Ed was born in Perry, Oklahoma where his father was a sheriff in the Oklaho­ma Territory. He starred in football, basketball and wrestling at the University of Oregon where he graduated in 1925. He came to Medford in 1930 as an assistant to Darwin Burgher in football and basketball and headed the wres­tling program until 1947. From 1950 to 1956 he was director of physical education at Moses Lake High School in Washington.

Ed came back to the valley and was assistant football and head wrestling coach at Crater High School in Central Point from 1960-1963. He retired from Crater and went to St. Mary’s in Medford from 1965 to 1974 as assistant football coach under Bill McKibbin and Larry Walker. Ed’s greatest contribution to the youth he coached and loved were the examples of courage, integrity and fair play he set for them. He was tough but fair, had a deep knowledge of the sports he coached and worked tirelessly to help the least of them. Ed’s oft quoted motto was “7 pats on the back for every kick in the butt!”

Telegrams read at his 65th surprise birthday party say it best. Bob Newland wrote: “I know of no one who has contributed more to the youth of Medford. You have left in the hearts and minds of the Men of Medford those qualities that make men leaders of today, tomorrow and for years to come. In all my coaching years I still remember the many inspirational things that you contributed and these have served as guides in my coaching career.”  Bill Bowerman: “I join the Men of Medford in expressing deep appreciation for all we owe you the athletic successes, the contributions to character and the many other things that made boys into men”. Leonard Mayfield: ”The best book on qualifications of a master teacher has not been written. When it is, those rare and splendid characteristics of tonight’s honored guest will be described. He is one of the most outstanding teachers I have ever worked with. We need more teachers like him who not only possess the know-how but will give of their time to shape boys into men. May I join you in a toast to your friend and mine – Ed Kirtley – a person who will always stand tall in our memories as a maker of men.”