He was born to the late Theodore and Alta Sorensen on 30 March 1933, in St. Louis, MO. In his youth, he assisted with the care of his younger brother, Bruce, and enjoyed taking camping trips with his family.
Theodore went on to graduate from UCLA with a BA and MA in History and Phi Beta Kappa honors. He also served as a mess sergeant in the Army and Army National Guard.
Theodore was an elementary, high school, and adult education teacher for 40 years in the Los Angeles Unified School District, teaching History, English, and English as a Second Language. Of historical note, he also taught the first Black History class in the district.
In his spare time, Theodore enjoyed reading and collecting history books, bonsai gardening, and cooking.
Theodore is survived by his second wife, Yi, and his two sons, Theodore and Ian, from his first wife, Velia.
Funeral services will be held on 5 December 2013 at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks in Westlake, CA at 11 AM.