Born Jan. 22, 1936, in his parents' home in Clearlake Park, Calif., Edward Garrison Coll Fitts passed away unexpectedly Jan. 22, 2012, on his 76th birthday.

From an early age, Ed worked with his father at the family business, Fitts & Holmes Boat Shop, selling and repairing Chris-Craft boats. In 1953, at the age of 17, he started working as a backhoe operator for Will Hodges.

In 1956 Ed joined the Lakeshore Volunteer Fireman's Association. He retired as a captain in February 1985. He was also a longtime member of the Clearlake Elks Lodge. Ed became a licensed sewer contractor in 1965, going into business for himself.  He continued to operate his backhoe up until his passing.

Ed loved everything about living in Lake County, especially the lake. From the time he was a child he spent countless hours boating, fishing, hunting, waterskiing, swimming and sailing.

He loved animals, especially his dogs. It wasn't often that he went anywhere without them.

He loved his house on the hill, his cars, his boats and all of the other treasures he acquired over the years. Ed was a kind and generous man who spoke his mind. He lived his life the way he wanted, working hard and playing harder.

Ed leaves behind his two daughters, Kathryn Fitts and Jennifer Fitts; his son-in-law, Corey Ferris; his three granddaughters, Samantha, Julia and Kathryn; his closest nephew, Lee Carmack; his brother, George, and sister, Alvina; his two dogs, Annie and Oscar Jr. (OJ); and many more beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ed had so many friends that he cherished we can not even begin to name them all. But you know who you are and he loved all of you and the time you spent together. Ed will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Ed's life will be held Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at the Lake County Fire Protection District, 14815 Olympic Drive in Clearlake, beginning at 1 p.m. Donations can be made to the Lake County Volunteer Fire Fighter Association in lieu of flowers.

Ed's family entrusted arrangements to Jones & Lewis, Lower Lake, www.jonesandlewis.com.