Edward "Ed" Okie

Edward Joseph “Ed” Okie, 85, of Lake Wales, Florida, passed away on September 2, 2026. A writer, professional photographer, teacher, athlete, and lifelong adventurer, Ed believed that “Beauty is where you find it.”

Born February 4, 1941 in Fulton, New York, Ed was the son of John and Lillian (Tootell) Okoniewski both born in 1910, married 24 Oct 1931. Ed’s grandfather, Joseph one of six brothers, immigrants escaping Poland’s potato famine, poverty and Russia’s rath of attempted invasion. Immigrants in every sense of the word that unfortunately still prevails today, often we are all immigrants of type or stripe. Ed grew up in an area known for its heavy snowfall—nearly 200 inches a year. Perhaps in defiance of the weather, he became an avid competitive water skier and eventually a professional show skier at Cypress Gardens, the “World Capital of Water Skiing.” Being paid to ski under blue sky and puffy white clouds and smooth white beaches, surrounded by a bevy of sun-taned girls. Life was heaven sent. At that point of 26 years of age, his original intent was to ski for the winter and return home the next spring, settle down and “get a real job.” It was ten years later before his return visit to Fulton, New York.

Ed earned degrees in Industrial Technology and Mechanical Engineering and became a New York Statecertified teacher and Driver Education instructor. His college interest in photography developed into a lifelong profession. Before moving to Florida, he traveled throughout the country photographing college fraternity and sorority composites.

In Lake Wales, Ed was a longtime photographer and writer for the Daily Highlander, where his photographs appeared in the popular “Beauty Is Where You Find It!” feature. He also wrote the newspaper’s weekly stock-market column, “Monday Morning Quarterback.” He published newsletters for the Central Florida Striders runners’ club, the Lakeland runners’ club, and the Lake Wales first computer group. Another newsletter named “Inn Review” focused on Vermont’s North East Kingdom (NEK) when fashionable Country Inns were once a travel destination.

Ed enjoyed an active life. He played competitive tennis, was a city doubles champion, participated in and helped organize approximately 200 running events, and provided timing for high-school and college track meets. He was also an enthusiastic automobile and racing enthusiast, participating in race-car training for more than 20 years, including at Sebring International Raceway and the Formula 1 track in Austin, Texas with its 21 turns and especially challenging elevation changes.

He took great pride in the home and extensive landscape he created in his home being one the earliest homes in Country Oaks Subdivision. His creativity can be seen in the gardens, carriage house, gazebo, and other handcrafted features.

Ed is survived by his wife of 47 years, Virginia Ewing (Hustead) Okie; his brother, Robert John Okoniewski; nephew Bobby Okoniewski and his wife, Kathy; and four grandnieces and grandnephews and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

Ed lived life with curiosity, creativity, humor, and a willingness to take on the next challenge. In keeping with his love of automobiles, he preferred this final request:

“In lieu of flowers, tune up your car and check the air pressure in your tires.”

He has now moved on to the next place where he can find beauty.