Theodore Harry Greaves, Sr., died peacefully September 18, 2018 after a brief illness. He was 92 1/2. Ted was born February 27, 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Sarah Smith of Snowflake, Arizona and Harry George Greaves (Theoharis Giorgos Grivas) of Lafkos, Greece.
Ted attend Granite High School where he lettered in football, wrestling, and track and field. Upon High School graduation, Ted joined the United States Navy and trained as an Aviation Cadet. Ted returned home after WWII, but his brother, George, was killed in an aviation accident during the War. After returning home, Ted was called to the Central Pacific Mission; an assignment to preach the Gospel in Hawaii to Americans of Japanese heritage. After his missionary service, Ted attended the University of Utah where he lettered in track and field, in the 440-yard dash and javelin. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. Ted married Ella May Nelson in 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple. Mom and Dad were married 66 1/2 years. They are blessed with seven children, 22 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
Ted’s professional career spanned 34 years at Olympus Junior High School, where he taught Speech and Drama, English, History, and for 17 of those years was a school counselor and administrator. He influenced thousands of young people for good with his teaching, literary gifts, and administrative skills, including he authored the Olympus Jr. school song. Ted also worked many part-time jobs, before after school hours, including he was a skilled carpenter, having learned his trade at the feet of his father, who was a master finish carpenter.
Ted was a prolific poet and won many awards.
Ted was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as a Stake Missionary as a Seventy, High-Priest Quorum Instructor, Sunday School Teacher, Bishopric and Scout Master among others.
Dad and Mom proudly sent six of their seven children on church missions. Dad’s life was an example of devotion to his Lord and Savior Jesus of Nazareth, to his wife, his children and grandchildren, to his precious friends, mission companions and his professional associates.
Ted and May traveled in their camper all over the United States including Alaska and Canada, and they took several journeys to Asia, Europe and the Pacific.
Dad was a spectacular grandfather as he could engage each of his grandchildren at their level and conquer them with his love. Mom and Dad were a remarkable grandparent team that will bless their grandchildren and descendants for generations.
Ted is survived by his sons, Richard, John (Corina), Cleveland (Brenda) and Jesse, sister Angeline and brother Eldon (Ruth), sister-in-law Vilate, daughters-in-law Christine, Louisa and Alison, and son-in-law Kim Taylor. Mom and Dads’ grandchildren include Rachel, Lavender, Nelson, April, Brad, Spencer, Blake, Steven, Andrew, Preston, Cameron, Megan, Daniel, Melissa, Tyler, Matthew, Sarah, Zachery, Ian, Parker, Amanda, and Jane.
Ted is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, daughters Loretta Greaves and Marie Greaves Taylor, son Theodore Jr., sisters Haricleah and Lois, and his brother, George.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dad’s many nurses, doctors, caregivers, ministers and friends who served him so well. Particular thanks to Richard, Cleve, Jesse, Parker and Vilate, who daily ministered to Dad these last three months.
Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 29th at Kenwood 2nd Ward, 3080 S. Kenwood Street, where friends may call between 11:30 and 12:45. Friends may also call Friday, September 28th from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Interment: Wasatch Lawn. www.wasatchlawn.com
