Theodore Ted G Bellows

--Sir John Lubbock

THE EARLY YEARS

Theodore Gerald Bellows was the last born to Frederick Ora Bellows and Etta Mae Bushie Bellows on June 24, 1936 in Rochester, New York. Ted's four brothers included Chester "Chet" Robert (Geneva) Bellows, Clifton "Cub" Ora (Connie) Bellows, Earnest "Ernie" Frederick (Fannie) Bellows, and Edwin Gordon "Ed" (Barbara, then Dorothy, then Corrine) Bellows. A sibling, John Daniel Bellows died at birth. Ted was predeceased by both his parents and brothers. Ted enjoyed staying in contact over the years with nieces and nephews and family living in the Detroit, Michigan suburbs and Phoenix, Arizona areas.

When Ted was very young, his family moved from their farm in Rochester, New York to the booming automotive industry area of Detroit, Michigan (suburbs of Dearborn, Livonia, and Garden City). Ted’s mother died when he was about ten years old due to surgery complications of a gall bladder attack. Ted was partly raised by his wealthy Aunt Lillian Ford and her husband (father’s sister) who lived in Lake Placid, New York. Ted held a number of summer jobs in Lake Placid (such as caddying) that afforded him the ability to meet interesting people, live comfortably, and drive a nice car in his teen years. When Ted spoke of his childhood years he often mentioned the pain of losing his mother at such a young age, but also the good life that he enjoyed while living with his loving Aunt Lillian Ford in Lake Placid. He recounted over the years many fun times and fond childhood memories while living in Lake Placid. The beauty of Lake Placid with its Adirondack Mountains and Tupper Lake (and Mirror Lake) was always fresh in his mind and provided an opportunity to be in the great outdoors that he so enjoyed all his life.

EDUCATION AND FRIENDS

Ted graduated from Fordson High School in 1955, and later Henry Ford College, both in Dearborn, Michigan. He was several credits away from graduating from Wayne State University in Midtown Detroit, Michigan. Ted loved to share that he had brushes with two celebrities in his life. He had the privilege of meeting and working around Kate Smith while living in Lake Placid, New York when he was a teen. She was kind to him and he enjoyed knowing and talking with her. Ted admired her beautiful voice and songs all his life. Ted also knew and went to high school (and later Wayne State University) with Chad Everett, an actor in the old TV show "Medical Center". In addition, Ted had several acquaintances from Michigan that were special to him and that he always remained in contact with thought the years. This included very dear friends Fred and Barbara Stahl and Jerry and Lila Sherman. Jerry Sherman shared Ted’s love of outdoors and the two frequently hunted together when he lived in Michigan.

FIRST MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN

Ted married Juanita Rose Doherty on August 24, 1957 in Flat Rock, Michigan. They later divorced. Ted and Rose had four children, which included Theodore Gerald Bellows, Jr. (Michelene Otoole) of Las Vegas, Nevada, Gary Michael Bellows (Donna) of Sedro Woolley, Washington, Deborah Ann Bellows of Burlington, Washington, and Frederick Edwin Bellows (Rene) of Pearland, Texas. They were all born in Michigan.

SECOND MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN

Ted met Kerry "Jolene" McArthur (Andrews) when both served as safety education representatives for the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, where they shared interests in their occupational careers. They married on Valentines Day, February 14, 1979 in Honolulu, Hawaii in a small ceremony at the Honolulu First Presbyterian Church and made their home in Olympia, Washington. Ted and Jolene enjoyed almost 34 years of marriage until Ted's death in 2012. They celebrated their special anniversary every year with a Valentine gift exchange while taking a skiing trip to Wenatchee, a trek to the Oregon Coast, or a trip to some other fun vacation spot. Ted and Jolene had one son together, Brian Jerald Bellows (girlfriend Kimberly Stewart) born at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. Brian resides in Lacey, Washington. Ted had many in-laws from his marriage to Rose who had a large family. Jolene's family included father-in-law Earl K. Andrews, mother-in-law Jean Andrews, sister and brother in-law Joanie and Jim Partin, and their children (nephews) Adam and Colby Partin.

GRAND AND GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN

Ted was a grandfather and great-grandfather. His son Theodore G. Bellows, Jr. had three sons, Jason Bellows, Jeffrey Bellows, and Jaremy Bellows. Son Gary Bellows had one son, Troy Bellows. Daughter Debbie Bellows had two daughters, Shelly Rogers and Sabrina Rogers. Son Fred Bellows had son Bryson Bellows and stepson Adam Enqvist. Great-grandchildren included Brayden Bellows and step great-grandchild Kyleigh Cool (children of Jason Bellows), Landon Bellows and Mackenzie Bellows (children of Jeffrey Bellows), Jaden Olson, Brock Olson, and Whitney Olson (children of Sabrina Rogers Olson); and Katlyn Jo Leibrant, (daughter of Shelly Rogers).

FUN FAMILY TIMES

Ted’s love of the outdoors was shared with his children through many happy times of backpacking, hiking, camping, boating, fishing, and scouting activities and trips. Ted happily served as a Boy Scout leader, and daughter Debbie was in Camp Fire Girls. He was extremely proud that Ted Jr. achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Ted also enjoyed skiing at Stevens Pass with his family and at one time talked of joining the ski patrol. He hiked on many trails in the Cascades and camped with his children on many lakes. Ted’s home with first wife Rose in Sedro Woolley was a "mini farm", where he enjoyed "farm life" by raising a few head of cattle, and Ted Jr., Gary, Debbie and Fred raised a variety of farm animals for 4-H.

Ted enjoyed sharing his passion for the great outdoors with second wife Jolene--with many of these experiences new to her. They hunted in Eastern Washington, backpacked and camped at his favorite wilderness area, hiked the entire Hurricane Ridge and lower trails of Mt. Rainier, and down hill snow skied at Mission Ridge in Wenatchee, WA. Later on when he acquired boats, they sailed and motor boated on Lake Chelan and the waters of Puget Sound as well as jet skied on Lake Chelan. While Jolene joined Ted for charter fishing at Westport once, she soon learned that Ted had a much stronger stomach for the churning waters of the Westport bar than she did. Jolene credited Ted with helping her have a better appreciation of nature, and in turn Ted enjoyed and often mentioned to her his appreciation for the special touches she brought to their home and garden.

FATHERHOOD REVISITED

Ted and Jolene were ecstatic about becoming parents (Ted at 50--Jolene at 36). Ted loved being involved in the Lamaze class (an opportunity he did not have with his older children). With all his prior parenting experience, he was the know-it-all "class cut-up" in a group of scared 20-somethings new to this. Ted and Jolene met the Skinners (another "older couple") who interestingly had ties to Ted's hometown in Michigan and Jolene's in Pennsylvania. A bond was formed that continues today. With Jolene working outside the home, Ted became a "latchkey Dad", picking up Brian every day after work from Brian’s wonderful babysitter, “Grandma Mary Tate” and caring for him until Jolene came home. Ted was provided an opportunity to re-live fatherhood with Brian, enjoying fun family vacations, activities at school such as band concerts (where Brian played drums and percussion), and favorite past time activities such as roller blade skating and racing at Skateland. Of course, Brian had an early introduction to fishing, accompanying Ted to Westport at a very young age. Vehicles were always a big part of Ted’s life, and he enjoyed teaching Brian to drive and help him select his first car as a teen. An important milestone for Ted was seeing Brian graduate from college in 2008 with an Associate of Science degree from South Puget Sound Community College and then Bachelor of Science degree (cum laude in computer science) in May 2011 from St. Martin’s University in Lacey, Washington.

LIFETIME OF PARENTAL PRIDE

Parental pride was a life long experience for Ted. Ted Jr. was an electronics expert receiving numerous awards for outstanding service while in the United States Air Force and Fred excelled as a data systems expert achieving the rank of chief petty officer in the United States Navy. Both had equally successful post military careers. Ted was always fascinated with Gary's work with the State Department of Natural Resources as it allowed the two of them to share their passion for the outdoor beauty of Washington. He was particularly proud of the many years that Gary was involved in forest fire fighting. He also enjoyed seeing the clever craft items designed by Gary and wife Donna for local craft shows. Debbie was always Ted's little girl that he enjoyed seeing and sharing conversation about her life and adventures. Wherever their travels took them, Ted always enjoyed keeping in touch with his children by phone between their regular visits.

CAREERS IN MICHIGAN AND WASHINGTON

In his early Michigan years, Ted was employed in the grocery store business and later worked in the Hydromatic Division of General Motors Car Company in the Detroit area. Ted always dreamed of living in Alaska. Encouraged by a friend about the beauty of Washington state, Ted instead moved his family to Lacey, Washington in 1968, where he worked for Panorama City in Personnel. He continued in the personnel and occupational safety field moving north to a beautiful view home in Mukilteo. He also worked in personnel/safety positions for Rainier Brewing in Seattle, Weyerhaeuser Company in Everett, and Reinell Boats in Marysville. He began a career with the State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries on February 9, 1973 as a safety education representative in the Mt. Vernon and Bellingham offices, serving industries in the Skagit, Whatcom, and Island County areas (later transferring to the Tacoma L&I office when he moved to Olympia). He was well respected by employers and employees for his safety knowledge and safety training skills. He developed a safety training program to improve the safety operations of pea viner farming while living in Sedro Woolley.

The final and most rewarding career change occurred on July 21, 1980 when Ted transferred to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as a district safety officer. His job involved workplace safety for District 3 headquartered in Tumwater, Washington (now called Olympic Region). Ted felt he was the luckiest district safety officer in the state to have a work area that took in the Hood Canal, up to Port Angles, and almost to Mt. Rainier. His safety challenges included providing safety consultation to WSDOT managers and employees working on the Hood Canal Bridge and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge--two very unique structures. He enjoyed conducting safety walk-arounds and safety training sessions at all the maintenance shops around the district. He loved his beautiful work area and the interesting work and people it offered. He retired from WSDOT in 1996 due to health issues (with a total of 23 years of Washington State service).

THE JOYS OF HUNTING AND FISHING

Friendships were forged at WSDOT with transportation engineers Robert Wade and Tim Ahles. These three and other “hunting buddies” made an annual trek to Mt. St. Helens for elk hunting for many years. Ted eagerly packed his gear and Jolene’s homemade chili and chocolate chip cookies (his favorites) for elk hunting and hunting buddy camaraderie. Ted was "in his element" setting up camp with his trailer and sitting around the campfire swapping hunting stories. Ted was very successful in hunting and snagged a trophy sized 8-point elk one year. When he wasn’t elk hunting in November, he was having a blast salmon fishing with Aberdeen WSDOT maintenance superintendent and friend Ron Bashon. Ted and Ron always had a fish story to tell, and Ted's salmon fishing success was well chronicled in family photos of big fish and happy smiles. Ted appreciated and looked forward to Ron's visits and phone calls throughout the years to update him on WSDOT happenings and the latest fishing news.

THE JOYS OF TRAVEL

Ted and Jolene shared the joy of traveling, and in 1984, they boarded the Eurail for a 3-week European vacation. Austria, Switzerland and Bavaria, Germany struck a chord with Ted because of the mountains (Alps) and beautiful outdoor scenery. The trip also included a stop in Trier, Germany to visit Ted Jr. who was stationed at Spangdahlem AFB. Ted continued to be in his mountain love element with a trip to Jasper, Canada and Lake Louise. Later trips included Edmonton, Canada (the big mall), California Disneyland, the Oregon Coast, and visits to his family in Michigan and Jolene's in Pennsylvania. For fun in the sun, Ted and Jolene enjoyed trips to Hawaii and Mexico. Trips enjoyed the most were those to visit Ted Jr. in Las Vegas, son Fred's wedding in Galveston, and his brother Ed's place in Arizona. A solo road trip and a cruise to Alaska were lifetime travel highlights for Ted.

THE JOYS OF FUN THINGS AND OUTDOORS

Any good outdoors man has to have his gear and toys, and Ted enjoyed bringing home new ones to show Jolene. These included a restored (like new condition) Ford tractor, numerous CJ5 jeeps, pick-up trucks, snowmobiles, wave runner, quad, 22 foot outboard Bayliner boat, and a 21 foot San Juan sail boat, not to mention other smaller fishing boats, numerous campers (including an Air Stream), and a small motor home. On his wild side, he had a hot red 1987 Corvette, a new yellow Mustang convertible, a new hot black Mustang with turbo, and a red, older Mercedes sports convertible. While the toys moved on to others, Ted’s enjoyment of them all lingered on in his memories and in family photos. With his sports gear, he downhill snow skied, ice skated (including ice hockey), hunted, fished, kayaked, hiked, snowshoed, sailed, boated, picnicked, traveled, and took in all the sights that Mother Nature had to offer.

PRIDE AND JOY OF HOME

Ted was handy with tools. Before health issues, he was a dynamo around the house building many beautiful fences, decks, a fabulous swing set and playhouse complete with custom made wave slide for Brian, chalet garden shed and greenhouse for Jolene as well as a cool wooden hot tub, deck and enclosure. He enjoyed all his homes (Michigan, Mukilteo, Sedro Woolley, and Olympia) doing most remodeling and maintenance himself. One element of home that Ted particularly enjoyed was watching the large bird feeder that was a gift from Jolene. He always enjoyed seeing new types of birds visit the feeder and tracked them in his bird book, and made sure they were well stocked in food. A bucket of shell peanuts was always sitting near by for the blue jays and bush jays. They provided many hours of entertainment with their peanut seeking antics. He also enjoyed seeing the occasional deer come by to eat Jolene's roses. The sun room addition he and Jolene added to their home was a particular favorite as it allowed him to sit and enjoy an unobstructed view of nature and scenery in comfort and warmth from the large cushy chairs Jolene added to the room. Ted was also a stickler on good vehicle maintenance and kept his vehicles waxed and shined down to the tires.

ALASKA CALLING

All who knew Ted were aware of his extreme love of everything about the beautiful wilderness of Alaska. He subscribed to "Alaska Magazine" and read it cover to cover. His TV remote was always seeking shows about Alaska, outdoors, bears, elk, hunting, fishing, gold panning, and wilderness survival. He often commented that he would have loved to live in the days of the Alaska gold rush and survive in some remote place in Alaska (although later in life he admitted he probably could not have stood the cold). That dream partly came true in 2007 when he made a solo trip to Alaska via the Alcan Highway with a small motor home and fishing boat in tow. He planned to stay the entire summer (the reason Jolene could not accompany him), but instead stayed a little over a month. It was the trip of a lifetime for him seeing the sights he dreamed of and experiencing it his way with no physical hardships or health issues (just a rock chip and flat tire) at a time when health was a challenge. He liked the return trip on the Alaska Ferry as much as the trip up on the Alcan. In 2010, Ted and Jolene cruised to Alaska, disembarking to visit the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau as well as hitting the tourist spots in Ketchikan and Skagway.

INVESTING IN ELK AND ELEPHANT HERDS

Ted was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving and helping elk herds. He served many years as a volunteer with the Olympia banquet committee, including soliciting for donations for the annual banquet. When he no longer served on that committee, he supported the work of RMEF by attending the annual banquet and auction with Jolene. He also liked to support Wolf Haven in Tenino, WA, and causes that called for the protection of the wilderness in Alaska. His fondest moments were seeing herds of elk at Mt. St. Helens. He made one last vehicle trip to a snowy Mt. St. Helens in December 2012 with son Ted Jr., Michelene, and Jolene prior to his passing. Ted also liked elephants. His Aunt Lillian gave him an elephant statute that he always cherished. He once commented that he liked elephants because they represented strength and intelligence. Knowing that, Jolene gave him a special one from Hawaii and later another from one of their trips. That was the beginning of other unique elephant statutes and decor added to the Bellows home--many of them special because they were gifts from family or friends.

A COMPLEX CASE

Energizer bunny is an affectionate name given to Ted by Jolene referring to his struggles with health and his ability to keep going when things were tough. While no one likes to point out health struggles, it would be a discredit to the man who was Ted Bellows not to mention them here. He came to have diabetes mellitus in his early 50’s, later developing a congenital liver disease for which he successfully survived with a liver transplant in 1997, only to have his kidneys fail. He survived with grueling hemo-dialysis treatments for about seven years until he had a successful kidney transplant in 2003, both done at the University of Washington Medical Center. With stoic determination, he faced and met ancillary health issues that cropped up throughout the years after his transplants. He wore the words of his Group Health doctor, Dr. George Lamb, that “he was a complex case”, as a badge of courage. Health problems never defined Ted’s life. Rather the word to describe his attitude is that he "defied" health problems to again do the things he loved, spend time with Jolene, and watch his children grow and prosper. Good friends, family, and even those who didn’t know him well remarked of their awe at the quiet courage, tenacity, and sheer guts that it took to endure so many medical treatments over the years yet continue to live his life and tick off his bucket list items (such as his solo trip to Alaska, dream cars, vacations, etc.). He was an inspiration to the spirit of perseverance. Friends Tim Ahles and Harry Simmons helped tremendously in the early days after Ted’s transplant, and their kindness and help at a very difficult time was never forgotten and mentioned often by Ted. He also credited his physician, Dr. George O. Lamb, Internist at Group Health Medical Center, Olympia, for not only saving his life by helping him attain his initial transplant, but for many years of extremely professional and skilled care needed for Ted's "complex medical case".

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

A celebration of Ted's life for family and friends will be held in summer 2013 at the family home in Olympia. Everyone is encouraged to leave remembrances of Ted by signing the Mills and Mills website guest book and viewing his life's journey through the photo gallery and video.

A LOVING FAREWELL

To Jolene, Ted always will be the handsome wilderness survivor who strived to live strong and self-reliant. All of his family knows that whether hiking on a trail, climbing a mountain top, or fishing on a golden pond, his spirit lives on in nature with the elk herds at Mt. St. Helens, in the great oceans, and in the wilds of Alaska--with maybe an occasional side trip to the tropics. We love you Ted Bellows, our son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, brother-in-law, and guy with a nice but quirky sense of humor. You made an impact on all of us and will never be forgotten.

When saying good-bye to folks, Ted always uttered the phrase, "keep your powder dry" (which refers to keeping gun powder dry so you are prepared for whatever comes along). This phrase represented the essence of Ted Bellows. To carry on your tradition, we end your story by saying, "Ted, keep your powder dry." With our love, respect, and devotion to your memory, we dedicate the following poem about wilderness to you (followed by your favorite song).

POEM - THIS WILDERNESS

I am unworthy of this wilderness,

majesty too great for kings,

lakes and rivers, wide as dreams,

moving faster than my words.

Humbled by this wilderness,

I have so little left to hold,

so few are these my last provisions

I am but a guest out here.

I am so small beneath these tall trees;

some fall hard as others rise.

High winds lift them up around me;

drum beat step in their own time.

Bright sun sneaks to hide each day,

so stars more brilliantly can shine

with dancing native spirit skies.

a calming balm for anxious souls.

Nothing distracts me but these sounds

in quiet nights, when stillness cries,

'Forget each second, minute, day

To treasure what is to be found.'

Respect the fire-maker's food

and all the skills that bring us here,

yet in the dark, I'll hide ‘til sleep

my sharper senses softly stills.

I am so small in this big wilderness.

It is much stronger than I am,

yet it has shared its two-edged kindness

as it has wrapped me in its will.

It calls me back each year to start

again to find what days forget,

far away from this great wonder

lessons by its harshness taught.

It is not easy in this wilderness -

I know enough to stand in awe;

I am not worthy of this wilderness,

but still it calls me, calls me, calls me.

(2007, Revised 2012)

L C Vieira

TED & JOLENE'S FAVORITE SONG

Reminiscing - by Little River Band

Friday night, it was late

I was walking you home

We got down to the gate

And I was dreaming of the night

Would it turn out right

How to tell you girl

I wanna build my world around you

Tell you that it's true

I wanna make you understand

I'm talkin' about a lifetime plan

That's the way it began, we were hand in hand

Glenn Miller's Band was better than before

We yelled and screamed for more

And the Porter tunes "Night and Day"

Made us dance across the room

It ended all too soon

And on the way back home

I promised you'd never be alone

Hurry, don't be late

I can hardly wait

I said to myself when we're old

We'll go dancing in the dark

Walking through the park and reminiscing

[Instrumental Interlude]

Friday night, it was late

I was walking you home

We got down to the gate

And I was dreaming of the night

Would it turn out right

Now as the years roll on

Each time we hear our favorite song

The memories come along

Older times we're missing

Spending the hours reminiscing

Hurry, don't be late, I can hardly wait

I said to myself when we're old

We'll go dancing in the dark

Walking through the park and reminiscing