Edward “Ed” Joseph Middleton III

Edward “Ed” Joseph Middleton III, 48, passed away on July 1, 2017, at his favorite place, Cache Creek, doing what he loved with family and friends. Ed was born on July 23, 1968, in Fairbanks, Alaska to Edward Joseph II and Marie Middleton.

Ed grew up in Wasilla, Alaska, and graduated from Wasilla High School in 1987. After high school he joined the United States Navy and served his country for four years. He was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), USCG Special Operations Service Ribbon, Letter of Commendation, and Good Conduct Award for period ending August 23, 1991, when he was honorably discharged, achieving the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class. Ed was also a graduate of the U.S. Navy Hull Technician School in 1988, and obtained his Electronic Technician Certificate from the University of Alaska in 1992.

Following his military career, Ed worked at Yukon Fire Protection Services as a Fire Suppression Technician, and for Schlumberger as an Electronic Technician. For the past 20 years he worked as a Technician in the telecommunications industry; initially with the State of Alaska as a member of Local 71 Public Employees Union and most recently with Alaska Communications as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union 1547.

Ed married the love of his life, Robyn Ratliff, in 1989 in Wasilla, Alaska. They were happily married for 28 years and had four beautiful children together: Coleman, EJ, Shelby and Emma. Aside from the joy of his family, Ed’s passions were judo, playing music – especially taking out his harmonica anytime and anywhere much to the “dismay” of his family – and mining for gold with his brother Larry.

Ed was preceded in death by his father Edward, his older brother Thomas, and nephew James. He is survived by his wife Robyn; sons Coleman and Edward Joseph (EJ) IV, daughters Shelby and Emma, all of Wasilla, Alaska; his mother Marie; sister Vickie Edmonds; brothers Larry, John, Scott (Dawn) and Marvin (Brandy) all of Colorado; and nephews Jason, Andrew, and Marine Private 1st Class John Michael; nieces Rachel Spruce, Jennifer, Marie, Cindy, Brittany (Sean), Christina, Heather and Katie and great nephew Haydyn, loving in-laws and countless friends that were like family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Church On the Rock at 3571 W. Machen Road in Wasilla at 2 p.m. July 15. A reception will follow at the church.

For information on memorial contributions, or to leave a comment, visit: rememberingedmiddleton.com.

Valley Funeral Home cared for arrangements.