Kelso School District mourns the passing and honors the life and legacy of Coach Ed Laulainen, a beloved teacher, mentor, and coach whose legacy has shaped generations of Hilanders.
For more than three decades, Ed dedicated his life to Kelso High School, teaching and coaching with a passion that extended far beyond the field. Over 34 years as an educator and 25 years as head football coach, he built a program that inspired excellence, unity, and perseverance. His teams achieved an extraordinary 182-69-1 record and a 72% winning percentage, highlighted by Kelso’s 1983 State Championship, two state semi-final appearances, ten quarter-final appearances, and nine league titles. He was honored eight times as League Coach of the Year and was named Washington State Interscholastic Boys Coach of the Year and Associated Press State Football Coach of the Year in 1984. In 2013, Kelso Stadium was named in his honor — a permanent testament to his impact.
Ed’s influence reached well beyond football. He coached wrestling for 17 years, served as both head and assistant baseball coach, and founded Kelso Youth Football in 1973, ensuring opportunities for young athletes to grow in character and skill. His tireless leadership extended statewide, serving on the Washington State Coaches Association Executive Board for over 40 years, including three as president. He also served 32 years as a representative to the WIAA Executive Board.
His achievements earned him induction into numerous halls of fame, including R.A. Long High School, Lower Columbia College, the Washington State Football Coaches Hall of Fame, the WIAA Hall of Fame, and most recently, Hilander Hall of Fame. These honors reflect not just victories, but the lives he touched and the values he instilled.
Coach Laulainen’s true legacy is not measured in trophies but in the character of the countless students and athletes he mentored. He believed in discipline, teamwork, resilience, and above all, shaping young people into leaders on and off the field.
Ed is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years, Bev, their children Susan and Dr. Ed (Kristin) Laulainen, and grandchildren Quinn, Brady, and Jack.
“Yesterday, we lost more than a legendary coach — we lost a mentor, a leader, and a builder of character,” said Mary Beth Tack, Superintendent. “His impact on Kelso School District and the world of high school athletics will live on through every player he coached, every team he led, and every life he touched.”
Kelso School District extends heartfelt condolences to the Laulainen family and invites the community to join in remembering and honoring a man whose contributions to Kelso and to Washington State athletics will never be forgotten.
Celebration & Memorial of Our Hilander Legend:
The memorial to celebrate the life and legacy of Ed Laulainen will be held at Kelso High School gymnasium on Saturday, October 18 at 2:00 pm. Let’s send Coach Laulainen off in true Kelso style – wear your best Kelso gear to his post-game celebration.
Kelso High students produced this video for Coach Laulainen: