Theodore "Ted" Oliver McCann

Ted spent part of his youth in Spokane when at the age of 10, his mother moved him and his brother Fred to Seattle where he lived, attended school and worked for Fredrick & Nelson until the age of 20, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman Recruit to serve four years as a Shipboard Radio Operator on the USS Teal. During WW II the Teal patrolled the waters off the shores of the Aleutian Islands. Once the War ended he was stationed at the U.S. Naval Air Station, Lake City, Florida. En-route he was on a bus leaving Chicago when one stop along the way was Indianapolis, where a young lady boarded. As fate would have it they enjoyed each other’s company and upon her departure he gave her his address. After a 6 month courtship, Betty Coughenour married her sweetheart on September 25, 1945 in Gadsden, Alabama.

Ted remained in the Military until he was honorably retired with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, September 1962, after illness prevented him from remaining in the service. He had a distinguished military career and was stationed at many locations throughout the world. Whenever possible his family joined him. Ted and Betty made their home in Long Beach, California where he worked for the Department of Health, Education and Welfare. He ultimately brought his family to the Northwest and remained in the Seattle and Everett areas until his passing.

He enjoyed collecting art medals relating to U.S. History, people, places and events, and was a member of the Everett Coin Club for over 30 years. He wrote short stories, and enjoyed model ship building. He was extremely generous, not only to his family but to many organizations and charities. He was kind, caring and respectful of others. He was a patriot with an unwavering love of country and family.

His dear Betty passed before him in September of 2013 after 68 years of marriage. Although he tried, we believe he could no longer live a life without her. He made the journey to feel her embrace once again and they will forever be united.

He is survived by his daughter Michele (Jerry) Cesario, his son Daniel (Teresa) McCann, daughter Sallie (John) Sandstrom, grandchildren Rory, Brian, and Tessa Sandstrom, Jon Cesario, Sister-in-law Ardith Hall, Nieces Patricia (Charles) Totten, Jan (Patrick) White, Dana Hall, Linda (Gary) Minton, Carol (Scott) Holmes, great-nephew Patrick R. White, great-niece Lisa House, many extended friends and family.

A Celebration of Ted’s life will be held at Acacia Memorial Park, Friday, July 11, 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Donate By Phone: 800-805-5856

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 901-578-2805

Online: www.stjude.org

Ted was a man of great integrity and will forever be admired by the many lives he touched.