Theodore "Ted" Edward Robertson

      To Theodore "Ted" Edward Robertson, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, he was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around him, he seemed to be eternally happy, and he willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life he touched. For Theodore "Ted", bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, he could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Theodore "Ted" really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

       His parents were Gerrard and Delores Paquette. Theodore "Ted" was raised in Kapuskasing, Ontario. Even as a child, Theodore "Ted" had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around him. He was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. He couldn’t help but capture everyone’s attention. He was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, he succeeded in entertaining his entire family.

      Always a good playmate, Theodore "Ted" was easygoing and fun loving. He managed to lighten the mood wherever he was, even during family squabbles. He seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Theodore "Ted" managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Theodore "Ted" was raised with one sibling. He had an older brother Joe.

      All of Theodore "Ted"'s playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Theodore "Ted" experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in fishing and hunting. He was a scout and member of militia. In his spare time he liked to play guitar in a band, singing and fishing. Theodore "Ted"'s memorable achievements included.

      Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Theodore "Ted" was a class “cut-up.” He didn’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Theodore "Ted" simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Theodore "Ted", grades may not have been the most important thing to him, but he really did enjoy his school experience. Since experience was Theodore "Ted"'s best teacher. He enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      The gift of being emotionally expressive and outwardly affectionate made Theodore "Ted" very easy to approach. On August 8, 1981 Theodore "Ted" exchanged wedding vows with Marilyn Margaret Dyment at Lynden United Church of Lynden, Ontario. He tried hard not to impose on his spouse. He was always sensitive to other people’s feelings, and that was especially true in marriage.

      Perhaps the reason Theodore "Ted" related so well to children was the fact that he never really completely grew up himself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped him in raising his own children. Theodore "Ted" was blessed with three, one son Benjamin Michael, two daughters Rachel Elise and Becka Doreen. They were also blessed with three grandsons and one baby soon to arrive in November, Owen, Carter, Matthew and baby Franken. Theodore "Ted" had the ability to focus his attention on the present moment. If he was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of his attention was directed. Theodore "Ted"'s compassionate side prevented him from being a strict disciplinarian, and he could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. He could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Theodore "Ted" had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

      At work, as in life, Theodore "Ted" was a real “people person.” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Theodore "Ted" liked to see himself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Theodore "Ted" was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Theodore "Ted"'s talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Theodore "Ted" as an excellent problem solver. His primary occupation was a truck driver.

      Theodore "Ted" enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Theodore "Ted" liked creating and making things. His favorite pursuits were hunting, fishing, playing guitar, singing and cutting wood. Theodore "Ted" was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Theodore "Ted" felt excited and challenged by sports. Even if he wasn’t the best, Theodore "Ted" loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. Theodore "Ted" relished the opportunities where he could make an impact, and he would often push himself to play above his abilities. A quick thinker who understood the basics, Theodore "Ted" never seemed to get caught off guard, even when confronted with unexpected conflict. In high school, Theodore "Ted" played. In his college years, Theodore "Ted" continued to stay active by. Recreational sports included fishing and hunting. Theodore "Ted" was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey - Toronto Maple Leafs.

      Living life in the fast lane suited Theodore "Ted" just fine. It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favourite vacations included his hunting and fishing trips with Peter and business trips with Marilyn.

      Theodore "Ted" was a lover of animals and cherished his pets, enjoying them almost as much as he enjoyed being around other people. One of Theodore "Ted"'s favorites was Desi and Bear both Bouvier dogs. They were best friends for over then years. His family was rounded out by his two litters of puppies. One litter of 12 and one litter of 13.

      Theodore "Ted" believed that you had to experience life, and his life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 2016, Theodore "Ted" took it in stride as one more way to have fun. With his boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Theodore "Ted" remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, he found new pleasure in helping to look after his grandchildren. Even in retirement, Theodore "Ted" continued to stay in touch with his old friends and, since he'd never met a stranger, he made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

      Theodore "Ted" passed away on July 24, 2017 at Lisaard House, cambridge Ontario. Services were held at Coutts Funeral Home. Theodore "Ted" was laid to rest in Parklawn Cemetery.

      Theodore "Ted" brought joy to all of those around him. He never had a mean bone in his body. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Theodore "Ted" Edward Robertson lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.

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With profound sadness we announce the passing of Theodore Edward Robertson "Ted". Ted passed away on July 24th peacefully after a brief, second courageous battle with cancer, at Grand River Hospital with his family by his side. Ted was a loving, devoted husband and best friend to Cheryl for 44 years. Loving father to Carley (Paul) Park and Jamie. Proud Papa to Brayden, Ethan and Jasmine. Ted will missed by his sister Jacalyn (Laverne) and brother Richard (Mary). Ted was predeceased by his sister Sandra (Cam). Ted will also be missed by many nieces and nephews and many brothers in law and sisters in law. Ted worked as a plumber for many years in Kitchener and Cambridge, owning his own company. Ted loved music, cars and animals. Ted will be missed dearly by his dog Molly and cat Donnie. Ted had the best sense of humor and remained witty and charming until the end. We shared so many laughs with him even in the hardest parts of the last few days. Ted was a kind man who always looked for the best in people and he was grateful for the medical care he received. We offer our sincere thanks to Dr. Chinaurd and Dr. Lawrence Green, and his family doctor, Dr. Jill Hollowell. Thank you to the 5th floor nursing staff of Grand River Hospital. Thanks also to the 6th floor nursing staff of Grand River Hospital, the care you provided allowed Ted to keep his dignity until the end and we will remain grateful. We are grateful to the doctors of the 6th floor for their valiant efforts to help Ted. We will miss Ted so much but will think of him when we hear a good song on the radio or see a bright star in the sky. Thank you to our friends and family for their love and support during this difficult time. In keeping with Ted’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Monday, July 31, 2017 at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge (519-621-1650) at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations made in Ted's memory to The Canadian Cancer Society or to the Grand River Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.