Ted passed away in Victoria, BC, after a fall while hiking with his dog, Rosie, on a remote west coast island. Ted leaves behind his beloved wife Sandra of 51 years, his son Byron (Heather), daughter Ellen (Ian), and grandchildren Abigail, Olivia, Amelia, and Thomas. Predeceased by his parents, Atkinson and Leonora, and his brother Cecil, Ted is survived by his dear siblings, Gwendolyn (Ross), Alfred, James, Roger (Louise), and Phyllis (Ken).
Born and raised among the mountains in Rossland, BC, Ted grew into a brilliant, kind, wise, wry, and generous man loved by many. He lived in the West Kootenay region for many years raising his family and forming deep friendships. Ted’s passion for nature and conservation was rewarded by the beautiful and productive gardens he created in Pass Creek and in later years in Powell River. He was happiest when helping family and friends or creating gardens, art, photography, and woodwork.
As a testament to his generosity and health, Ted donated several organs as a final gift of life.
In keeping with his love of the land, he was laid to rest in Royal Oak’s Woodlands Green Burial Park in Victoria. We will celebrate Ted’s life in his garden in Powell River on Sunday, October 13, 2019 (1–4 pm) and in Victoria at Cedar Hill Golf Course on Sunday, October 27, 2019 (1–4 pm). Ted’s men’s group, a valued part of his life, will place a memorial bench in his honour in Powell River.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ted’s memory may be made to the Malaspina Land Conservancy at MalaspinaLand.ca.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
26 Responses
Sorry to hear of Teddy’s passing. I grew up next door to the Crossley family in Rossland and spent many happy hours playing up at their house. A very nice family.
Ted was the smartest guy I’ve ever known. I remember walking home from the elementary school with him while he talked about reading Freud and Jung. I didn’t know any other twelve-year -old who was reading that kind of thing and don’t expect to meet any in the future.
He didn’t just read things; he understood them deeply. He had a broad curiosity and a wide-ranging knowledge but, more than that, he had an underlying wisdom. He was concerned not only about the “what” and “how” of things but, more importantly, the “why”. Lots of intelligent people are good at the first two, but not so many at the third. He was like that from childhood; an old soul.
He didn’t show it off. He was extraordinarily modest for someone who had as many talents as he did. When he listened to you, he did it with his full attention, again, a rare quality.
Sandy, Byron, Ellen, Alf, Roger, Gwen, Jim, Phyllis and families, we can only imagine the hole that has been torn into your lives. We hope that time will bring at least a degree of healing and the pain will be outshone by the light of what an extraordinary man Ted was.
Our deepest sympathy to the Crossley family and especially to my dear friend, Byron.
Cathy and Martin
Our Sandy, Byron & Heather, Ellen and Ian, Abby, Olivia, Amelia and Thomas:
We are going to miss our sweet brother-in-law. We were so lucky to have him in our lives. You must be very proud of all the wonderful things he did to make this world a better place for others.
With all our love, Susan and family xoxo
My deepest condolences to all. My thoughts are with you.
My heart goes out to all; Sandy, Byron and Ellen, the children and family. I am grateful to hear that Ted was an organ-donor, leaving a lasting legacy for others. May all his friends find comfort in having known a wonderful man, gone too soon.
Sandy and family – so very sorry for your loss. Even though I haven’t seen either of you in many, many years I have great memories of time spent with you both. Ted was such a kind, quiet, calm, wise, funny, thoughtful, artistic person. Sending love and thoughts to all of you.
My deepest condolences to sandy and her family!
So sad for your loss Sandra and all the family. The times that I met Ted, I found him to be such a kind man, very caring and very proud of his family. Definitely an interesting guy to share a beer with. I’m very sad that I won’t have the opportunity to do that again. A fine man with a lasting legacy in Byron & Ellen and their respective clans – all wonderful people.
So sorry Sandy to you and your family for your loss…you will be in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time