Edward Vincent Tabacco

Edward Vincent Tabacco passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 80, following complications of Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. Ed was born on August 31, 1946, in Hamilton, Montana, to Lucille Nicholson. He was raised in Black Eagle, Montana by his mother and adoptive father, Guy Tabacco.

At 17, Ed joined the US Marine Corps and later served in Vietnam. His military service was an early expression of the courage and discipline that would remain part of him throughout his life. Ed earned his undergraduate degree in civil engineering from Montana State University, where he met the love of his life, Karen Fors. They married on June 13, 1970, and built a family together. Ed and Karen remained lovingly and happily married until the end of his life.

Ed had a long career as a facilities director and building inspector, approaching his work with integrity, exacting standards, and an extraordinary command of his field. Some of his colleagues referred to him as the "Rule Book," a reflection of both his deep knowledge and his commitment to getting things right. As a manager, he cared genuinely for the people on his teams and brought to his career the same qualities he brought to his family: diligence, loyalty, fairness, and a willingness to do the hard work.

Ed was an avid reader and lifelong learner. He enjoyed running, completing the San Francisco Marathon and participating in countless fun runs over the years. He played soccer, loved sailing and boating, and cherished the road trips he took with his wife and family, especially journeys through America's national parks. At home, he was a devoted caregiver to his family’s many pets and formed a quiet bond with the hummingbirds in his backyard. Babies and animals seemed to recognize his gentle and playful spirit, and he was a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Whether mastering a skill, solving a problem, or pursuing a new interest, Ed always gave it his full attention. He was a gifted woodworker, creating objects that were both practical and beautiful, and took pride in home-improvement projects. He loved to bake bread and spent years perfecting his famous cookie recipe. His eye for detail even extended to the laundry room where he could be found ironing his jeans, along with his wife’s clothes.

Ed cared deeply about his community and believed in civic engagement and social justice. He coached his children’s soccer teams, was a Boy Scout Cub Master, and gave his time to numerous local organizations. He even took pride in the time he was arrested at the California State Capital while protesting the influence of money in politics. That experience exemplified his lifelong commitment to standing publicly for what he believed was right. He did not merely hold principles; he acted on them.

For all of his discipline and seriousness of purpose, Ed had a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh, and he was a warm and playful father and grandfather. A favorite movie, Baby's Day Out, would unfailingly bring him to tears with laughter. He loved to sing enthusiastically to the oldies station in the car, enjoyed unapologetically bad television, and had a notorious fondness for Diet Pepsi and sugar-free candy. After a long day or a family gathering, he was also known to slip away for a well-earned nap.

Above all, Ed was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He loved his family deeply and expressed that love through his steadfast presence, hard work, practical care, humor, and the countless things he made, repaired, taught, and quietly did for others. His life was marked by curiosity, perseverance, principle, and affection. The people and places he cared for are better because Ed was part of them.

Ed is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Jason (Elizabeth); daughters, Sarah (Jason) and Samantha (Herve); grandchildren, Zach, Mia, Amalie, and Jackson; and siblings, Mike, Angie, Patti, and Bob. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Joceline; brother, Bill; and sister, Vicki.

Rather than holding a single memorial service, Ed's family will celebrate his life and scatter his ashes in several of the places he cherished most, accompanied by those he loved, over the coming years. In Ed's memory, take a long walk in a beautiful place with someone you love, read a good book, speak up for what is right, or pause to watch the hummingbirds.