Edward L. Strauss, of West Tisbury and Tucson, Ariz., died after a long illness on March 12. He was Eddy to all who knew and loved him.

Eddy was born in 1925 in Great Neck, Long Island. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy, of over 30 years; his treasured sons, Robert Strauss and Andrew Strauss and wife Diane; and grandchildren, Eva Rose, Ben and Eli.

Eddy loved and cherished Nancy’s family: Arthur and Libby Jacobson and their children Zoe, Sam, Grace and Rachel; Tom and Traci Jacobson and their daughter Chloe; Elizabeth Jacobson Kaufman and her husband David Kaufman, and children Willa and Oliver.

In over 20 years of living in Tucson, Eddy created a life of giving immeasurable wisdom and support to his “Tucson Daughters,” Chrissie, Tillie and Maggie, through a homeless youth program, Youth On Their Own. His reward came as he walked Chrissie down the aisle at her beautiful wedding four years ago. He was truly her father!

Eddy spent time in the Air Force and then at the University of Texas, and enjoyed an illustrious career. He started his own company in the commercial yarn industry, and then spent most of his career as president of Carolina Maiden, based in New York city. Eddy created the international trade for the parent company, Carolina Mills. He and Nancy treasured their numerous trips to Europe and the friendships Eddy developed through his very creative career.

A love of flowers was Eddy’s passion. On their wedding day, Eddy made Nancy a bouquet of fresh flowers direct from his garden.

To all who knew and loved Eddy Strauss, life was in full bloom!

Contributions can be made in his memory to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital (mvhospital.com) or Rising Tide Therapeutic Equestrian Center (risingtidetec.org).