Morro Bay's Citizen of the Year--Father Ed
Saturday January 26th, 2008 - 1:21:59 am
Dan Reddell Email

Saturday, Jan 26, 2008
Posted on Sat, Jan. 26, 2008
‘Father Ed’ is Morro Bay’s ever-present citizen
Sona Patel
The Rev. Edward Holterhoff has met scores of Morro Bay residents over the past decade.
He’s present at some of the best and worst times — weddings, funeral services, and blessings of fleets and new businesses in the seaside town.
As pastor of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, Holterhoff has left a lasting impression on those he meets. On Thursday, he was honored as the 2007 Morro Bay Citizen of the Year at a special dinner.
Holterhoff, known as “Father Ed,” was unable to attend the event, but chamber officials showed a video of a presentation made days before.
“Anything I do in Morro Bay is simply in my role as a priest,” Holterhoff said in the video after receiving the award.
His words resonated with local residents.
“He always had an uplifting message,” said Sharyn Young, the church’s office manager. “He encouraged people to come to church to be uplifted and to celebrate yourself and the community.”
Holterhoff, a New Jersey native, served as a pastor at a Santa Cruz church before coming to Morro Bay. He also served as director of Covenant House in New York, an adolescent care facility serving homeless, runaway and at-risk youth.
Among his most significant accomplishments since coming to Morro Bay is his participation in June in the AIDS/LifeCycle 545-mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Riders are asked to raise at least $2,500 in donations to participate, but they often raise more. Holterhoff raised more than $8,000, Young said.
And he never once had to ask for money, Young said. Residents gave him unsolicited donations.
Holterhoff is also active in the Central Coast Interfaith Voices for Justice, an eclectic band of local clergy promoting social justice.

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