My darling husbands struggle to live has finally ended. He is now pain free of the COPD that literally took his breath away. He was 70 years old, 70 years wise and 70 years loved. Sunday, Oct. 16, he retired from being a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He has taken on the far greater job of becoming our guardian angel. The world has lost a truly exceptional man.Born in Chicago, IL. to Edward P. and Lucille Groustra. He graduated from Ogden High School and attended classes at Weber State College.Ed was a lot of things, but above all he was and still is loved by all who knew him. He had a way of making you feel like you had known him for years, even after just a short conversation. It was his charm, his wit and warm-hearted spirit that drew you in immediately and made you a friend for life. Ed was an accomplished problem-solving, do-anything, hardworking kind of man. He retired from Hill AFB as a computer software engineer. He served between 1972-1976 as a Navy Reservist. He owned and operated Shadow Valley Paint for many years. He found great satisfaction in the many hours he donated to Christian Heritage School and Washington Heights Baptist Church for their building and remodeling needs. Through rain, sleet, hail and snow he worked on our house every day after work and every weekend building our dream home. His work ethic is unmatched in todays world and all his life he excelled in everything he did. His commitment to family, thirst for knowledge, pride in hard work and enjoyment in the little things in life are gifts he leaves behind.He had a fun-loving sense of humor, lived strongly and loved warmly. In his younger days, Ed was a real car enthusiast and a member of the Stags Car Club. As he grew older, Eds playground was any campsite or river to fish. He especially loved trips to Idaho City where he spent many summers dredging and digging for gold on our own 20 acres of heaven. Ed felt the following poem (author unknown) summed up his thoughts: Miss me, but let me go. When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set on me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a soul set free. Miss me a little, but not too long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, miss me but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone. Its all a part of the Masters plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.Ed met the love of his life and best friend, Pat Freestone Sutter, at a neighborhood New Years Eve party becoming engaged six weeks later and then marrying in a romantic Hawaiian wedding ceremony. They were looking forward soon to celebrating their silver anniversary. He is also survived by his children, Sheri (Casey) Hamilton, Rebecca Brostrom, Wendy (Martin) Hertel, and Edward W. (JaNae) Groustra, 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren with another on the way. Although divorced from his first wife, Carol Winters Groustra, she continues to be part of Ed Pats extended family. He is survived by two sisters, Susan Loock (Craig) Draper and Marie Drefs, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Jan (David) Wheeland, a grandson Nathan, and his practical joking sidekick/brother-in-law, aka "Uncle Mike" (Loock).Per Eds wishes, there will not be a viewing. The family would like to invite his family and friends to a "Celebration of Eds Life" on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. at Alpine Church, 5050 So. 1275 W., Riverdale (east of the old Cinedome theatre). There will be a basket if you would like to share your written thoughts, memories and stories of Ed to add to his personal history for his posterity.For nearly 25 years, Ed Pat have sponsored a child in Indonesia. They have more recently assisted in two missions to Mexico to help "Hands Across the Border". Because of Ed and Pats support of missions, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Alpines next mission trip to the New Hope Uganda Orphanage in Africa May 2012 which you can send to Alpine Church, P.O. Box 843, Clearfield, UT 84089, Ed Groustra Memorial Fund. There will also be a donation box at the service.We will always remember you, Ed, and carry wonderful memories of your life we were privileged to share. If a mans value is in being loved, then you are the richest man in the universe.Arrangements under the direction of Leavitts Mortuary. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com Visitation Information Date: Thursday, October 20, 2011 Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Alpine Church Address: 5050 South 1275 West , , Riverdale, UT, | Map Service Information Date: Thursday, October 20, 2011 Time: 2:00 pm - Alpine Church Address: 5050 South 1275 West , , Riverdale, UT, | Map