Dec 14, 1925 – Oct 13, 2010
Theodore Jacob (Ted) Gottfried, beloved husband of Ruth, cherished father of Brent (Karen), Shelley, and most dearly loved Papa of Rachel (Yaniv Enoch) and Nicholas, left us on Oct 13, 2010, Campbell River, BC.
Born in Lemburg, SK, Ted was a prairie boy who loved to hunt, play hockey, drive fast and fly planes. He fell for the girl from Pine Falls with the ‘bee sting lips’, married her and followed her father west to work at the start up of Elk Falls mill.
Ted was a master papermaker, respected by those who worked with him and earned his respect in return. While most families had dinner conversations, the Gottfrieds ‘made paper’. If there is such a thing as a papermaking dynasty, we surely were it. Thirteen members of the extended clan had all worked at Elk Falls at one time or another.
A serious outdoorsman, Ted loved to hunt and fish: steelhead and saltwater. Blessed with an aptitude for things mechanical, Ted spent long hours repairing and rebuilding motors – from chainsaws to pick-up trucks. Brent inherited his father’s skill and do-it-yourself attitude – something Ted took great pride in.
In his later years Papa was happy to sit in his chair and cheer for anyone but the Canucks or Lions. With Ruth’s encouragement, he embraced the computer and new technology – to a point … It allowed him to keep close contact with his grandchildren as they studied, worked and travelled abroad.
In his final months, Ted celebrated 60 years of marriage to Ruth; Rachel and Yaniv’s wedding; and enjoyed a final turkey leg at Thanksgiving.
A most devoted husband, father and grandfather, Ted had a big heart, big hands and gave his family a name to be proud of.
He will be sadly missed by his family, sister Louisa, the Hilton and Freer families, and many dear friends and neighbours.
Special thanks to Paul in ECU, Campbell River General Hospital, for helping Papa on his final passage.
A small informal gathering will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.