Theodore E. Gay

Ted was born May 1, 1943 in Duluth to Everett and Gertrude Gay. He was a 1961 graduate of Denfeld High School and also a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Duluth. On October 19, 1973 Ted married Patricia J. Hyland. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy having served during the Viet Nam Era. Ted worked as a Social Worker for Carlton, Cook and Lake County, retiring as the Supervisor of Family and Children Services.

Ted received the “second gift of life” on March 9, 2002, when he had a heart transplant. He devoted the rest of his life to educating the public on organ donation.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Richard and sister, Jean Posch; a niece, Kathy Gay.

He is survived by his loving wife, Pat; children, Tony (Rene) Susnik, Debbie Susnik, Patrick (JoNell) Susnik and Teryl (Tim) Johnson, all of Duluth; six grandchildren, Tia, Toni, Chris, Aili, Amanda and Austin who was born on the 9 year anniversary of Ted’s heart transplant; an aunt, Lorraine Gay of Manhatten Beach, CA; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Gay, of St. Paul, Donna Cruickshank of Sunnyvale, CA, and Cheryl Dewell of Paradise, CA; many special nieces, nephews and close friends; and special grand-puppies, Duke and Daisy.

Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers. The family will make a decision on their distribution later.

Visitation from 10:00 am until the 12:00 noon Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, February 18th at St. James Catholic Church, 721 N. 57th Ave. W. Please leave a memory of Ted or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com