Edwin Terrington Sortwell

Edwin (Ted) Terrington Sortwell, 87, died on the evening of May 15, 2022, fittingly, during a lunar eclipse. He was born July 1, 1934 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, the eldest son of Roy T. and Kathleen Dorothy Florence (Dodge) Sortwell.

Ted spent his youth in Vancouver where his earliest passions were Old English Sheepdogs and baseball. As a young man Ted served in the Canadian Navy Reserve as a lieutenant. He met Roberta (June) Grace Hewes in the Officers Mess in London, Ontario in 1955, the two were engaged 6 days later (after a proposal in a tree) and were married on May 5, 1956. That same year, Ted graduated from the University of British Columbia with a BA in Chemistry. Ted and June’s marriage spanned 66 years, building their lives together, along with their 4 children, in Canada before moving to the US in 1970 and settling in Wheaton, IL. After June retired from teaching in 1997, they moved to Saint Simon’s Island, GA where Ted continued to work.

Ted spent his entire career in the global chemical industry. He applied his chemical insights to solve problems related to municipal water treatment, pulp and paper, mining and oil extraction. He eventually started his own business and throughout his career was granted multiple patents including novel technology for efficient oil extraction from the tar sands and improved fire-retardant foam. He continued inventing until the very end in his make-shift laundry room “laboratory”, much to June’s chagrin.

Ted enjoyed travelling with June, island activities with friends, and spending time with family. He was perpetually curious about the world around him, especially about current events and scientific discovery, and along with June, instilled this curiosity in their children. He was a fierce advocate for his family, supporting their education and careers, moving heaven and earth to support them in times of need, and showing them unconditional love. He prided himself in his ability to tell puns, an affliction shared by some of his children.

Ted is preceded in death by his beloved son Richard. He is survived by his wife June; his brother Reg (Ruth); his children Christopher, Andrea (Mitch) and Caryl (Tom); his daughter-in-law Siobhan; his grandchildren Laura, Michael (Katherine), Owen and Rowen; and his nieces Naomi (Dale) and Joanna (Alan).

Family members will be scattering Ted’s ashes in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice of the Golden Isles https://hospice.me/general-donation/.

Edo Miller and Sons is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the register book and leave condolences for the family at www.edomillerandsons.com