Still find myself thinking I will see you at the museum…

Bill Wall

It is amazing how quickly two years have passed.  Every time I go to the Museum, either to continue working on a project we worked on or on new projects, his absence is felt.  It was such a positive experience working with him--as it turned out for thirty-nine years.  You were truly unique.


Ted, I think of things to tell you, things to ask - it's so hard to fathom that your gone.
I am so glad to have gotten to know you better in recent years. You were a good, and kind person with such a wicked sense of humor. 
You will be missed.
Cousin Christine, Desiree and Keith

We miss you so much Ted.  You were a close friend who was always there when we needed help, advice, etc.  You always knew the answer.    You never spoke much but when you did it was meaningful.  You gave out compliments sparingly which made them very special when you gave one.  We considered ourselves very lucky to have known you & to be our friend.  Rest in peace.
Dolores & Alan

Ted was a great influence on me when I came to BERA.
He was always there to answer my questions and help me.
He certainly was a major part of BERA and its continued success.
He always had time to help another member.
He will be greatly missed.
Fred Kosack

I miss you already, my friend.  Seems like only yesterday that we met, with that yesterday being 46 plus years ago.   You were always there when needed, always available to help others and wanted nothing in return.   You put off many of the things that you wanted personally to do at the museum, putting the museum's needs first and foremost.   Thank you, Ted, for being in our lives, which you will still be even into the future.

I knew Ted as a public figure for over 40 years, and as a close colleague for about half that time. I have lost more than a friend, I have lost a kindred spirit.

Ted viewed each day as a chance to contribute and create. Of course he slowed down a bit in his 'golden years'.  But his mind was sharp, his body was sound, and he never lost his passion for transforming forlorn antiques into objets d' art. 

Ted was a visionary, and a master of nearly every craft. He was a mentor, a learner, and an artisan of the highest order. The true value of his life's work will only become clear over time. 

We have lost not merely a man, but a constant and reassuring presence in our lives, a true living legend on par with Louis J. G. Buehler and Dwight Benton Minnich.

I am proud to have made his acquaintance and only hope I can emulate him as time passes and I too enter my 'golden years'. 


Ted will be missed by all those who were touched by his kindness.


Ted's memory and legacy will live on for generations at the museum.    There is not one volunteer, not one piece of rolling stock, not one inch of our rail that hasn't been positively influenced by him.  His contributions to our organization are countless,  his talent was limitless.    Our hearts are broken by the loss of our friend.  

Ted was a trusted and valued friend for over 30 years and I have learned a great deal by knowing him. He was always ready to help with information or with his hands if needed. As a craftsman, very few were able to match his ability and standards. His criticism was always welcome and appreciated, even when he had that "smile" on his face.
Ted, it has been an honor to have known you and you will be missed by many.

I met Ted when I first joined the Trolley Museum back in November of 1997.  He was a great friend to me through the years.  He was always interested in sharing what was going on in our lives.  He taught me a great deal about restoration work on the equipment.  He included me in many projects.  He was a sincere friend to myself and my wife Victoria, and our two dogs, Hobo and Lucy.  Lastly, Ted always had a good joke.   

Ted was very special - he was a mentor, a friend, and family to us.  The time spent working beside him at the Trolley Museum over the years and the time shared with him at meals or celebrations will always be treasured.  He shared his knowledge with us, and that is a gift we will carry with us and use.  He encouraged us to do high quality work.  It's difficult to find the words to express how profound this loss is to us, and we know it is to the rest of his Trolley Museum family.  Our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him.  We will miss Ted.
~Kathy & Richard Slinsky

I met Ted in 1971 when he became an active volunteer at the Branford Trolley Musuem in East Haven, CT. He taught me a great deal about electric railway maintenance and restoration. While I later moved away, I kept up on the progress there and always respected Ted's professional accomplishments. I will miss him.

It was pleasure and honor to have worked with Ted at the Trolley Museum for thirty-nine years.  He taught me a lot and encouraged me to expand my woodworking skills.  His leadership allowed us to complete several major street car restorations and reconstructions.  They became true labors of love.  Those cars will be long lasting legacies of his work.  He possessed a huge knowledge base of the street car industry, which he was more than happy to share to those who asked.  Ted will be sorely missed by all who knew him and who worked with him.

OBITUARY

Theodore "Ted" Eickmann

October 17, 1945 – August 15, 2021

Goble Funeral Home

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