Angels Camp, CA…Celebration of Life Edward Harrison Stokes of Angels Camp. July 20, 1941 to January 11, 2018 Ed Stokes, 76, died January 11, 2018 at his home in Angels Camp. Ed was born July 20, 1941 in Whittier, California to John and Ethel “Elizabeth” Stokes. He graduated from Livermore High School in 1959 and married his high school sweetheart, Linda Beckham, shortly after high school and moved to the Sonora area. In 1969, they moved their family to Angels Camp. Early in his career he worked several trades and in the lates 70’s ventured into his own business, Heat Control Co (a heating and air conditioning company), which he owned and operated for 40 years.

Ed enjoyed the outdoors and spent his free time fishing, riding horses, hiking, and camping in the mountains, preferably off the beaten track. He loved to camp and travel in his RV and took many trips exploring the United States seeking out historical sites, geological wonders, and meeting new friends along the way. He was an avid reader and liked to read about people, places, and American history and would share what he knew and what he learned with those that would listen. He was the “go to” person for family and friends to fix almost anything. He was a longtime supporter of 4-H and Bret Harte FFA programs and supported his children in their endeavors.

In 1996, he married Gwen Taylor of Jamestown and together they traveled throughout the United States seeking out new and interesting places to explore. Most of their favorite trips were with the various RV groups they traveled with. Together, they enjoyed entertaining with friends and seeking out the various musical events in the area.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth; his younger brother Roger, youngest daughter Donna Lynn (Stokes) Lehrer; granddaughters Kathryn and Michelle Ponte and son-in law Hamid Rharbi.

He is survived by his wife Gwen of 21 years; daughter Debbie & Dave (Nicole) Ponte of Angels Camp; son Rob & Michelle (Rylie & Teagan) Stokes of Vale, Oregon; his grandson Kyle Lehrer and granddaughter Erin Lehrer of Angels Camp; stepdaughter Leslie Taylor-Rharbi (Amir, Riyad) of Tampa, Florida; Fred & Erin Taylor (Peyton, Braxton) of Port Charlotte, Florida; sister Cheryl Huey of Jamestown and brother Terry & Gina Stokes of Palm Coast, Florida. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews who fondly called him “Uncle Eddie Spaghetti”; his coffee mates who nicknamed him “Special Ed” and many friends and extended family members.

At Ed’s request, he will be cremated and remains scattered in some of his favorite places. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 1 p.m to 3 p.m. at Debbie & Dave Ponte’s home at 3763 Whittle Road in Angels Camp. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Guests are welcome to bring dessert. Pastor Dusty Bach of Grace Hills Church will oversee the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Michelle & Kathryn Ponte Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Calaveras Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1436, Angels Camp, CA 95222. The scholarship was established in 2015 and is awarded to a student in their 2nd year of college/trade school pursuing a career in healthcare.