In Tribute: Ed Koren
By Michael Livingston, TSA Head of School 2006-20
In the fall of 2001 young Ben Koren, a TSA 8th grader, arrived for his first parent-teacher conference with TSA’s newest teacher Andrew Lane, then in his very first year on the job. By all accounts, the meeting went well. Ben admits to getting off the hook with more than he should have and left TSA that day with his father, Ed Koren, feeling perhaps a bit overconfident. Andrew also remembers that conference well, both because it was the very first of his teaching career and because at the time, he had absolutely no idea who Ed Koren was. And that’s just the way Ed wanted it.
Ed is known to many as one of the most distinguished and well-known cartoonists of his time. Having submitted well over 1000 pieces to the New Yorker alone over a remarkable 60-year career, Ed is a brilliant artist and social commentator. But he never wore it on his sleeve. Ed Koren’s genius was his ability to transform quirky human behavior into art that reflected our idiosyncrasies back to us. How many times have I found myself laughing at his work only to realize I was laughing at myself?
Part of Ed’s success was his ability to move seamlessly in the various communities he inhabited. A keen observer of human nature, he was also gregarious, thoughtful, considerate, and remarkably generous. As Ed’s reputation grew, his ego did not. He worked tirelessly over the details of each and every one of his illustrations and considered the wording of his captions with equally painstaking attention.
Ed Koren cared. He cared a lot. As much as he loved his art—and he was truly passionate about his work—he cared more about his family and his community. A conversation with Ed would easily lead to the mention of his 35+ years as a volunteer with the Brookfield Fire Department. Ed loved that work. It meant the world to him. He was constantly considering how to give back to the community and the state he loved so dearly.
Ed was a generous contributor to dozens of Vermont nonprofits and small businesses, including TSA. Ed’s instantly recognizable and unique artwork can be found on hundreds of T-shirts, coffee mugs, and tote bags. His generosity was legendary and he offered it with grace and goodwill that is an example for us all.
Over the past 25 years, Ed Koren was a huge supporter of The Sharon Academy. He offered his artwork up freely for auction at our annual galas, provided logos for capital campaigns, wrote positive notes for the interim playbill, co-led workshops for Chain Reaction Day, and was a spirited advocate for the school as he met with individuals and community members throughout the state.
Bright, funny, mischievous, and hard-working, Ed loved the outdoors. If he wasn’t cross-country skiing, he was riding his bike, running, or walking in the woods. The outdoors was his balm and it soothed him deeply.
Ed passed away in April after a multi-year battle with lung cancer. He worked on his art and continued, as his health allowed, to meet with good friends right up until his passing. As much as Ed Koren will be remembered for his remarkable artwork and social commentary, he will be cherished for the endearing friendships he nurtured and his commitment to the betterment of the state he so dearly loved. All of us who knew him at The Sharon Academy deeply miss him and will be forever grateful for his unflagging friendship and support.
