Nickolas William Edwards was born February 4, 1928 to his parents Mary Raftis and Aleck Nick Edwards of Pontiac, Michigan. In 1944 the family moved to Long Beach, California. Nick graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in 1946. He went to work full time with his father at Queen Beach Press. Later the company moved to its present location on Pine Avenue in Long Beach. His brother Bill Edwards joined the business in 1955. After their father retired the two brothers worked long days to build Queen Beach Printers into one of the largest printing companies in Long Beach. Nick would work 14 to 16 hours a day and never complained. He loved every minute of it. Nick was very active in the City of Long Beach as well. He served two terms as president of the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) and was a City of Long Beach Park Commissioner for one term. He loved Long Beach more than anyone could realize and talked as if he built it.

Nick was a faithful member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Long Beach and of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles. He took his children to church every Sunday. He taught them values and morals. Nick served on the Assumption Church Parish Council for many years and in later years he taught the high school Sunday school class. He served two terms as parish council president and held numerous offices serving with Father Nicholas Billiris, including parish council treasurer for several terms. He was a very compassionate individual who would help anyone who came to him. He gave his advice and help to many of his employees as well as friends. His booming loud voice and rough exterior just covered up his love for everyone. He was a true softie.

Nick met his wife Pamela Zarifes in 1953 at the Epiphany celebration. They were married on April 12, 1953 in the Long Beach Church.

Nick was a life member of the Long Beach AHEPA Chapter #342, initiated on April 6, 1948. He was a past chapter president, and served as District 20 Convention chairman many times for their annual conventions. He was a mainstay of AHEPA in the district, and attended many District and Supreme conventions throughout the years. He was editor of the District 20 newsletter the El Camino Real for many years, and in addition, oversaw the printing of it at Queen Beach Printers.

He will be remembered for his quick sense of humor and sharp business mind. Known to so many of our friends and family as Baboo, they all loved him. He could tell a story like no one else. His sense of humor was great. Nick loved having his daughters and grandchildren at his home every Sunday for a big dinner cooked by his Pammy. Nick was devoted to his wife Pamela, daughters Virginia (Brent), and Carole. He loved his grandchildren Christopher, Alexis, Matthew (Michelle) and Kellie plus his great grandson Jimi. The grandchildren are heartbroken as well. No one was ready for him to leave. He was predeceased by his son Aleck Edwards II in 1976. Nick worked his usual half day in the morning on the day he died. He wasn't ready to go, as he kept saying in the hospital, but his aorta ruptured and the Lord called him home. He wanted to see his mother and Aleck. We know they are together now with all of the family that have gone before him. He was a legend to us and a larger than life presence when he walked into a room. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Long Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Long Beach, 5761 E. Colorado Street, Long Beach, CA 90814.

Watch a eulogy that Nick gave for his sister-in-law Catherine Prineas on February 23, 2018: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa-0w9AiR_w

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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