Theodore L Strom

Ted Strom the loving husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, educator, coach and friend answered the Lord with "ready, ready!" With the Lord as the Coach he peacefully entered the big game, well-prepared and with the peace of mind that he leaves his family intact. Theodore L. Strom, Jr. born to Lillian (Settler) and Theodore L. Strom, Sr. on September 18, 1939 joined his loving parents again on January 22, 2014. Ted is survived by his wife and lifelong friend Phyllis (Fiander) of 51 years, eight children and their spouses, 27 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers and one sister, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ted and Phyllis were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in White Swan, WA on November 10, 1962. He leaves behind children, Henry M. (Janet) Strom of Wapato, Ted III (Stacy) Strom, of Toppenish, Greg Strom of Harrah, Charlie (Monique) Strom, of Cle Elum, Tammy (Robin) Keliihananui of Yakima, Trudi (Eric Hanson) Strom, Adam (Relyn) Strom and Traci (Germaine Hart) Strom all of Wapato. He is also survived by siblings Leon, Larry and Sheila Strom. Ted loved sports, coaching, teaching and above all family interaction. He entered each of these arenas with enthusiasm and a well thought out game plan. Ted enjoyed participating with his sons in softball tournaments and founded the Scalpers Men's Fast pitch team, also coached his daughters' basketball teams and eventually led his four granddaughters to a State Basketball Tournament.

A 1957 Hoquiam High School graduate who excelled in football, baseball and basketball, upon graduation entered the Marine Corp. Ted earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Central Washington University in 1977. He became a dedicated teacher of Mt Adams school district, coaching varsity level baseball, softball, football and excelled as varsity high school girls' basketball coach at White Swan High School. Ted focused on mentoring children to be great athletic competitors but most importantly quality people. His teams helped him earn the Coach of the Year distinction at various levels of competition - White Swan Cougars, Wapato Wolves, La Salle Lightning and Taholah Chitwins while also capturing titles of league champs, state qualifiers and finishers and top league and state players. Fifteen players entered college competition while several talented players opted to end their careers at the high school level, many pursuing college degrees. Countless friendships emerged from opposing coaches, teams, fans and the officials association.

He was a member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church. As a proud member of the Quinalt Indian Nation, he spent his childhood years in Taholah, WA and was better known as “Skinny". He was a retired teacher and member of the coaches association. Ted also created the moniker "Honest Ted" as a result of his work in auto sales.

Unlimited appreciation is extended to the talented and dedicated staff of the University of Washington Medical Center: Dr. Nashush Mokadam, Shauna Andrus, and associates Dr. Carol Buchter, other specialty departments and an endless list of wonderful, caring nurses. We would also like to give praise to Indian Health Services, Dr. Quampts, Dean Goroski, Kathy Little Bull, Contract Care and The Yakima Heart Center's, Dr. Preacher. All provided nothing less than quality care.

Ted at his death, was surrounded by 90+ people including immediate family members, extended family, family friends, former players, loved ones, and medical staff. Next to the Creator and his Catholic faith he loved his family, sports and people in general. Others have quoted him as "amazing," instrumental, mentor, teacher, educator, coach, gentle, caring, and a sharp dressed man with a great sense of humor. The titles he wore proudly were "dad" and "grandpa." Special thanks to as always 1987 team - you remained special, close, friends. Ready, ready!

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Alexandria Strom, and his brother and traveling companion Donald “Ducks” Strom.

A Visitation Service will be held from 5-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Wapato, with a Vigil Service to start at 6:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 27, 2014 starting at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Reservation Community Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers please send donations to University of Washington Medical Center Heart Transplant/Mechanical Circulatory Support (VAD) Patient and Family Funds Attention: Alice Cheng, Mailstop 356125, 1959 N.E. Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195

To share a memory of Ted please visit www.merrittsfuneralhome.com

Merritt Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.