Edward Lynn Chesnik

We are heartbroken to share the passing of Edward Lynn Chesnik on August 20, 2025, in Grand Junction, Colorado. Ed was killed doing what he loved-- riding his Harley in the cool evening air. His life was filled with love, compassion and kindness, he never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone.

Ed was born on August 5, 1987, to Chuck Chesnik and Janice Jacobs Chesnik and his big sister Katie. From day one he was a showman and loved a good laugh. He went to Elementary, Middle and High School in Paonia, Colorado. He was an athlete from the time he could throw a ball. Ed was a catcher and linebacker for the Eagles and went on to play football for the Mavericks in Grand Junction, Colorado while going to college. Ed was a member of 4-H where he showed pigs and sheep.

At a very young age Ed started running heavy equipment for his family’s business and got to work in the mountains of Colorado that would always be his true home. In 2017 the allure of big kid money and the oil field called his name, and he packed up his dog, his truck and his camper to work in Texas and New Mexico. Although he needed the fast pace and money the oil field provided, he always headed north at the end of his hitch to come home to his mountains. His motto was to be humble, be kind and always be the hardest worker in the room.

Ed had a passion for body building and fitness. His dedication to looking good and being healthy were a lifelong habit. He loved clothes, and there was not a good western ware or athletic store that Ed did not know by name. His closet overflowed with jeans, t-shirts, shoes, and fancy western shirts.

When he wasn’t working, you could find Ed cheering on a Dallas Cowboys game or getting outside to 4-wheel, hunt, or play an intense game of fetch with his yellow lab Gus. Ed loved to cook and was constantly looking for the next best kitchen gadget. A few weeks ago, Ed’s newest purchase was a Ninja Creami and he looked forward to making some Oreo Ice Cream. He lived with a spirit of adventure and the heart of a lion.

Ed loved people no matter their age and was the first to sit down and listen to an old-timer spin a yarn, or a kid talk about their dreams. He made no judgements about economic or social status; all people were equal in his eyes. For Ed human kindness was common practice and yes ma’am or no sir along with opening doors was a sign of respect.

He had a relationship with God and believed that we would all see each other again. As a constant reminder to himself he had his favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13 tattooed on his rib cage. For Ed, he knew that no matter the struggle or obstacle we have an opportunity to make it through and find happiness with the love and support of Christ. The tattoo saying, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” instructed him that life on earth is limited, and you need to make every minute count.

Ed leaves behind his mother, Janice Chesnik of Paonia, CO, his sister Katie Sinclair, brother-in-law Jim Sinclair, and nephew Matthew Sinclair of Wellington, CO and his lab Gus. Ed was preceded in death by his father, Chuck Chesnik, beloved Lab Ace, and Border Collie Babe. Ed was also proceeded in death by the two men that gave him his name, Edward Pickens and Authur Lynn Beavers.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 3rd from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Taylor Funeral Service, 682 1725 Road, Delta, CO 81416.

A memorial service and dinner will be held on Saturday, September 6th, starting at 11:00 at Heritage Hall, Delta County Fairgrounds, S 4th Street, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Following the service and dinner, we will head to the Jacobs Family Ranch for burial.

Ed was not a flower guy and instead of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Ed’s name to the Ed Chesnik Memorial Fund, in care of United Business Bank, 102 E Bridge Street, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. The money will be used to help fund a scholarship for athletes or young people pursuing a trade.

Though his achievements were many, Ed’s greatest legacy is the love, laughter, and mentorship he shared with family, friends, and all those who crossed his path. His life was a vivid reminder to live boldly, love deeply, and cherish every day.