Edward Harrison Strite Jr. passed away on January 3, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born to the late Edward and Frances (Thornton) Strite on September 13, 1939, in Santa Cruz, CA. Ed enlisted in the Seabees of the Navy in October 1958, proudly serving until he was honorably discharged in 1962. On September 30, 1961, Ed married Susan King and they made their first home in Santa Cruz. The couple moved to Lake Tahoe in 1969, where they lived for twenty years. After leaving Lake Tahoe, the family lived in Stockton, CA, Sutherlin, OR, and most recently moved to Reno, NV to be near their grandchildren. Ed worked in construction for many years, using his knowledge from his military service. After moving to Tahoe, he changed careers and sold insurance for Farmer’s until he retired. Ed also joined the Sheriff’s Department of El Dorado County as a Sheriff Reserve, serving throughout the years that he lived in Tahoe. After moving to Oregon, he found himself somewhat bored with retirement, so he returned to work as a school bus driver in both Oregon and Nevada. Ed was a member of Lions Club for many years, making several trips to Mexico with the club and proudly serving his community. Over his life, Ed enjoyed many outdoor activities camping, boating, fishing, water skiing, and snow skiing. Ed is survived by his daughters, Cory Strite and Lisa Recanzone, both of Reno, NV; his grandchildren, Allen and Laurel also of Reno, NV; his brothers, Ronald Strite of Santa Cruz, CA, Darrell Strite of Santa Cruz, CA, and several beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Susan, his brother Richard Strite; his son, Larry Strite; and his grandson, Anthony Strite. A service will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 10 am at Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of the ICU at the Veterans Hospital in Reno for their kind, compassionate care of Ed and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Operation Homefront or Disabled American Veterans.
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