A Legacy Built on Craftsmanship and Community

Honoring the lives and impact of Edward and Shirley Bews

Their Story

The foundation was established in honor of Edward and Shirley Bews, who passed away in 2016 and 2014. Their lives were defined by hard work, partnership, and a lasting impact on the communities they helped shape.

Edward discovered a passion for woodworking in high school before joining the Navy in 1945 at just 18 years old, where he served for two years. After returning home, he began working at Idaho First National Bank in Boise—where he met Shirley Walker. The two were married in 1950, beginning a lifelong partnership both personally and professionally.

Ed and Shirley Bews portrait, both dressed formally, against a dark background.
Civil engineering land survey map showing a subdivision plan for Ed Bews Subdivision in Boise, Idaho, with lot boundaries, dimensions, and annotations for streets, lots, and utilities.

Building a Life Together

In 1953, Ed and Shirley built their first home, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in real estate development. Over the next 60 years, they built a thriving commercial and residential business, working side by side every step of the way.

Alongside their business partner, Burt Smith, they developed numerous communities throughout the Boise and Meridian area, including:

  • Bridgetower

  • Boulder Creek

  • Ironwood

  • The Legends

  • Bayhill Springs

  • Edgeview Estates

  • Meridian Manor

  • Capital Manor (East & West)

  • Jackson Manor

  • Fairmont Park

  • Owyhee Manor

  • Linda Vista Manor

  • San Fernando Park

  • Cole Haven

Expanding Their Impact

In addition to residential development, Ed and Shirley built and owned several commercial properties throughout Boise, including:

  • Cole Village

  • Fairview Plaza

  • Cloverdale Storage

  • Ten Mile Storage

Their work helped shape the growth and character of the Treasure Valley for generations.

Five colorful hot air balloons floating in the sky above a green landscape and rolling hills in the Treasure Valley of Idaho.

Life Beyond Work

Beyond their professional accomplishments, Ed and Shirley embraced life fully. Ed enjoyed fishing trips in Alaska and Canada, and traveling to their homes in Scottsdale and McCall. Shirley was a life long member of First Christian Church on University Boulevard in Boise. She loved cats, horses and John Wayne. Together they were passionate supporters of the athletics programs at Shirley’s alma mater, Boise State University.

Their legacy is not only found in the communities they built, but in the lives they touched and the values they embodied.