Edward Ed James Cruz

Edward (Ed) James Cruz, 49, of Bellingham, WA, peacefully passed on March 19th. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and wonderful son. Born in East Lansing, MI, 1967, he saw most of the country as a young boy, until settling in Edmonds, WA in 1976 where he graduated Edmonds High School in 1984. He then attended Western Washington University where he studied math and computer science. Through a mutual and dear friend, Ed met the love of his life, Carrie Bishop. The two were married in 1993. After marathons and overseas travels, Ed and Carrie started their family. More than anything, Ed relished his role as “papa” to his two sons. Ed remarked that hearing his boys call him “papa” filled him with enormous pride and joy. Ed modeled patience, determination, problem solving and fun, daily. Ed masterfully took on the remodel of their home, built in 1917. Ed could handle almost any home improvement/remodel known to man. He had a taste for outdoor adventure, comedy, and music of all kinds. Anyone could attest to his love of food! He enjoyed a good cup of coffee, craft beer, grilling (anything), ice cream at Mallard’s, and big plates of eggs (and corned beef hash when camping). Never out of energy, you could find him coaching or playing soccer, mountain biking, running, or doing remodeling projects. Ed found peace when playing the guitar. He helped integrate systems and optimize processes for operations at Sterling Insurance for 17 years. He had the gift of a peaceful spirit, able to put everyone around him at ease. He could listen without judgment, gain other’s perspective and bring out the good nature in those who were fortunate to know him. He loved a good laugh, listening to music and the sounds of a house full of friends and family. He fought bravely and with dignity, several times, against a relentless cancer. With each battle he remained steadfast in his optimism. We marveled at his resilience, as he stayed active mountain biking, playing, working, doing his endless home projects, and keeping up with family sport activities! We are grateful for all who have kept him in their hearts and prayers, worked hard to comfort him and keep up his strength, and offered support when difficult decisions were to be made. He is survived by his wife Carrie Bishop, children Kyler and Emerson, parents Pat and Henry, siblings Mike, and Kathy Cox and nephews Michael and Stephen Cox and Michael and Nicholas Cruz. Ed’s presence in our lives is so deeply missed. We will remember and celebrate Ed with every mountain bike ride, every sunset, every lick of Mallard’s ice cream, every rainy soccer game, every Monty Python quote, and every act of kindness. We love you, Ed! Please join us for a celebration of life on Sunday, April 30th at 2:00 pm at Lairmont Manor.

Edward Ed James Cruz

April 22, 1967 - March 19, 2017