Edward “Eddie” Leroy Ventsam, 77, a Vietnam veteran, former resident of Hutchinson and longtime resident of Costa Rica, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Hospice House in Hutchinson, KS. He was with loved ones in his final days.
Ed was born February 26, 1947, the eldest and only son of Marvin “Barney” and Ila Maurine (Burden) Ventsam. He graduated from Haven High in 1965 and attended Hutchinson Community College and Kansas State University. He ran cross country track, was a big brother to his sisters and spent summers doing construction work. He could build and design just about anything– a trade he learned from his dad and grandfather. In 1967, he enlisted in the US Army where he served in Vietnam before being honorably discharged in 1973. He returned to Haven, married, and had one daughter, Samantha Ventsam. He spent much of his adult life in Haven and Hutchinson until he relocated to Costa Rica.
He was a very proud and supportive dad and grandpa. He loved his sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was blessed with deep friendships– many spanning his entire life– and all with a full stock of memories and stories to tell. Ed loved to fish, cook, read, play pitch at the VFW, grow plants, landscape, listen to tunes and watch football and basketball. He was up for just about anything. Ed was highly intelligent, creative and possessed a keen understanding of people. Sometimes he had a lot to say, but more often he would sum it up in a few poignant words. He had his own brand of wit, yet also a deep sensitivity for those he loved.
Ed spent the last 15 years in Costa Rica. He lived a life he loved in a beautiful climate where he could enjoy blue water fishing, coastal trips, sunsets, cold beers and barefeet. He grew gorgeous plants and orchids, cooked, baked and enjoyed strong coffee and morning visits from hummingbirds at his home in San Jose.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Gloria Ventsam. He is survived by his daughter, Samantha Ventsam and grandson, Zane Stewart of Olathe, KS; three sisters, Jeanette (Ed) Ladd of Hutchinson, KS, Diane (Mike) Krone of Geneseo, KS, and Dena (Jim) Kirkman of Mt. Hope, KS.
Arrangements and care entrusted to Hutchinson Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Next January, when the fishing conditions are arguably the best, we will take our dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend to sea on his final fishing trip in Quepos, Costa Rica. Eric Clapton’s “Layla”will be the leading track.