Obituary

Edgar "Ed" Jay Bjarnason, the youngest of 5 children, was born on December 18, 1959, at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Naval Base, to the late U.S. Navy Captain Paul H. Bjarnason and Dorothy L. Ellerbusch Bjarnason. Captain Bjarnason left Cuba in 1960 and settled with his family in Falls Church, VA. Diagnosed with Type I Diabetes when he was 10 years old, Ed and his mother became actively involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Association and its charitable activities. Together they participated in many fundraisers that included swimming, walking, and biking. Ed attended JEB Stuart High School in Falls Church, VA. He enjoyed off roading with his Ford Bronco and Toyota Land Cruiser and proudly performed much of the vehicles' maintenance himself. After his graduation from high school in 1979, Ed started a successful grounds-keeping business which thrived for many years. He later enrolled in Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, graduating in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education. During his college years he became a member of the Sigma-Iota Zeta chapter of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. After graduation Ed returned to Northern Virginia and began his career as an insurance claims adjuster for GEICO. Ed married Theresa Larkin in 1989 and in 1993 they had a son Michael. His love for Michael was unparalleled and they shared many happy memories together. Ed and Theresa later divorced. Although Ed remained in the insurance industry, for a short period of time, he changed his career focus to sales and began working with Nationwide Insurance. While he was studying to take the Virginia State insurance licensing class, he met Linda Christ, the class instructor. Years later in 2009 they bumped into each other again and began a relationship that bloomed into the love of two soulmates. Their love and life together continued for the next fourteen years. They were grateful to share a fulfilling and loving relationship; a cherished union filled with joy. Both of them loved traveling and visited Africa, China, Italy, Costa Rica, and took a cruise to Alaska. One of Ed's passions was photography, and he captured their adventures with many amazing. Ed also became immersed in the art of woodworking and developed an extensive workshop where over the years he created many amazing pieces including a guitar, an exotic wood table, a toy box, a rocking horse, a bear rocking chair, and a Windsor chair, to name just a few. Ed had several other hobbies which included listening to music, spending time with family and a continuing devotion to charitable events. In 2022 he completed the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure biking event. Known as "the Saint" to Linda's family, Ed was a friend to all. He gave generously of his time and talents, and offered unconditional support and encouragement to his siblings, nieces and nephews, and his many friends. A caring and compassionate man, Ed was always willing to lend a helping hand. His kindness, smiling face, and sunny outlook will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Ed's memory will be forever cherished by the love of his life Linda Christ; his son Michael, his siblings: brother Paul H. Bjarnason, Jr. and spouse Margaret of Annandale, VA.; sister, Carla A. Shreffler of Havre de Grace, MD.; brother Dr. Gary F. Bjarnason and spouse Dale of Roanoke Rapids, NC; 10 nieces and nephews; and his extended family: daughter Kim Rae Valentine and spouse Jonathan J. Cecce; grandson Ryan M. Valentine, and spouse Chelsea, parents of great-granddaughter Roslyn Rae; and granddaughter Rebecca C. Valentine. Ed will also be sadly missed by his two canine children, Little Man and Bruno. Ed was preceded in death by his parents Paul H. Bjarnason and Dorothy L. Ellerbusch Bjarnason; brother John Bjarnason and niece Jacqueline Shreffler.