Edward "Ed" Angelo Belluz of Lompoc died Friday, August 12, 2022, at the age of 74.

Born in Vancouver, Canada, Ed moved with his family to Lompoc in 1956.  Ed was a graduate of Lompoc High School, class of '66, and briefly attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo until his enlistment with the US Army in 1968.  Shortly after his honorable discharge from service, Ed moved back to Lompoc.  He began a 35-year-long career with the Southern California Gas Company, marrying his high school sweetheart, Teresa, and completing an associate degree from Allan Hancock College.

Ed was active in the Lompoc community, volunteering his time to several charitable organizations and barbecuing.  He was a member of the Lompoc Elks Lodge and Knights of Pythias.  He loved to barbecue for anyone, anywhere, anytime; if you saw a red Chevy truck loaded with red oak and a pit in tow, you knew you were heading to a barbecue by Ed.

Ed was also passionate about ranching and raised cattle for over 20 years.  He prided himself in being called "The Cow Man."  He enjoyed the peace of working with his hands and tending to his animals, hosting, and helping at roundups around the Lompoc Valley, and, of course, barbecuing for all who attended.

Of all of Ed's passions, they paled in comparison to his love for his wife, daughters, siblings, and closest friends.  His daughters would describe him as gruff but compassionate, his siblings as patriotic and devoted, and his friends as honest and forthright.

Ed is survived by his daughters, Michele (Lenard) Rodriguez of Carmel Valley, California, Ashley (Craig) Cisek of Fairborn, Ohio, grandsons Lenard "Little Lennie" and Jake Rodriguez of Carmel Valley, sisters Rita (John) Belluz-Siaz of Arroyo Grande, California, Clare Sousa & Carol (Larry) Wilks of Lompoc, brothers Roy (Laura), Joe (Donna) and Greg (Sheryl) Belluz of Lompoc, 19 nieces and nephews, 20 great nieces & nephews, one great-great-nephew, and countless friends.

Ed is proceeded in death by his wife of 47 years, Teresa (Gann) Belluz, his parents Hector and Evelyn Belluz, sister Judith Sulaitis, and brothers Paul and Robert "Bob" Belluz.

The visitation will be Wednesday, August 31, from 4-7 pm in the chapel of the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary with the evening vigil at 6:30 pm.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, September 1, at 10 am at La Purisima Catholic Church, followed by interment with military honors in the Lompoc Cemetery. Celebration of life reception to be announced following services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ed's honor can be made to the American Heart Association or The California Cattlemen's Foundation.

"For this one rancher the worries are over, lie down and rest your head,

Your time has been and struggles enough, put the jeep in the shed.

Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended,

Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended.

You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son,

Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done.

A faith few possess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way,

The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day.

Your love of God's soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine,

Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time.

You always believed that the good Lord would provide, and He always had somehow,

Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.

Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait,

Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate."

-Adapted from Nancy Kraayenhof's poem "Close the Gate (For Dad)"