Ed “Eddie” Cohn, 74, former tire dealer and longtime executive director of the California Tire Dealers Association – South, passed away Feb. 8.

He was born in 1935 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and moved with his parents to California when he was 3 years old. Cohn attended Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles and graduated in 1953. After serving in the Marine Corps, he graduated from Cal. State and joined his father in 1958 in Cohn’s Tire.

Cohn built the Southern California branch of the California Tire Dealers Association into a strong organization, focusing on recruiting independent tire dealers. He paid close attention to the CIWMB (now CalRecycle) and its tire programs that are funded with the fee charged on the sale of new tires.

Cohn had a national reputation, and was prominent every year at the SEMA Show. He possessed a lively writing style in his monthly association publication.
 
Up until recently when he suffered some health setbacks, Cohn was an advocate for his association members, and organized fundraising events such as the annual Day at the Races, basketball and golf tournaments, and his friendly (and legal) lottery.
 
Cohn is survived by his wife of 48 years, Lorraine. And their four children.