A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Friday, August 12th at 11am at the North Chapel Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara, California. Visitation will be on Thursday, August 11th from 5-9pm at North Chapel. Interment will be at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, 490 Lincoln Street (across the street from the funeral home Chapel), followed by a reception at the funeral home.
Captain Ted, as he was so admirably called by his friends at Villa Fontana assisted living community, was born December 9th, 1924 in Abilene, Texas to Elmer and Mrytle. Ted was one of the “greatest generation” that proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, South Pacific from 1942 through 1944.
After his honourable discharged from the Marine Corp, Ted, went back to school and afterwards opened his own hearting air conditioning business in Abilene, TX and San Jose, CA until his retirement. After retirement he taught at the Sequoia Institute where he taught math and physics and received special recognition from his many students. In later years he was sought out by companies to work on special projects.
He was a member of the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, San Jose.
His interests included his family especially his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ted is survived by his loving wife Louise, San Jose, daughter, Diane Basehart, Dallas, TX, son Ricky Tedford, San Jose, daughter-in-law Kathy Tedford, San Jose, son-in-law Michael Basehart, Dallas, TX; grandchildren, Joseph Tedford, San Jose, CA, Michael Swenn, Dallas, TX, Monty Swenn, Enid, OK, and Misty Swenn, San Antonio, TX; great-grandchildren Brandon Neilson, San Antonio, TX, Kelsee Swenn, Dallas, TX, Hensley Swenn, Edmond, OK, Hesston Swenn, Enid, OK, and Cody Gann, San Antonio, TX; step sons Alven, Ken, Greg, Bill and Jeff Andersen. He was preceded in death by his parents, his three beloved sisters, one brother, his son Ed, and great-grandson, Tyler,
The family is very appreciative of everyone at Villa Fonta for their untiring professionalism and commitment to Ted’s wellbeing over the past fifteen months. Their passion for their work was evident throughout his stay and made a difficult decision to leave his wife and home much easier. A special thanks to Precy, Carmelita, Marifa, Geralyn, Chona, Minda, Gina, Mayla, Maida, Angela, Roza, Selerma, Kate and and Fay and all of the other wonderful staff; Daisy his Care-on-Call nighttime care giver, and Erin his Caremore nurse.. To the kind and caring doctors and nurses at O’Connor hospital during his final days. To the many new friends at Villa Fontana with whom he made new friends and helped make his days more enjoyable participating in various activities.
Also, Diane, his daughter and Kathy, his daughter-in-law, who spent countless hours visiting and caring for Ted and son Ricky who spent many hours helping his dad and especially reminiscing with him about childhood memories and the life experiences..
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Ted leaves a lasting legacy to his family and many others that worked and learned from him the meaning of commitment, perseverance, and dedication to his family, country, and God. His core values were impeccable and a testament to growing up during the depression, his World War 2, and life experiences. He leaves a lasting memorable impression on those that were fortunate to have known him.
In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the Veterans Supportive Services Agency, Inc., 14630 Noble Avenue, San Jose, CA 95132, (408) 770-2527.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, Santa Clara, CA.
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