frederick "Rick" edwards

Frederick Cavan Edwards (known as ‘Fred’ to those he worked with and ‘Rick’ to everyone else) was born on September 25th, 1947, and died suddenly and unexpectedly on the 30th of July 2024. Rick was a father, grandfather, friend, avid book reader, master carpenter, bird-watcher, thrift store junkie, and Liz Harrison's loving yet quirky life partner. 

Born and raised in Greenwich, CT, with his older brother Nick, Rick was a natural leader: the high school soccer team captain and class president, affectionately called the Millard Filmore of his day. However, the East Coast culture clashed with Rick’s values. With one semester left to complete a business degree from UCONN, he fired up his motorcycle and followed the road to unknown adventures through the Americas. After drifting to various Yogi complexes, he stowed away on a freight train bound for Tucson, AZ. Here, he took up the trade of carpentry, finding a career with the Tucson Unified School District and, at one time, representing his union as their president. He took pride in his blue-collar work and loved his coworkers. When asked why he chose carpentry over a more lucrative career, symbolic of his Connecticut upbringing, Rick often said, “If carpentry was good enough for Jesus, it is good enough for me.” 

Rick raised six children in the downtown El Presidio neighborhood in a home full of life. Aside from the usual cats and dogs, a goat on the roof was not unusual, complementing the many chickens and beehives. Rick exemplified working hard, needing little to be content, and treating others kindly. He was a frequent patron of the local library, even checking out material right before his death. His love of reading and quest for knowledge strongly influenced his children. Given his eclectic knowledge base, he enjoyed intelligent conversation but could also revel in obnoxious humor. 

Although a patriotic American, Rick’s love of Mexico and Mexican culture was undeniable! He requested that if he ever became a burden, he be put in a shopping cart and given a big push across the border. His second request was to donate his body to science, and now he is a teacher of anatomy at the University of Arizona through the Willed Body Program. 

Rick leaves behind his devoted wife Liz of 25 years; 2 sons and 1 son-in-law; 2 daughters and 1 daughter-in-law; 9 grandchildren; and many others who cared dearly for him. His life will be celebrated, and he will be remembered forever.