Theodore Thomas Cupp, 92 of Aumsville, Oregon passed away on Thursday August 2, 2018. Born in Gervais, Oregon on October 21, 1925, Ted left Salem High School (now called North Salem), to join the United States Navy to serve in World War II. Ted served onboard the most decorated ship of World War II, the USS Enterprise CV-6 from 1943-1946, beginning at the Battle of Guadalcanal, and including Iwo Jima, and the Battle for Philippine sea.
In June 2011, he was the first graduate of the class of 2011 from North Salem High School, graduating 67 years after his scheduled class. As a new Fireman on the Salem Fire Department, he met Ella Maxine Pybas in 1950 while responding to a chimney fire at the home she was baby sitting in Salem, and on the spot invited her to the Annual Fireman’s Ball Gala (love at “First Fire”). They were married in November 1950 at the Skamania County Court House in Southwest Washington.
Ted served for 35 years on the Salem Fire Department as a decorated member, followed by 25 years of service to the Aumsville Rural Fire Department. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters and was considered an expert in his field.
Ted had a passion for Hard Work, Farming, Navy History, Baseball, Fishing, Feeding Treats to Canine Friends, and Befriending anyone who would listen; and most of all, his beloved family of Maxine, sons Dennis Michael “Mike” of Salem (US Air Force service), Gary Don of Aumsville (Fire Fighter service), and Keith Brian of Vancouver, Washington (US Navy service, onboard the USS Enterprise CVN-65).
Ted and Maxine have 19 grand children, a growing number of great grand children, and so many friends, if counted, would itself show that his life, was “well lived” by selfless service to others.
A public celebration of Ted’s live will take place on Saturday August 25th at the Bethel Baptist
645 Cleveland St, Aumsville, Oregon 97325.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fisher House Foundation https://www.fisherhouse.org/ .
