Birth date: May 10, 1959 Death date: Jun 23, 2016
Edwin Ralph Soto Pingul, 57, passed away on Thursday June 23, 2016. Born in Honolulu, HI on May 10, 1959 and raised in Tacoma, WA. Ed was a charismatic and charming person, a loving husband and father, coach, proud BIF brother, an Read Obituary
Great job planning the service and reception today. Geri, Bryce, Cori, and Sophie, you are amazing models of grace under pressure.
Part 2 of the story about ushering with Ed at Northwest Choirs events and the mystery of the purloined flashlight:
After intense (lighthearted, yes, but also persistent and motivating) pressure by Ed, I caved. In order to replace the one that had gone missing, as well as to make up for our perennial flashlight deficit, I bought two flashlights, and at the next concert, I donated them to Northwest Choirs, placing them carefully into the ushers' box, the box which Ed had made clear to me was our duty to protect and defend.
When I told Ed of the new additions to the box, he smiled broadly, and forgave me for the sin I had not committed. I was exonerated! Free at last! That felt good.
I realize now, in telling this story, that may have been Ed's goal: not only to acquire a few flashlights for the NWC ushers' box, but also to make us feel good about the time we shared there. He found an opportunity to recognize that our work had been conscientious, and we had made a contribution; we had left things better than they were. That's the kind of guy he was. Gentle, with a big impact, creating joy at every opportunity, in a kind and memorable way.
One more story from Northwest Choirs times: For several seasons during Bryce's Vocalpoint years, Ed and Geri, ably assisted by Cori and Sophie, put on the most amazingly sumptuous buffet at the summer Vocalpoint recital. Like you have never seen. Every detail perfect.
Finally, to the BIFs and families: at the exact moment that you finished your song, a full-screen picture of Ed's smiling face appeared above you on the monitor. He liked it.
Love,
Helen Boyer
I met Ed in college at the UW, and we ended up in the same marketing/advertising business. I will always remember his warm smile, fun-loving laugh, calm presence and deep, eternal sense of friendship and love for all those who were fortunate to know him. Sending a blanket of love, hugs and comfort to the family. RIP, my friend.
I attended the 1st day of Ed's wake at Mt. View. Dennis (CPHS 1976) was the only brother I recognized and he introduced me around to family including Geri and their children (Sophia, Corrine and Bryce). I told them that I knew Ed from Lochburn Jr. High (Lions baseball) and Clover Park (Warriors) days.
When Geri asked about a memory I had of Ed, I couldn't recall anything. Maybe it was the experience of attending my first wake of a friend that hindered me. Then I remembered something after I left the wake. Ed and I both attended Senor Pablo Ramon's (Mr. Paul Raymond) first year Spanish class. We were both learners at the same skill level. We put together what little we knew into a greeting as we would pass each other in the halls of CP. We were both far from "street" with little "cred", but it was our phrase. "Que Pasa Sangre" may not be correct in Spanish but it meant to us.."What's Happening, Blood?"
Death is always hardest on the living...but as everyone will know someday, that view can change on the final day. It is the living that still have hearts which may feel heavy with grief and bodies which sense a loss of someone special. My very best wishes to Geri, Ed's kids and family members. I hope that each passing day lessens the pain in their hearts and increases their memory of all the good times shared with Ed. I'll listen to "Cavatina" by Carisma on YouTube which is my favorite piece of music when I think of friends like Ed who have passed. See you on the other side my friend. James (JJ) Johnson CPHS 1977.
I met Ed through the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce and enjoyed working with him. Ed always had a smile and a such a positive attitude. He was always ready to help and truly cared for other people. He was kind and warmhearted and will be missed. My thoughts are going to his family, whom he spoke about so proudly.
Isabelle Brown
Geri, Bryce, Sophia, and Corinne--
Whenever I saw Ed as part of a volunteer crew at a Northwest Choirs event (so many over the years!) (and I know you all were usually there with him), I felt thankful and relieved, because I knew two things: 1) whatever was in his charge and/or going on around him would go smoothly, and 2) we would all have a good time together. He was both reliable and fun!
Ed always met others with a warm, welcoming smile, and made you feel as if he had known you his whole life. He was one of those rare people who was not only skilled at organizing people and circulating in a group, but also was someone with whom you could talk comfortably one-on-one. He was trustworthy and a great listener--a true gem of a man.
His love for his family and his proud devotion to his children always shone through. His family was a source of joy for him.
I was always amazed at how many things he took the time to do for others, and how good he was at anything he put his hand to--hanging lights at the Gala, driving the van with the risers, delivering platters of food for the summer recital, coordinating all the details of ushering. Now, a gentle word about ushering--Ed and I had a running joke over the years in which he said I snitched the best flashlight from the usher's box, which I steadfastly denied--just an example of how he made things fun.
My heart goes out to you. Peace to his memory, where he lives on. His kindness and service was a comfort to many.
Love,
Helen Boyer
I'm so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. I knew Ed through his visits to the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce. We connected right away, since we were both in advertising and publishing. He was an incredibly upbeat guy who was genuinely interested in everyone around him. Please accept my sincere condolences, and know that Ed made the world a brighter, happier place for all who knew him.
