Errol Douglas Edmonston

Racine – Errol Douglas Edmonston, affectionately known to all as “Tiny”, passed away peacefully and painlessly on January 21, 2014, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.  Tiny was born in Racine on September 16, 1941, son of the late Gordon and Margaret (nee: Oremovich) Edmonston.

Tiny leaves to cherish his memory, his children, Douglas Edmonston, Mishelle Edmonston-Sienko, Scott (Monica) Edmonston, Randall Edmonston; grandchildren, Nichole Eckhoff, Christopher (Katie) Eckhoff, Danielle Sienko, Bradly Edmonston, Brianna Edmonston, Raven Schatz, Randie Edmonston; great-grandchildren, Savannah Green, Antonio Jackson, Kyvyn Jackson, Kennedy Eckhoff; siblings, Carol (James) Hansen, Ronald Edmonston, Pamela Kratochvil, Anne (Michael) Cundari, Oliver Johnson, Gerald Johnson, and Elizabeth (Ed Carpino) Johnson.

As a child, Tiny began working part-time at J&W Bowling as a pin setter, while also singing in the school choir at Mitchell Middle School.  Upon graduating, he worked for the Wisconsin State Correctional Institutions as a disc jockey.  In his teen years, Tiny began to teach himself to play the guitar and thus began his love of music.  In 1962, at the age of 21, he played his first professional engagement at Ted & Hazel’s Lounge in Franksville, WI.  In the following year, Tiny joined a group called “The Drifters”.  From 1967 until 1969, he was with the band, “The New Dawn”, where he made an album called Evening in Paradise With The New Dawn.  In was in 1969 that he met J.D. Harper who became a lifelong friend and together they became “The Entertainers”.  He left the music scene for a short time in 1978 and upon his return began “The J.D. Harper Band” where he would meet longtime friend, Richard “Ace” Pramer.

Throughout his music career, Tiny remained a member of the International Union Painters and Allied Trades Local 108.  He worked many years for Postorino Decorating in the Racine area.  In 1983, Tiny moved to Tucson, AZ, while still employed with Postorino and joined the band, “TJ Canyon”.

Upon returning to his roots in 1993, although no longer actively in a band, his love for music continued.  His collection of LP’s was always handy and his collection of many guitars remained at his fingertips whenever he got the urge.   Tiny chose his journey in life through music.  In his death, he chose to end that amazing journey in the same manner.

Tiny requested to forgo a traditional funeral with people mourning his death, and opted instead for a celebration of his musical journey.  Ace Pramer has arranged for Tiny’s former bandmates and friends to make this request possible.  A celebration of Errol “Tiny” Edmonston will be held at Hiawatha Bar in Sturtevant, WI, on Friday, February 21, 2014, 7:00pm, with food, drinks, and of course Tiny’s first love – MUSIC.

Memorials and sympathy cards can be sent to the family by care of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory.  All memorials received will be donated in Tiny’s name to the American Cancer Society.