11/01/2026
A FALLEN COUGAR
From Tracy Phillips Kristensen,
It is with a heavy heart I announce my husband Edward Thomas Kristensen, 74, of Bonsall, California, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous and long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born on October 9, 1952, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Edward, known to most as Ed or Eddie, was the beloved son of Thomas and Shirley Kristensen. He spent his early childhood in Cheyenne before his family relocated to Escondido, California, where he attended Escondido High School, Palomar College, and Southern Utah University. He later earned his master’s degree from National University.
Ed dedicated much of his professional life to L-3 Communications, where he spent over 30 years building a distinguished career and ultimately rose to the position of Corporate Vice President of Finance. Throughout his career, he was respected for his strong work ethic, dedication, and kindness toward his team and colleagues. He formed many lifelong friendships along the way.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ed had a vibrant spirit and an undeniable passion for life. He was an accomplished athlete throughout his life, playing football and baseball during his high school and college years. Later, he developed a passion for road cycling, competing in numerous events throughout the United States and Europe. He and Tracy also shared a love of travel, making an annual tradition of visiting Maui, a place that held a special place in their hearts. And anyone who knew Ed knew about his love for dessert, especially ice cream. His appetite for sweets was legendary, especially in Hawaii, where a daily Hula Pie was practically a vacation requirement. His dry sense of humor and love of teasing those around him brought laughter and joy to everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Above all, Ed cherished his family. He was a devoted and loving husband to Tracy Phillips Kristensen, with whom he shared 26 wonderful years of marriage. Their relationship was built on true love, constant companionship, and plenty of laughter. Together, they created a life rooted in devotion to one another and their large extended family.
Being a grandfather was another role Ed treasured. He was an incredible grandfather who took great joy in his grandchildren and the special relationships he shared with each of them. His love for his family was evident in the time, laughter, and memories they shared, and those moments will be cherished for generations.
Even as Alzheimer’s gradually changed the rhythm of his final years, the essence of who Ed was and the deep bonds he shared with his family never faded. His family finds comfort in remembering the strong, vibrant, and deeply loving man he was throughout his life. They are forever grateful for the moments of grace, love, and connection they were able to share with him until the very end.
Ed is survived by his loving wife, Tracy Phillips Kristensen; the mother of his three sons, Donna Kristensen; his sister Kate Kristensen; his children, Joshua (Nichole), Samuel (Tara), Luke (Catherine), and Amanda (Eric); his grandchildren, Davia, Kiaya, Olive, Hank, Zoe, Ethan, Branch, Adalynn, and Avery; his great-grandchildren, Jackson and Maximus; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Shirley Kristensen.
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held on November 19, 2026, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at The Havens Country Club, located at 29355 Vista Valley Drive, Vista, CA 92084. The celebration will be open to the public, and all who knew and loved Ed are welcome to join his family in honoring and remembering his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Ed’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association or a local organization supporting individuals and families affected by dementia.
The family is deeply grateful to the incredible caregivers who provided Ed with such compassionate care throughout his journey. Special thanks to Anayeli and the entire team at Home Instead Home Care, the staff at La Marea Senior Care, and the team at Home Connect Hospice. Your kindness, dedication, and support meant more than words can express. We couldn’t have navigated this journey without you.
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.
