Ed Hunt was born Batavia Illinois on April 19, 1918. He was a vibrant man, assertive and energetic. A musician, an entertainer, a business person and above all a visionary. Ed made things happen. Ed was a military veteran, he was especially proud of his tenure, his time served as a nose gunner in the Army during World War II. After his Honorable Discharge he became active in veterans affairs and joined the VFW and several other veterans organizations.
In 1988, at the age of seventy, Ed, a diabetic with blood pressure and heart problems suffered a stroke that hospitalized him for three months and left the entire left side of his body paralyzed. During his recovery, Ed attempted to visit the ocean, his favorite place to relax. Much to his dismay he was unable to get to the water or even see it. The only way for him to achieve his desire, was to have his relatives and friends carry him, wheelchair and all. He became intrigued with the idea of building a pathway to the ocean to provide access for people that use wheelchairs and walkers. He turned the dream into reality. His vision, perseverance, tenacity and directives paid off. That coupled with the support of his friends and the City of Oxnard, was the foundation for "Rehab Point Project" a nonprofit corporation. A major obstacle in creating the path was obtaining funding. Hunt personally contributed funds and then solicited donations and enlisted the assistance of local contractors, the City of Oxnard and a U.S. Naval Construction Battalion located in the area. In 1992 a 70 foot concrete pathway and 20 foot oval pad was were completed. Ed wasn't finished yet. He approached community members, friends and numerous organizations for donations to finance additional improvements to the walkway. The effort paid off, the path was extended and curves around the sand dunes at the beach. Many benches complete with dedication plaques were placed along the path. He also designed and installed a runway of plastic mats that were placed on the sand, making it possible for wheelchairs to roll down to the waters edge.
Ed's health deteriorated drastically. His entire life became dedicated to promoting the path and making life richer for people with disabilities. His usual cry of "Promote, Promote, Promote," was heard time and again as he inspired and directed people around him. Ed died in 1998 from massive and debilitating health problems, but his spirit stays alive in the organization he created. Roy Chambers, President of the organization and Gabe Gabrielson, co-founder, with the support of other veterans, family and friends are keeping the dream, now a reality alive. They are progressing with improvements and social programs based on the instructions of their friend and comrade. Palm trees, monuments and social activities have been added to the path and oceanside park. Most recently adjustments in the form of concrete extensions to the path, areas that can hold wheelchair accessible picnic tables are in the process of being approved. Donations from the VFW both national and the State of California, have paid for the construction and placement of the first two tables on the path. Ed fought for his country, his freedom and the rights of everyone around him. He was a Champion for people with disabilities and a friend to all.
"Ed has proven that people with disabilities can, and do, make a difference."
