Ed Jensen, long-time community activist
By: John Bispala 07/01/2009
Word reached the Camden News just before press of the death of Edward J. Jensen, a founder of this community paper in 1975. Jensen died on Monday, June 15. Jensen had been a charter board member and one of three incorporators along with Floyd Scott and Min Yoshida.
Besides faithfully attending all the board meetings before he retired, Ed was active as a startup person and ongoing participant in so many neighborhood organizations and his church, St. Bridget's. The Camden Area Community Concerns Council awarded him with a plaque "In recognition of 20 years of committed service" in 1994. Way back in those days, Jensen participated in efforts to save the Webber Library (still a familiar issue), to install the new swimming pool, the Damascus project and the housing fair.
Even more, Camden people will remember Ed Jensen as a vigorous supporter of the Showboat Days parade. Jensen served on the council for the Camden Planning District, the basis for our present seven Camden neighborhoods. Camden Fare Share was one of Ed's favorite activities, distributing groceries from Folwell Park each month. He was left a widower when his wife Rita died in 1993. Ed will be missed by family, friends and neighbors alike.