Edward Ghiz, youngest brother in Arizona’s Paddock Pools dynasty, died suddenly on February 13 of natural causes. He was 57.
Edward Ghiz served as vice president of sales for new pool construction and remodeling at Paddock Pools, the historic Phoenix-based builder/retailer founded by his father, George.
Ghiz was the youngest of six children and got his start in the pool industry around the age of 12 when he began working at his father’s company, which was founded in 1958. Edward, along with his brothers, Buzz and David, continued running the family business after George’s death in 1988. Under the brothers’ direction, the company became something of an industry paragon and always competed for the number-one spot in one of the country’s most competitive markets.
“[He was] instrumental in helping Paddock grow to be one of, if not the largest privately owned pool builders and backyard specialty companies in the world,” said David Ghiz. “Competitors had no chance when Edward was involved with the sale.”
In 2005, the brothers sold the business, which has since closed after another change in ownership.
After leaving Paddock, Edward Ghiz started a short-lived pool construction company in Tucson, Ariz. He moved to Kerrville, Texas, and established Edward M. Ghiz Construction in 2014.
In his spare time, Edward enjoyed cheering for his beloved Dallas Cowboys and experiencing the joys of being a grandfather. He recently developed a love of riding Harley Davidsons with his wife and spending time in the picturesque Texas Hill Country of Central and South Texas.
“[He will be remembered for] his loving heart, personality, charisma and charm [that] positively impacted everyone he met — from family and friends to customers, employees and subcontractors,” David said.
Edward is survived by his wife, Kathryn Tesch Ghiz; sons David James (DJ) and Jonathan Michael; daughter-in-law Sharmayne Ghiz; and grandchildren Mason and Malaya. He also is survived by his brothers, George, Buzz and David, his sisters, Jazelle and Angelle, and their respective families.
Rebecca Robledo contributed reporting.
