Theodore E. Unander

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Theodore Eugene Unander was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Ted will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Ted’s life journey began on March 24th, 1940. He first greeted the world in Coalinga, California at Pleasant Valley Hospital. His parents' names were Harold Theodore and Louise Ellen Unander. He grew up in Torrance, California where he attended school and created many fond memories.

Ted enjoyed his college years. Though it was a challenge with all of the academics and responsibilities, he was able to manage the balancing act. He attended National University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science and a Master of Arts in Counseling.

Ted enlisted in The United States Navy and actively served from January of 1958 until January of 1981. He inactively served from January of 1981 until May of 1988. During his enlistment, his career had been one of superior performance in a variety of demanding assignments and had been marked by continuous advancement. He served in a variety of ships and stations. His sea tours included duty aboard USS HENRY W. TUCKER (DD 875); U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE, Port Hueneme; Attack Squadron ONE FOUR SIX, NAS Lemoore; USS AUSTIN (LPD 4); USS TAWASA (ATF 92); USS JOHN S. MCCAIN (DDG 36) and U.S. Naval Station Subic Bay. Ashore he served at U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station China Lake; Naval Recruiting Station, Mesa, Arizona; Naval Recruiting Station, Phoenix, Arizona and on the Staff of Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In each assignment he had given of himself unselfishly for which he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; Good Conduct Service Medal (five awards); Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon; Vietnam Campaign Medal (w/device); Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal and Sea Service Ribbon. He also received the COMNAVLOGPAC Golden Anchor Award in 1977. He achieved the final rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Ted experienced that with Emily Julian Cordova. Their story began while he was enlisted in the Navy. Ted was the Chief Navy Career Counselor in Subic Bay, Philippines. He handled the military transfers, rate changes and other related activities. His job involved contacting Washington on a regular basis. Emily, a civilian who worked at Subic Bay, was the military switch board operator for all the military bases around the world. One day while on a routine call to Washington, Emily answered his call and transfered him to his contact. Since that day, Ted would always ask to be transfered by Emily (Operator 21). They began a year long friendship talking over the phone about their lives. Then one day, Ted invited Emily to lunch. When reminiscing to his friends about the day they met, Ted would often say, "It was love at first sight".

Ted and Emily happily exchanged wedding vows on December 1st, 1978 in Olongapo, Philippines where the Mayor presided over their marriage.

Empathic and loyal, Ted was committed to making his new wife happy. The two shared many loving and happy years of marriage.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Ted worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Ted was blessed with two children, Leilani Julian Cordova and Rizaldo Julian Cordova, Jr. He worked hard toward raising his children in a positive and nurturing environment.

Later in life, Ted was blessed with the joy of two grandchildren, Kaleolani Cordova Salas and Malik Eugene Cordova.

In addition to his career in the Navy, Ted was also a social worker for Child Protective Services. He was employed by Southwood Psychiatric Clinic in San Diego County.

Though Ted didn’t work for accolades, he was recognized for a job well done. During his employment with Southwood Psychiatric Clinic, Ted received the "Employee of the Month" award. He also earned the nickname "The Terminator" for his outstanding performance for the San Diego County Department of Social Services.

Ted enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, including woodworking and building furniture for his home. He loved taking his family on camping and fishing trips in his motor home. Ted enjoyed maintaining and repairing his family cars as well as teaching his son and daughter to do the same. Ted took the time to read the newspaper daily and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and riddles. He was excellent at solving nearly every one. He also enjoyed watching the show "Jeopardy" which he was known for correctly answering all of the questions. In his spare time, he liked writing short stories and would send them out for publication. While in the Navy, Ted started off as a cook. So he spent much of his time cooking at home for his family. Their home always smelled of fresh baked cookies and bread.

Sadly, Ted Unander left us on May 19th, 2011. He passed away at Scripps Intensive Care Unit in Chula Vista, California due to multi organ failure from complications from pneumonia. He is survived by his loving wife Emily Julian Unander; his daughter Leilani Cordova Salas and her husband Pete Salas; his grandsons Kaleolani Cordova Salas and Malik Eugene Cordova; his cousin Neal Wallace and his wife Sherri Wallace. A Funeral Service was held on May 28th, 2011 at The Little Chapel of the Roses. Ted was laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California.

Simply stated, Ted was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Ted leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Theodore Eugene Unander touched will always remember him with a smile.