Brian Addess

1945 - 2026

Ed was born on December 8, 1945 in Bratislava Czechoslovakia to Eva and Simon Adamek. Peter, Ed’s brother followed 3 years later and due to World War II, their parents and maternal grandparents immigrated to Australia to get a better life.
Unfortunately, Ed & Peter lost their mother in 1961, she was 39 when Ed was only 15, however they had each other and was brought up by their maternal grandmother who Ed & Peter adored, playing such an important part in their lives.
After his mother’s death in 1961, Ed at 16 years was sent to The Hebrew Theological College in Illinois to join his cousin George who was not only his cousin but closest friend and travel companion, to study Judaism.
In 1967, war broke out in Israel and with 2 friends, Peter & Jeff, he set off to volunteer in Israel. This experience was a highlight in Ed’s life and memories that always brought a smile to his face. He remained close to all his friends which he called the “Betar Crew” all his life including Eve, Jules, Roz & Zvi.
1968 was a memorable year for Ed, confronting the Nazis in the Domain where he was charged with resisting arrest and assaulting police – he always denied the resisting arrest! That same night, after getting out of prison, he had been invited by a close friend to his sisters’ 21^st. Ed always considered himself a ladies’ man, so, with a stitched eye from the brawl he got a date from his little black book and arrived at the party. Sitting across from him at the table was Estelle, he was smitten and according to Ed he didn’t sleep for a week thinking about her. They met up again, and as Estelle always said it was ‘beishet’, he proposed after the third date.
Ed & Estelle married in 1970 and lived a life full of adventure that most only dream of. Ed at this time worked with Estelle’s father Lou in the factory, where Lou owned the business and Estelle ran the business. Lou treated Ed as a son not a son-in-law. Ed adored Lou and they were very close and it was Lou who encouraged him to engage with Rotary which was the beginning of many years working for different charities. Ed then got a job in real estate which was the beginning of building a secure life and excelled at what he did. However, Ed & Estelle shared a love of travel and by this stage Brett & Jason had been born so in 1975 they set off for London and Europe, bought a campervan and travelled for a year. In 1978, it was time to go again and Marion joined them in Rome and it was this trip that Ed & Estelle fell in love with Corfu which remained one of their favourite places all their lives. Ed loved being in England with Estelle’s family as they embraced him from the moment they met him. Ed described the Nortman/Zilesnick/Yudinsky families inclusive, sharing a close relationship with all the Aunts, Uncles & Cousins never feeling like an outsider - he was one of them!
On return to Australia, Ed & Peter decided to build a family business. Ed & Peter engaed in numerous business endeavours. Ed only trusted his brother when it came to business and they made the perfect pair each having their distinct qualities.
Ed had a love for boats, cars (which he changed all the time), motorcycles and holiday homes in the Blue Mountains where he often caught up with Timmy. He loved his Harley Davidson and cherished riding with his mates George Senes, Sandro and David Spiro. Estelle & Ed became friends ith a Bike Gang who fell in love with them. The Gang nicknamed him Bear, although Marion teased him stating he was more like a “teddy bear”. Ed & Estelle went for a bike ride across America which was another highlight of their lives meeting so many people who instantly fell in love with both of them not believing they were great-grandparents. Ed loved that Brett and Jason loved travel and motorbikes like himself. Over the years Ed & Estelle often travelled to meet Brett & Maria in Spain which gave them such joy.
Dad was a member of the Royal Motor Yacht Club for 45 years and became Rear Commodore, then Vice Commodore then Commodore roles which he was so proud of.
Ed & Estelle had a huge involvement in working for charitable organizations and were and believed in giving back just like Estelle’s parents, Lou & Gertie. These included Rotary, Welfare Rights, Wayside Chapel, Family Drug Support and was on the Board for the Injecting room at Kings Cross.
Ed identified as a grumpy old man who hated woke, people who were not critical thinkers, social media, text messages and those who were not able to engage effectively in world affairs. He loved to debate and held opinions thinking he was always right. Ed was in fact incredibly well read, with a phenomenal memory and able to tell people all about historical facts. He loved Israel and his Jewish roots often attending shiur at Chabad giving his opinion and interpretations challenging all the time.
In January 2021, he lost the love of his life Estelle and although he did his best to get out, it was never the same as she was his rock. Tragedy struck for him again in 2023 when Jason died, which impacted him on so many levels.
However, Ed had family……… Marion & Les, Brett & Maria and eight grandchildren Dhani, Doron, Domino, Tahlia, Myah, Elijah, Ethan & Shai. Ed & Estelle were blessed to see Dhani, Doron & Domino married so Pratigya, Ben & Jess just adding to the grandchildren. Ed & Estelle were able to share 5 great-grandchildren, Jayden, Mason, Cruz & Harlow however Ed was fortunate to gain 4 additional great-grandchildren with Piper, Remi, Macie & Reggie. Ed also loved Tom, Tahlia’s partner.
Ed loved shabbat dinner at Marion’s every Friday night and got joy from watching Jayden, Mason, Cruz, Harlow & Piper say the Brachas. Ed was fortunate to see the Barmitvah of Jayden and felt immense pride to watch him on the bimah reciting his parsha. Ed told Marion he was so proud of her children and grandchildren that it meant so much to have them constantly there, daily calls and weekly time together, especially after Estelle’s death which gave him a sense of not being alone over the last 5 years. Ed also loved the time spent with Tahlia, Tom, Myah and the children. Life led the family down different paths, and while Ed didn’t have much contact with Elijah, Ethan & Shai, they were still very much a part of his story.
It is difficult to summarize Ed’s life in such a short amount of time and mention everyone he knew that mean so much. Ed had a full life and had a kind heart, generous to all those around him. He will be missed by all who knew him, however his family and friends can be comforted knowing he is now with the love of his life Estelle……what an amazing ride!