Edward Quest (1941–2024)
In Memoriam
Dr. Charles Edward Quest, professor emeritus of philosophy, died on December 28, 2024, at the age of 83.
Ed was born on May 7th 1941, in Louisville Kentucky during World War II. He grew up with his brother Bill and his two sisters, Libby and Barbara. In 1961, he met his wife Jane in Europe, where they were both studying at the University of Vienna. Their friendship led to courtship, which continued back in the States.
After Ed’s graduation from Duke University, he and Jane married and came to California. Ed earned his doctorate in philosophy at Claremont Graduate University, which underwent a massive expansion from 1966–1971 thanks in part a $5,000,000 Challenge Grant from the Ford Foundation. Upon graduation, Ed accepted a full professorship at Long Beach State University, and began doing what he did best—teaching philosophy. He loved ideas about rationality and ethics, and was fond of topics such as the morality of war, what deserves praise, and the meaning of happiness. His students have described him as thoughtful, decent, and lively. During his teaching career at LBSU, he published several well-received philosophical articles.
In addition to academics, Ed loved sports—especially baseball, basketball, and tennis—which was shared with his children. Oftentimes, he would fall asleep listening to the Lakers’ Chick Hearn and Dodgers’ Vin Scully. Most importantly, Dr. Quest was a loving husband to his wife, and a wonderful father to his children, Molly, Peter, Theodore, William, and Benjamin. He was “always there” for his family, be it tennis, music, soccer, or canoe trips. He also was a special grandfather to his grandchildren, Jonah, Andrew, Katherine, Charlie, Timothy, and Connor. His son Willy describes Ed as ‘the best father, the father you try to be when you become a father’. Ed is survived by his wife, five children, six grandchildren, brother, and two sisters. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jimmy Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Charles Edward Quest’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched, especially those of his wife and family, and the many students he taught. He will be deeply missed, but his respect for the beauty and truth he saw in the world will continue to inspire those who knew him.