Chris E. Edgecomb

Loving husband, proud and doting father, entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader, Chris Edgecomb, 52, left this earth prematurely Tuesday, November 7, 2011, yet we are better for him having been part of it. Chris, of Santa Barbara, California, was born March 3, 1959 in Hollywood, California to Glenn and Sannie Edgecomb. He was a graduate of Monte Vista High School in Danville, California and attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California. Chris began his career in the telecom industry thirty years ago and became an icon and innovative pioneer in the field. Chris co-founded WCT Telecom and founded Star Telecom and Sirius Telecom, achieving great success with his endeavors. Chris was also accomplished outside of telecom with numerous real estate ventures and Star Power Generators, the premier generator rental company to the event and film industry in Southern California. He was superbly proud of his employees’ longevity, most having remained with him over a decade. Chris never considered himself a “telecom guy,” revealing instead, “I’d prefer my tombstone say I was a motivator and collector of talented people. It’s really about the team assembled; then, a coach or CEO can step in and guide the process, but without the team, I’ve never seen a coach score a touchdown against an opposing squad of linebackers.” His vision to live big was as big as his heart. He had a passion for producing elaborate parties (never without a charitable causef), and together with his wife, Maryann – contributed to numerous organizations, including the Sheriff’s Department, Dream Foundation, Santa Barbara Fire Fighters Alliance, Santa Barbara Bowl, Cottage Hospital, House Ear Institute, The Maximum Hope Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, SPARKLE and many more. Chris’ contributions to Dream Foundation – a national nonprofit that grants wishes to terminally ill adults – were magnanimous, and also served to inspire his peers to give similarly, rising to his generosity. Through dedicating proceeds of his annual New Year’s Eve celebration parties, Chris established the Dream Foundation’s Legacy of Dreams Endowment Fund; he also served on the Advisory Board and Honorary Board of Governors. His generosity was well known in the Santa Barbara community he cared so deeply about. On behalf of his family, he gave with hundreds of silent acts of kindness, successfully balancing his fierce business sense with a huge, compassionate, thoughtful and tender heart. You could always count on Chris; many would say he defined the word, “friend.” While not serving others, he lived life fully, traveling to exotic destinations with his family, poker with the boys, skiing in Deer Valley, enjoying good food and friendships; he left little to do on his own bucket list. Chris earned every good fortune that came his way, and always gave back whatever he could. From celebrities and dignitaries, to workers on the front lines, his friends far and wide were a close-knit collective, and he treated and gave to each one the same. He was a man of his word, enormously steadfast and dependable, yet sensitive and profoundly compassionate to the needs of others. He will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Maryann; daughter, Sydney; mother, Sannie and Sisters Laurel Edgecomb and TC Edgecomb. Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara at 21 East Constance Avenue on Tuesday, November 15th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a burial service at Santa Barbara Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapels, 15 East Sola Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Donations can be sent to: Dream Foundation in memory of Chris Edgecomb, 1528 Chapala Street, Suite 304 Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

Chris E. Edgecomb

March 3, 1958 - November 7, 2011