Edward Webb Engs III

Dec 22, 1929 - March 15, 2021

Edward Webb Engs, III, better known as Ted, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, at his home in Pasadena, California on March 15, 2021. He was 91 years of age.

Ted was born in Oakland, California to Edward Webb Engs, Jr. and Eleanita Rawlings Engs on December 22, 1929. He attended Piedmont High School followed by four years at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and in 1952, captain of the Cal Men’s Golf team. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and entered Officer Candidate School in Aberdeen, Maryland to become a 2nd Lieutenant. Following a tour of duty in Japan, he returned to Cal and earned an MBA in 1955. Ted maintained a life-long love of and commitment to Cal.

Ted married Joyce Aloyse Gabelman in May of 1956 and lived in Piedmont, California, where they raised three children.

His business career began in late 1955, when he joined his father in the heavyduty truck business, as a Diamond T truck dealer in San Francisco. The trucking business was expanding and Engs Motor Truck Company became the third appointed Peterbilt Truck distributor in 1958. The Southern California territory for Peterbilt became available in 1970 and Engs Motor Truck Co. was awarded the franchise that totaled eight California counties and Southern Nevada. Ted moved his family to Southern California in 1971 and built a large facility in Pico Rivera including three additional service outlets in neighboring counties. In 1978, Engs Motor Truck Co. became Peterbilt’s largest dealer. In 1989, for Peterbilt’s 50th anniversary, Engs Motor Truck Co. was celebrated as dealer of the year.

A passionate student of the game and competitor, Ted loved golf. While serving in Northern Japan, Ted won the Far East Golf Championship in 1954. At his home course, Claremont, his notable awards included winning the President’s Cup, 3 years in a row, and Club Championship, in 1962. Other life-long passions were duck hunting and fly fishing for trout and steelhead on streams in the Western US. Ted would often visit Belize for the challenge of stalking and hooking bonefish and tarpon. Over the years, Ted also enjoyed weekends with family and friends at his beloved beachside residence in Carpinteria.

Ted is survived by his wife Jakie, of 65 years, his three children, Christianne E. Dimitri, Frances H. Baker, and Edward W. Engs, IV, six grandchildren, one greatgrandchild, and his sister, Eleanor Hilken.

A private, family memorial will be held. In lieu of flowers, it is the family’s wish that donations in his memory be directed to:

The John Dimitri Research Foundation for Congenital Heart Disease 9903 Santa Monica Blvd, #3400 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 www.johndimitriheartfoundation.org or, a charity of your choice.