My thoughts and prayers go out to you as you cope with this tremendous loss.  Your dad hired me in 1977 when ""Special Education"" was completely different than it is today.  We worked together to establish a new department at MHS and ""Doc Rock"" was amazing to work with.  He was compassionate, organized, and flexible - he constantly demonstrated wonderful common sense while putting the children of our district first. From that point on, I have judged administrators by the standards set by Ted.  I have thought of him a million times during my teaching tenure and each time a smile has graced my face.  I feel blessed to have known him and to have worked with him but most of all I am proud to have shared a profession with him and to call him my friend. Take care of yourself and yours ?- he would insist on that!
Sincerely, 
Kym McCarter-Vandygriff

Taddy, Scott and family,
I know you have heard of the many lives Ted had touched during his life.  Cyndi and I are just two of the many that have fond memories and the good fortune to have had Ted as our Principal at Fort Morgan High School.  I can turely say he had a great impact on my life through his encouragement and assistance in getting me on track for an opportunity to graduate and  attend college.  I know he personaly afffected many student lifes while at FMHS through his direct and personal attention.
Our condolences and best wishes.  You know we are always willing to assist anytime.
L.G. and Cyndi Duncan

Dear Taddy,A friend and a mine with whom I worked in the Littleton Schools called me to inform me of your Dad's passing. Your father was not only a dear friend, but a person with whom I had the privilege of working with as a fellow educator during the time I served as Superintendent in Liitleton.I became a better person for havng known him.

Dear Taddy,
I too want to express my sadness for the loss of an exceptional individaul that touch so many of us here in Moline.   Karla, Sarah, and my two older children remember you and your parents with fond memories that always bring a smile.  
Our best to you and your family.
Bruce Peterson

Susan and I are saddened to hear of the death of a man who touched our lives as we attended FMHS in the late fifties and early sixties. We send our condolences to the family. Charlie (59) and Sue(61) Prather Haas

To All.....
It saddened me to read of Ted's passing.  I had the privilege to work with him while he was here in Moline......he was the best Superintendent Moline has seen... professional, ethical, dynamic...what more can one say!
My sincere condolences...
Jerry Butts

Sorry to hear of the loss of a great man.  Any time his name came up in conversation, we always had and still have very positive thoughts and feelings.  Even though he is gone those memories will remain forever.  We are retired teachers from Dist. 40.

Dear Tatty and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad's death.   He and your mom had a special place in my heart for being so caring to my Grandma and Grandpa (Grace and Cam McCartney).  My husband Bill and I and our boys got to visit your mom and dad when our boys were small.   They still remember your dad.    
My thoughts are with you in your time of loss.   It is so tough to lose your dad, especially with the close relationship you and your dad had.       I am thankful he is enjoying seeing your mom and Don........I know he missed them too.  He will always be smiling down and watching you and your family.      
My mom also sends her best.
Sincerely,    
Lisa (Jackson) Payden and Martha Jackson

Tatty and family, 
Your father (""Ted"" - to all of us that dealt with him and called him our friend) was indeed one of those rare individuals that NEVER gave up helping people.  He will always be recalled as the educator who left all he touched better off than when they first met him.  He will be missed by us all and I am certain by you, your husband and particularly your children of whom he always spoke so fondly.  
I will also miss personally his annual Christmas handwritten greeting and he will miss the most recent annual Churchill family photos.  Although he relocated west years ago, he never lost touch with his friends from years in Moline.  
Those of us fortunate enough to have worked with him will also remember him for his dedication and willingness to listen before acting or in some cases reacting.  We enjoyed lots of times together commencing when he and your mother first moved here and joined Christ Church. No matter whether it was on church Vestry or in the position of Superintendent, he always offered his best to those around him.   
Our condolences and prayers to you and your family in this time of sorrow.  Ted is lost but never to be forgotten.  We were all blessed by his life.  
                  Sincerely
                  Dan Churchill

Dear Tatty,
I loved your father. He truly left the World better than he found it. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Tatty,
 I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He was an extremely great man. My prayer's are with you and your family. A few of us students in Mr. Paynes Art class at Moline got the privledge of having dinner with your father one evening. I will never forget that. He was a very respectable man.
 You take care,
Alan Althiser
aalthiser@netzero.com

Tatty,
I just wanted to send along my condolenses for your loss.  When I heard the news, my mind immediatly went back to our childhood friendship.  Our families had some great times in our neighborhood, something that I will never forget. Your father was an insiration to all who knew him. His death saddens us all.  I wish you well. If you are ever in town, I know my folks and I would love to see you.
Amy McAtee (Stulir)

To All:
I just HAD to respond to the tributes that have been posted to date. 
I am enjoying SO much reading about my father:) Everytime someone posts something it just jogs my memory back to my Moline years which I cherish so greatly:)
I miss my dad greatly as we were best of friends and had been through a lot together.  
I am so fortunate that he was there when I took my first breath and I could be with him as he took his last breath.  He is now ""home"" with mom and Donald.
Thanks so much for the tributes they mean EVERYTHING to me and to my dad as well!
Tatty
Forkner

Dear Tatty and Family of Dr. Rockafellow:
Sincere feelings of sympathy to you and your family. I do remember you and  your brave spirit as a student during your final year at Washington School.  
Your dad has always held a special place in my mind and heart.  My wife, Sandy, and I will always be grateful to your father for having faith in Bob Saelens' recommending my being interviewed by the wonderful Willard staff for their principal vacancy.
Working for and with your father was a dream job.  His style was so smooth and compassionate.  When asked by him to serve on a school-closing committee around 1982  I accepted although dreading the probable repercussions.  His manner made for an amazingly smooth procedure.
My favorite ""story"" about your dad I have told many times....at a principals meeting he assigned us some task about which we groaned (a rare thing during his meetings).  He responded with this comment: ""You principals don't get paid the big bucks for deciding whether it is inside or outside recess."" Classic.
He will always be with me.
            Richard ""Dick"" Jennings

I was hired in the Moline Dist. and began teaching there in1978.  Dr. R. always impressed me with his professionalism.  Even more impressive was the fact that he always knew your name no matter how long you had been teaching in the district.  As a second year teacher, Tatty was in my class and I was up for tenure.  Dr. R. always came in to my room as a parent and made me feel like the professional.  I am still teaching in Moline (at Jane Addams) and will always have much respect for Dr. R..  
Tatty, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jed Poust

Tatty,
I?'m so sorry for your loss.  I have such fond memories of playing at your house.  And just a few days ago I thought about your family when I saw a picture of a gingerbread house.  I remember sitting and studying the little details of gingerbread houses in your kitchen.
When reading about all of your dad's great accomplishments I just kept flashing back to 5th grade when your brother died.  I have such a vivid memory of that classroom and knowing that when you came back to class you would be sad.  Then I read your brother's name and it was as if the grief that I just couldn't comprehend in 5th grade hit me.
You are in my thoughts,
Jenny

Tatty Forkner and all of Ted?'s family,
Our sincerest sympathy on the loss of your father. M. Z.had the honor of serving on one of his Moline boards of education.  He learned many things about people and education from him. We will always have found memories of the time we spent together
You and all your family will be in our prayers at this time.
M. Z. & Helen Thompson
November 21, 2007
Moline

Tatty,  
I was sorry to hear about the passing of your father.  Fortunately, I was able to talk with him the last time he was in Moline a few years ago.  Growing up a friend of your brother's, I will cherish fond memories of your parents as well as Don.  I have been to the cemetary where Don is buried three times since his death.  It seems like whenever I get in the great state of Colorado, I stop by to pay my respects.  Again, my deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Dear Tatty,
I send my sincere sympathy on the death of your Dad.  He was such a neat guy, and I have fond memories of him and your Mom.  God bless you and all your family.
My love and prayers,
Mrs. Hausman

Tatty,
My deepest sympathies are with you during this time of sorrow.  I remember all the times I spent playing at your house way back when!  Your parents were always very special to me.  
Take care!!
Lisa
olynme@mchsi.com

Hi Tatty & family,
I first remember your dad cheering us on at our Blue Marlin swim meets wearing his ""administrator clothes,"" always in a dress shirt and sport coat.  I also remember the flowers he proudly grew in your backyards in Moline and Littleton.  I remember the look he would get when he thought we were up to something--a little smirk curled his lips and the sideways glance of his eyes.  I remember the little blue station wagon in which he taught you to drive.  I fondly remember Dr. Rock calling you out of the room, leaving me wondering what was up, and realizing he slipped you some extra money for us to use to have fun.  I also remember when I was in 7th grade, and he visited my geography classroom as the powerful  Superintendent of Moline Schools, and slyly waved at me--not as an administrator, but as a friend's DAD.  I remember these things well; I hope that my memories bring back some special memories of your own and a smile to your face. We're all thinking of you.

Dear Tatty -
A few years ago, your dad -- your late, great dad -- was one of this area's best-ever school superintendents.  He was also a good and genuine friend to me & the members of my family.  We corresponded during my years in college.  He was a bright & tough education leader, but he knew how to cut through the red tape with common sense and wisdom.
Your brother and I worked out in the same lane at the MHS pool, 1977-78.  He was a fierce competitor, and he was a golden friend, and when he died our family suffered.  He made a real impact during his life.
That is what you are left with -- a huge network of friends in Moline, and elsewhere, and a legacy left by your mom and dad and Don.  God Bless You and know that we are thinking of you and yours.

dear TED and  family as a board member of ARROWHEAD RETIRED, I was involed with you and school. we had a very hard time with districts boundry lines , but you with your leader ship , pulled us thru a trying time. it was a pleasure to have served on the board, from rock island county, GO WITH GOD, AND PEACE WITH THE FAMILY. MUCH LOVE, JOHN MARILYN DAVIS 1908 33RD ST MOLINE.IL 61265 4338 45.......

To Tatty and Her Family:
When we think of your Dad, we think of his genuine, engaging smile.  He was a wonderful person who was firm, understanding, and friendly.  He used those qualities to bring diverse groups of people together in a positive way.  We always enjoyed being with him and will miss him, too.  In time the pain of his loss will ease, but the memories you shared with him will last forever.

Dear Tatty and Family, 
So sorry to hear about your sweet dad. He was always so nice to me. There is a place in my heart for the entire Rockafellow family. Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you from far away. 
Condolences, Liz McNeil Gill

OBITUARIO

Theodore Frost Rockafellow

13 noviembre, 1923 – 18 noviembre, 2007

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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