Edward Ed James Cruz
April 22, 1967 - March 19, 2017
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Edward Ed James Cruz
April 22, 1967 - March 19, 2017
Obituary
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.
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 17, 4302 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Lairmont Manor
- Location: 405 Fieldstone Rd Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
6 responses to Edward Ed James Cruz
Ralph Havens says:
March 19, 2017
Although I never met Ed physically, I heard of him and his life through my friend.His life is an inspiration to me.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all,
warmly,
Ralph
Mike says:
March 19, 2017
Oh what a beautiful picture of Ed. I know he’s in a place where peace and comfort soothe the souls of those who leave this world before living a long life. Where his spirit lives in our memories of him. I was lucky in having him as a younger brother. Someone who understood my childhood care free years, my tumultuous adolescence and challenging adulthood. We shared a bond that makes his absence leave an emptiness in me that no other can fill. Our similar face, voice and laugh…reminding us of our unmistakable connection. He is also seen and heard in his sons, and we will cherish them with the same adoration, love and understanding. Carrie gave him a chance to love, and be loved by, a beautiful woman. To be with her ( the love of his life ) when it was time to exit this world, in peace and with grace. She is an angel.!!!I hope everyone can attend his celebration, particularly if there are thoughts you want to express or if you want to remember him, be close to him, wish for his peace, and convey condolences to the family. – Mike
Pam Hardman says:
March 19, 2017
A lovely tribute to an amazing man. His loving, generous, playful spirit will live on in his family, but I’m so sorry that you’ve lost him. Sending much love, from Pam and Alice
Chris Hornung says:
March 19, 2017
I will forever remember Ed’s beautiful smile the first time I met him at the bowling alley in Bellingham my sophomore year at WWU. As I got to know him, I realized what a warm and caring person he was. We had some fun times at the Lost River camping and just hanging out at WWU. I will forever hold these memories close to my heart.The last words he spoke to me were one week before he passed on and I will never forget them, “I will see you in Heaven”! I believe he is shining down on us every day ❤. See you again someday Ed!
Anne Hopkins says:
March 19, 2017
Dear Carrie and family, I’ve never met you, but I worked with Ed for 6 yrs more than 10 yrs ago. He was a great man who always shared his joy of his family … in fact I only remember him smiling! I know what you’ve all been through in watching and supporting Ed in the fight for his life. I, too, lost my husband last July to the same cancer. These guys were beyond brave and courageous for what life threw at them. I was so sad to see Ed’s photo in the paper knowing he had so much more life to live. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. There is no easy way to say good-bye to a loved one. I will always picture Ed smiling!! Love, Anne Hopkins