It’s never an easy thing to sum up a life in a few short paragraphs, and the many accomplishments of Ted’s life makes this an extremely difficult task. Ted would suggest we make a list. He always had a pad of paper and a pen with him to jot down the important items, to make the To Do List, to record the moments and accomplishments. He kept a list of the books he read complete with title, author, and a ranking. He had a list of all the movies he watched. We should all pick up the pen and keep these lists alive for ourselves.

The word at the top of each of our first To Do List needs to be relationships. Relationships were at the center of Ted’s life. For more than forty years Ted co-hosted an after-market coffee group. He also got together with other men in his life each month for coffee. He was still in touch with the group of boys he grew up with in Toronto. He pulled people together to go to the movies, to go geo-caching, or biking or traveling. He valued the camaraderie, the conversations, and the discussions. The sharing of news and everyday moments with others was key, and Ted was the organizer of it all. We need to pick up that responsibility and remember to put relationships at the center of our days and continue to bring our friends, neighbors, and relatives together.

Ted made a career out of helping others and loved his community.

However, Bridge was his true joy. Ted found Bridge to be more than a card game. It is endlessly fascinating, fiercely competitive, deeply social, and profoundly satisfying when played well. The game is both intellectually challenging, and inherently social (as was Ted). He brought his skill of organizing (and his boundless energy) to establishing and supporting the Grand River Bridge Club. It was not just a game, but a lifelong pursuit.

In addition to all of this Ted was a thoughtful and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He made sure through his every action that his wife Sharon, daughters Kelly and Nicole, and granddaughter Emily knew they were amazing, courageous, thoughtful, special, and loved. He spread that joy to his sons-in-laws, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews as well. He had a special relationship with his brother, Victor, and Victor’s death in 2023 left a large gap in his life.

Ted will be missed by so many people for so many reasons. His illness was short, and we know he didn’t get a chance to tell all of you how much you meant to him – but we are sure if he had had the time he would have thanked each of you for being a part of his life. He liked nothing better than spending time with all of you.

A celebration of Life will take place at the Center for the Arts, July 20th, 2–4 pm.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Funeral Home Not Listed.