Guilford "Ted" Dudley Tobey

Born on February 17th, 1943, Ted spent nearly his entire life in the town he adored, Marblehead, Massachusetts. Growing up on Fountain Inn Lane overlooking Little Harbor, a place that remained his compass and comfort for all his days. He also cherished the island of Nantucket, where he spent his childhood summers and deepened his early connection to the ocean, which led him to join the United States Navy, serving from 1961 to 65 aboard several aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean and South China Seas.

Ted was a man of many trades and even more passions. He began as a sailmaker with Hood Sailmakers, bringing craftsmanship and care to the boats that defined so much of his life. In the early days of windsurfing, he joined the movement with enthusiasm, working in the growing industry and sharing his love for wind and water with others. Later, his attention turned to woodworking - fine antiques, specifically - which he lovingly restored through his own business, Restorations of Marblehead in Old Town.

But sailing never left his heart. He was a proud member of a group of Dovekie sailors who made annual trips together - part sailing adventure, part cherished camaraderie, often punctuated by the quirky festivities of their “Pits of Winter” gatherings.

Ted also loved the sky. A longtime small aircraft enthusiast, he made yearly pilgrimages to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for the EAA AirVenture air show - one of his favorite rituals, where the wonder of flight met the precision of craft.

An artisan in the kitchen as much as in the workshop, Ted was a discerning, joyful cook, best known for his legendary pies, delivered in a hinged wooden box like a sacred gift. Whether rhubarb, apple, or pecan (always pronounced PEE-can, not puh-CAHN), his creations were more than desserts: they were acts of affection, tradition, and pride. He had strong opinions about food, delivered with both precision and good humor.

Ted found deep pleasure in sharing what he knew. A natural teacher with profound patience, he would gladly take anyone curious out on a boat, or simply around the boatyard, to talk about the relationship between man, vessel, wind, and water. He was both a storyteller and a listener, always eager to offer a sailing tip, woodworking trick, or recipe tweak.

He loved folk music, local art, and the Marblehead Arts Festival, where he was both a participant and a proud supporter. And above all, he loved good friends and good conversation, usually with a warm smile, a curious question, and perhaps the latest culinary discovery to recommend. He greeted everyone with a bright, “Hello there! And how are you today?” A small ritual that made people feel seen, welcomed, and essential.

Ted also knew how to drop everything for a bit of fun. As a lifelong skier, he famously pulled his daughter out of school for father-daughter ski days to Killington and Stowe, where he taught her how to ski the bumps and enjoy the mountain air. He believed deeply in living in the moment and knew how to create them.

Ted is survived by his two children: John Guilford Tobey of Wilson, WY, and Jessica Tobey Hase (Alex Hase) of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA; and his beloved grandchildren, Tucker Hollister Hase of Hanover, NH, and Dasa Alexandra Hase of Cambridge, MA. He also leaves behind two sisters, Barbara Tobey of Cooperstown, NY, and Suzy Miller (Greg) of Sandwich, MA, and their families, as well as cousins Binth Rustad of Nantucket, MA, and Nancy Leske of Denmark, Maine.

Ted is remembered with affection by his wife, Sandy Tobey. While they lived separately over the past handful of years, she will always cherish the adventures they shared, especially the multi-day sailing excursions that brought her into his world of wind, water, and wild beauty. His love for nature and the sea left a lasting imprint. Ted also enjoyed time spent with Sandy’s daughters, Heidi and Jody, and their families.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Norton Hitchings, and his father, Arthur Guilford Tobey (Leslie Beer Tobey).

He will be deeply missed by his close friends: Carol & Steve, Margaret, and Eric & Jean, among many others whose lives he brightened with stories, meals, and that unmistakable twinkle in his eye.

Ted's greatest wish was for people to live fully, smile often, love deeply, and savor the moment. He did all of those, imperfectly and gloriously well.

As Ted desired, his ashes will be scattered at sea, and a celebration of life will take place in early fall. In lieu of flowers, donations to Marblehead Arts Festival would be appreciated.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com