Tristan Lars Thorsteinsson

Tristan L. Thorsteinsson, 38, of Cambridge passed away early Friday morning, April 29, 2022 at his home.

Born June 14, 1983 in Cambridge, he was the eldest child of Ashlie and Jens Thorsteinsson. He attended the local schools and graduated from Cambridge South Dorchester High with the class of 2001.  He then attended Uarts, an art school in Philly for 2 years.  Tris was a jack of all trades, an amazing artist and musician. He was also a devoted father, brother and son.

Tris had such a way to enter a room. His headphones blaring Mac miller, cigarette hanging out of his mouth, the ice in his drink jingling; like he always took the whole party with him. He’d say, “Brit. Brit. stop whatever crap you’re doing. You’ve gotta listen to this”. 

He was a light to every soul and creature that crossed his path. There was no life too small for his love. Never was anyone too far gone to him. He always believed in everyone else more than himself and gave everything he had to anyone who needed it. He was a unique person. All who met him saw his potential and tried to help him realize it. What many didn’t know is just how beautiful he was already. 

He would wear the dirtiest, holiest, most tattered paint covered thing he could find every day. He was trying to teach us all to look past the surface layer. He never valued material things. He would scold Malik to stop caring about what he wears. The way he did things was his own— but despite how he seemed; he was incredibly thoughtful. 

He never did anything because you were supposed to. He taught us all to do less of that. He never dressed or acted the way people wanted him to. The goodness he shared and gave to all those around him he did when no one was looking. He valued humanity and family. He lived by a strict moral code. If he ever got upset with you, he was always quick to apologize. 

What he gave to everyone around him is difficult to quantify by any normal standard. He had a great ability to see the best in everyone, even those that most people strained to see. He could make you laugh in the absolute depths of despair. He would find a way to do that for all of us now. He is truly irreplaceable. Some say that those with such bright light aren’t meant to burn as long. 

He raised his children with all the energy and goodness anyone could have. He believed that the words we use or the anger we express was part of love. He refused to cater to social norms that involved the lack of swearing. But his children bear his coat of arms. They are kind, big hearted, nurturing souls just like he was. He was trying to teach us all to stop looking at what everyone is pointing to— and look at what is underneath. This is what Tris always was in my eyes and what he always will be.

Surviving Tris besides his parents is his daughter Arya Brit Thorsteinsson; siblings Brit Grennier and husband Ryan, Finnur Jens Thorsteinsson and wife Lyston; grandfather Chuck Prahl along with multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece, a nephew and many friends.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge.