Edward John Valencia, 57 years of age, passed away peacefully on Thursday November 5, 2020 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. After a challenging battle with cancer, his soul was put to rest.
Edward, also known as Teddy, was born June 3, 1963 in Los Angeles, California to Edward and Maria Valencia. He was the second eldest of six children. Edward lived in many cities throughout California before settling in San Diego County, in the city of El Cajon where he joined the Brotherhood of Ironworkers Local 229 where he welded throughout the county for 28 years. He was proud to be a part of the Petco Park Stadium project as well as several bridges and building projects such as in Balboa Park, the hospital at Camp Pendleton, the front gate at the San Diego County jail and Tiger Trail at the San Diego Zoo. His last project was the Solar Energy Farm in Imperial County.
Edward is survived in legacy by Tess Valencia and his seven children, Elena Zuniga, Vincente Perez, Jonathan, Eddie, Leo, Maria, and Tess Valencia. He is also survived by his parents Edward and Maria Valencia and his siblings Joseph, Daniel, Damian, Marcelo Valencia and Susanna Martin, as well as seven grandchildren and several nephews and nieces.
He was a devoted father who taught his children how to fish, to select quality tools, to love camping and appreciate nature, farm animals, and to just be thankful.
He loved sports. He excelled at track and field, and was a professional boxer. He enjoyed watching his children succeed in wrestling and other sports. His favorite teams were the Chargers, Padres, and Golden State Warriors. He had an artistic side to him. He liked to draw, paint, and do needlepoint. He brought this artistic talent to his personal welding projects.
He was the glue to his family, the wise one who had the ability to see every side to any disagreement and find a solution where everyone wins.
He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what is truly important- the simplicity of living a life with those he loved.
Edward will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts!
Memorial contributions may be made to the Valencia Family.
