05/01/2025
Ed Hallman—affectionately known to many of us as Bugs. As I reflect on our time together, I am reminded of Ed’s passion for fitness and the incredible impact he had on everyone around him.
Ed was a true champion of health. I’ll never forget our first encounter in that group fitness class. There he was, tackling dips, butterfly sit-ups, and barbell bench presses with a determination that was truly inspiring. At 78 years old, he showed us all what it meant to embrace life fully and to be courageous enough to continue taking fitness classes. His enthusiasm for working out wasn’t just about the physical exertion; it was about the community he fostered and the encouragement he gave to those around him.
He inspired so many people, including me. As one of my first patients during chiropractic school, Ed offered me invaluable lessons on resilience and strength—not just in the gym, but in life. He built me up in ways that I will forever be grateful for, and his wisdom was timeless.
We shared so many memories together, not just in the gym but also in life. We mourned losses side by side, and those moments brought us closer. I’ll always cherish our epic bear hugs, which we shared in secret. If you’ve never bear hugged and wrestled with someone, I highly recommend it; it’s a beautiful way to connect and celebrate friendship.
Ed loved telling stories, and he had a knack for making even the smallest moments feel significant. He often spoke of his beloved family—his wife Peggy and his sons, Candler, who lives in Japan, and Radd, who lives in California—with such pride and love. He filled my heart with warmth when he shared those stories, and I felt fortunate to be part of his life. My own family is not close by, and in many ways, Ed and I filled that void for each other during tough times.
He would often quip, “I’m glad that you’re 40 years younger than me because there’s a good chance I won’t lose another friend.” Now, as I stand here in this moment of profound loss, I feel the weight of that statement more than ever. Losing Ed is a heart-wrenching reality, and I know many of you share in this grief.
Today, we remember Ed.
