Edward P Ahrens Jr., 84, of Tampa passed away at home on September 12, 2018.

Ed was born on February 1, 1934 to Edward and Emma Ahrens in Hamburg Germany where his father was stationed with the US Immigration Service as technical advisor to the US Consulate. The family returned to the US at the onset of WWII and lived for many years in Miami, Florida.

In high school Ed started working for Florida Power and Light as a pole setter and remained with FPL while attaining his law degree at the University of Miami. His career with FPL lasted until his retirement as Manager of their law department. During this time Ed was married to Kathleen (Bunny) VanBuren. Along with their two sons, Edward III and John Michael they lived an idyllic Florida lifestyle, including the ravages of Hurricane Andrew. Their travels included meaningful visits to Ed's cousins in Goecklingen, Germany, his mother's birthplace.

Upon retirement they moved to Tampa to be close to their sons, Ed's parents, and his sister. Soon after moving into their "dream house" Ed and Kathleen (Bunny) celebrated their fiftieth anniversary. Sadly, Bunny died only two years later.

Writing was cathartic to Ed, so in addition to short stories and poetry he had been writing Ed now wrote a text, The Perils of Imprudent Writing, which literally foresaw the potential dangers in e-mails. Next came a novel, Already Walks Tomorrow, which dealt with the manifestations of cloning. Maintaining his skills as an attorney, Ed also worked in mediation. A strong belief and respect for our legal system was inherent in Ed.

As if a reward for a life well-lived Ed met an angel, fell in love, and married Encarnita Alonso. Her lively spirit brought him joyful companionship and all the tender, loving care he would ever need.

Ed is survived by his beloved wife, Encarnita; son, Edward III and his wife, Pam, her daughter, Christy; son, John and wife Rachel, and their children: John Michael, Angelique, Alexandra, and Joseph. Also mourning his loss are Encarnita's children: Erika Alonsa and Mitch Alonso and his wife Nicole, and their daughter, Isabel.

Other survivors include Ed's sister, Eda Mae (Edie) Laforest, who will miss her "Lil Bro" deeply, and her children: Kathy Albers, Ray Hanson, Chris Hanson, and Lisa Chowdhury.

Waiting for him in heaven are Ed's parents and his "mother-in-love", Encarnita Duran, with whom he enjoyed a natural affinity.

Ed was his family's beloved pater familias. He will be missed and remembered for his kindness and principled living. He was loved by all who knew him. The highest tribune we can pay Ed is not grief but gratitude for having enriched our lives.

Throughout his extended illness Ed was cared for and loved by his caregivers: Odie, Ana, Joy, and Elisabeth. His niece, Kathy Albers, also spent many hours of physical and loving support to Ed and Encarnita. The family's heartfelt gratitude is extended to each of them.

Services will be help at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park, 6919 Providence Road in Riverview, FL on Thursday, September 27. A gathering of family and friends will take place at 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am.

If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Humane Society of Tampa Bay in honor of Penny, Katie, and Lucy, who warmed Ed's heart.