have been especially anointed.We can all speak knowingly of his unconditional love.We have savored it for a lifetime and will nurture it forever.Contributions in Ed’s memory may be made to the Aspen Music Festival and School, attention: Kat Berg, or to the Silver Lining Foundation, attention: Andrea Jaeger.