Edward Sengel IV

The Epic Life of Edward William Sengel IV: A Story Worth Telling

Born on August 9, 1971, in Edmonds, Washington, Edward William Sengel IV came into this world with a spark in his eye and a passport practically in hand. The son of Danielle McGrew Sengel and Dr. Edward William Sengel III, Edward was raised on the move - an "Army brat" who called seven places home before he even tossed a high school graduation cap into the air. His childhood, a whirlwind of geography and discovery, would shape the man he would become: a seeker, a teacher, a wanderer, and above all, a devoted father.

From the early days, Edward stood out - not just for being one of the smartest kids in the class or for his knack on the soccer field, but for his insatiable hunger for the next big challenge. Whether learning another language (we lost count at 3 beyond English) or chasing the horizon in a new town, Edward was always in motion, always learning, always leading..

Over the course of his life, he collected states/countries like some collect coins-Washington, Missouri, Germany, Texas, Indiana, South Korea, Hawaii, Idaho, Japan, Hungary, Austria, New Mexico-each place leaving its mark, each place gaining a story. And oh, the stories. Anyone who met Edward knew the tales - wild, unbelievable, sprawling accounts of adventures across the globe. Some thought they were exaggerated. But those who knew him best knew better. Most of it was true. The rest? Well, it was probably true too - we just couldn't keep up.

Professionally, Edward lived many lives. He was a forester, a teacher, a business consultant, an author, and a business owner. He directed cruises, coached basketball, managed companies, ran an English academy, swung clubs as a golf pro, and stirred pots as a cook and chef. His résumé reads like a novel, but none of it was fiction. Every line was lived, fully and without reservation.

And yet, for all the lives he lived, the greatest of them all was as "Dad." His daughters, Marieann Hibiki Sengel and Rose Bella Sengel, were the center of his universe. No title - no job, no award, no passport stamp-meant more to him than being their father. He poured into them his time, his energy, his wisdom, and his wild love for life. They were, and always will be, his greatest accomplishment.

Edward's mind never rested. Formally, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry Management from Washington State University and a Master of Education in Technology Innovation from Walden University. Informally, he was a student of everything- devouring books, ideas, the most cutting-edge info, arguments, and dreams. His education was lifelong and his curiosity infinite.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Edward William Sengel III (US Army LtC ret); his grandparents, Maj. Daniel Rutherford McGrew, Medreth Murilda McGrew, Willie Marie Parks Lord, and Edward William Sengel Jr; and his uncle, Clifton Murdoch Parker.

He leaves behind a loving family and a legacy that spans continents: his brilliant daughters, Marieann and Rose; his devoted mother, Danielle Sengel; his little sister, Dr. Samantha Sengel; his nephew, Collis Edward Bousliman; and his niece, Elle Sengel Bousliman; his aunt, Norma Francell Parker, and his many beautiful cousins. And he leaves behind countless friends, students, coworkers, and fellow travelers who are all richer for having crossed his path.

Edward's life defies summary. It was too big, too colorful, too full of purpose and poetry. But if you knew him, you knew this: he never met a stranger, he made life an adventure, and he made sure you were invited along for the ride.

So here's to Edward William Sengel IV-a man who lived like a legend, loved like a father, and left behind stories that will outlast us all.

A celebration in honor of Edward and his great life lived will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Edward can be made to the Sengel Family Scholarship at the CNM Foundation at www.cnm.edu/foundation.