Surrounded by his loving family, Ted passed away on July 10, 2020. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 48 years, Kathy; children Andrew (Katharine), Elizabeth (Aron), Kaitlyn; grandchildren Jaden, Jacob, Lily, Harrison, Charlotte; sisters Deb, Pat (Dave) and families; mother in-law Amie Gamble.
He was predeceased by his father (Bert) Albert Edward Waring; mother Eleanor Waring (nee McPherson); granddaughter Grace Waring; father in-law Stan Gamble; brother in-law Al Byrne.
Born on September 7, 1951 and raised in Victoria, BC, 
Ted was a passionate and enthusiastic individual with a love for spending time with his family, fishing, photography, gardening, and camping in Vancouver Island’s wilderness. He was a captivating storyteller, writer, and author.
He graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1977 and a Masters of Education degree in 1983. A teacher with the Sooke School District for 39 years,
he inspired, mentored, and taught several generations. He was heavily involved in coaching sports, teaching technology, producing musicals and plays, going on elaborate field trips, inspiring a passion for outdoor education and mentoring countless student teachers.
His family wish to thank all his specialists, doctors, and nurses.
In celebration of Ted’s life, please share your favourite memories, stories, and pictures.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
77 Responses
To the Warings,
We are so sad to hear your lost. Please accept our sincere condolences.
The Pangs
There are so many things that I want to say about Uncle Ted, the first being that I loved and will miss him dearly.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity I had to FaceTime with him a couple of weeks ago. Even from his hospital bed, he was full of enthusiasm and excitement- to see me, to share his latest stories, to tell me how happy he was that his grandkids had been in my Kindergarten class.
Years ago, Uncle Ted LOVED that I wanted to be a teacher. He helped me through first year Math at UVic, proudly posed with me for my B.Ed. grad pictures, shared his novel study units with me when I got my first intermediate teaching position, and came out to the car to chat with me about school when I’d pick up Auntie Kathy in our days of carpooling to Sooke… The year that I taught Lily, he was so excited to visit the class and read a picture book aloud to them. When I was the school librarian, I invited him to do read-alouds of his Castle Boys book. He was thrilled when I displayed the poster on the library wall. During our last conversation, he happily filled me in on all the details of his latest book project, and I promised him I’d read it this summer.
Uncle Ted loved to teach, to write, to camp, to fish, to take photos, to listen to the Beatles. I have memories of him tied up in all of those things. I remember hanging out in his classroom at Glen Lake when I was a student teacher. I recall his family arriving to meet us at Lake Cowichan some summers, and the stories he’d tell about the HUGE fish that he’d caught. When I went to England for the first time, he gave me strict instructions to visit Abbey Road, get photos, and bring him back a souvenir (all of which I did, of course!) I was so grateful to him for taking all of our beautiful wedding photos (passing his fancy camera off to someone so he could pose with us in a family shot) and for being the MC at the reception. He really did love to give a speech!
Thank you, Uncle Ted, for always cheering me on, and being such a force in our big family. I will miss seeing your smile, and hearing you call me “kiddo.” I’ll remember you on Christmas Eves (oh the Pictionary parties and the sausage rolls beside the Christmas tree!) I’ll think of you when I’m at Goldstream Park during salmon spawning time, when I’m listening to live music at Butchart Gardens, and when I come across your book on the shelves in my office. I will miss you.
My family and I send love to Auntie Kathy, Andrew & Katharine, Elizabeth & Aron, Kaitlyn, and all of the kids. Our hearts are with you, and share your grief.
Much love,
Erin, Alan, Dylan and Sawyer xo
Our sincerest condolences Kathy to you and your family. Ted was such an awesome guy! He was always upbeat and happy and outgoing! We really enjoyed our trips to Victoria as kids and Ted would always be there to play with us.
Deepest sympathy
Ken Alix Georgia Hudson Klause
I’m so sad to hear about Teds passing. He was such a bright spirit. I will always hold fond memories of him in my heart.
Kathy and family. We are so sadden to hear of your loss. Ted was an amazing individual and teacher. With deepest sympathy John and Marilynne Rizzuti.
So sorry for your great loss! I remember Ted as being such a great teacher and always smiling. Early in my career I was to work in the same class with him and we planned for the student together. Full of inspiration and enthusiasm we felt comfortable getting lessons ready only to find out I would be bumped out of that position to another school. Even though our collaboration was fleeting I had come to know Ted better and we shared that connection in future years. Whenever our paths crossed, it was like an old friend stopped by. Sad to hear of his passing. Theres another angel watching over us! May your memories stay close to your heart as a reminder of all the fun that was captured!
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
First things first: I would have loved to have done this live; to share the nods and smiles and knowing head shakes with everyone; but the world has turned so I am reducing so many joyful experiences and relationships into a simple brief text. Ted and I worked together at Lakewood for a wonderful decade in a new school whose kindly, supportive staff gave the Elementary performance arts completely free rein far beyond traditional expectations. I came to Lakewood from Journey Middle School in Sooke via the Caribbean and originally the UK. It was a happy Canadian journey that saw me in a pretty nigh perfect serendipitous gig with the wonderfully staff of Lakewood Elementary; Sue, Karen, Brenda, Bob, Freda, Doreen, Tara, Elise – to be honest, I don’t know where this list ends, so huge apologies if your name is not here. You know (as did Ted) who you are. So many staff members and talented parents supported and showcased Ted’s on-stage visions. When I heard the sad news, I thought what memories stick for me of this terrific colleague whose students so respected and loved him for his imagination, caring, industry and commitment? It was actually quite easy. 1. I can still hear him laugh to any quirky, engaging idea that could work on stage. 2. He was the man to solve problems; better still the man you wanted on a committee for his cut to the chase analysis and 3. By far best of all, he was the guy to both lead and follow through huge, almost out of control theatrical projects. If you saw Lakewood shows such as ‘The Lion King’, ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘Honk’, ‘Joseph’, the list goes on – you will appreciate the scale of Ted’s energy, talent and commitment. I remember after we had built a huge set with the best parent help, we sat in the gym auditorium and gazed at it all for a good wee while. I said, ‘You know what, Ted? It makes Ben-Hur look like an epic.’ And he cracked up in the nicest self-deprecatory fashion. Class act. He was a quality teacher, colleague and advocate for the Arts with younger students. We were so lucky to have him when and as long as we did. As Joni Mitchell sang, ‘Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.’ I’m very sorry to say; now we know.
My deepest Sympathy to the Waring Family. Ted will be missed by many. He took my wedding pictures 47 years ago and my Sons pictures 6 years ago. I will look at these pictures and remember Ted and the fun we had. Rest easy Ted
Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Ted Waring. We’re so sad and you will be missed.