Kristopher Ryan Edwards of Martha’s Vineyard died on Sept. 5, with his family at his side, after a year-long battle with scleroderma and heart disease. He was 47.

Kris was born on May 21, 1977 in Syracuse, N.Y. He graduated from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School and lived on the Vineyard for most of his life. His love of the water steered him towards a boat captain’s license. He loved driving launches for Old Port Launch in Edgartown Harbor, where he met even more people to add to his big list of friends.

Not one for a lot of attention, he enjoyed the simple things in life — whether it was reading about history, movies or spending time with his family and friends. His greatest joy was being an uncle to his nephews Cody and Owen Metell, whom he shared his love of Star Wars and movies with. Whatever room he was in, there was sure to be humor and laughs, as he kept everyone smiling with his quick wit and sense of humor.

Although his life was cut unexpectedly short, he spent his final days in true Kris fashion, laughing and spending time with his parents, sister Kelley, aunts and friends. He is no longer in pain and would want us to continue living our lives to the very fullest, remembering that our health and life is precious.

He is survived by his parents, Beverly and Bradford Edwards of Rome, N.Y.; his sister Kelley and her husband Kirk (Metell); nephews Cody and Owen Metell, all of Vineyard Haven; along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.

We want everyone to know that we truly appreciate all of the love and support that we have received during this difficult journey. Remember campers, tight lines, fair tides and swift breezes until we meet again.

We hope you will join us in a celebration of life on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Wharf Pub in Edgartown. There will be no service or calling hours as he was adamant about not wanting that. Instead, he wanted a party.