I quote from the message his wife, Carol, sent out yesterday on Christmas day:
An Irish toast to Ed, a true friend and gentleman.Nick passed away this morning at 5:40 AM. Nick was born on Jesus's birthday and God took him home on Jesus's birthday. Nick passed away very peacefully. I held his hand from the time his blood pressure started dropping until he took his last breath. I was very blessed to have been married to him for 34 years (even though we celebrated our 34 anniversary in the hospital.)
My prayer was that I didn't want him to suffer and he only suffered yesterday from a lot of pain. My prayer was answered. I want to thank everyone for all the prayers. The prayers gave me strength at his time of passing and will give me strength as I go forward.
Bliksem