Born on the banks of the Fraser River, in Penny, BC on October 3rd, 1923, Theodore
Melvin (Fleet) Tosoff began a long and colourful journey that came to a peaceful passing on
October 8th, 2020 in Coquitlam, BC at the age of 97. He spent most of his adult life in the
Greater Vancouver area.
Ted, as he was known to most people was dearly loved by his mother, Gladys and father,
James along with a large family that grew up around the city of Prince George, BC. In his
younger years, Ted played hockey during the frigid winters and caught fish in the summer on the
banks of the Fraser River where the family lived near the CN station at the whistle stop of
Shelley. After going to work as a flunky at a logging camp, Ted joined the army at 17 and served
his country honourably, receiving the 75th year anniversary certificate and victory pin from
Veteran Affairs Canada on the day before he passed away. He was one of the few remaining one
million Canadian soldiers who “defend(ed) the right of all people to live in peace and freedom”.
After returning from the war at age 22, Ted attended Vancouver Vocational School and
earned an apprenticeship with Dominion Construction where he learned his skills as a carpenter,
soon becoming a supervisor. A natural born leader, Ted started his own construction firm,
Crestwood Construction Ltd., and after the house building boom of the 1950s, went on to
become a well known and respected general contractor in the Vancouver region. Crestwood was
responsible for many school and civic projects including the Richmond School Board building
and the Minoru Aquatic Centre.
Flying was his passion and Ted owned and flew his beloved Cessna 180 and then his 210
across Canada with his wife, Vivian, who predeceased him in 2006.
After retiring in 1982, Ted and Vivian travelled extensively around the world, then in
their motor home and spent the winters in Arizona where they enjoyed being part of a square
dancing group. Ted loved to dance and did so with his long time companion, Vivienne Jarvie
well into his 96th year. Fiercely independent and known for his spirited personality and tough
mindedness, Ted lived on his own after his wife’s death up until his final year.
Survived by his three sons, Bryon (Charlotte), Lloyd (Karen) and Ted Jr. (Charlotte), as well as eight grandchildren, Tamara, Kevin, Jennifer, Melissa, Amanda, David, Kara, and Matthew, and three great grandchildren, Vivi, Olave, and Georgia. He is predeceased by his grandson Christopher. Ted will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Honouring Ted’s wishes, there will be no memorial service.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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