Theodore Totten

Theodore Thomas Totten “Ted” quietly left us on Sunday, March 22, 2015 at 2:59 p.m. after a long battle with congestive heart failure.

Ted was born May 13, 1931 in Portland, where he spent all his life except two years in the Army. He attended Ascension Grade School, later Benson Tech, briefly before going to work. He spent 9 ½ years at Simpson Plywood in North Portland, two years in the service and 21 ½ years at Oregon Steel Mills before retiring. He was a volunteer at the Carpenter’s Food Bank for over 32 years, where he went 2 to 3 times a week to serve and hand out food boxes to the needy.

Ted met his wife Ann at Oak’s Park in 1951, then married in 1952. Upon his discharge from the Army, they returned to Portland with their oldest child Ray and purchased a house they made home ever since. There they raised their three children, losing Ray to cancer in 2013.

Ted is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Ann, son; Gordon, daughter; Lisa, grandchildren; Lance, Lori, Christopher and Matt, Great grandson; Raymond, sister, Genny, brother in law; Jerry, daughter in law;  Jan, son in law; Blain and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ted’s passions in life were simple; hunting, fishing, their boat and their houseboat on the Columbia River. In later years their motor home had many memorable trips to Wyoming, Colorado and Indiana. He liked to go to Bradford’s in Gateway each a.m. for an hour or so to play the video poker and visit with friends. When he could no longer drive, Ann took him for his daily outing. He spent many happy hours there with friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life gathering; from 12-3 p.m., Wednesday, April  13 ^th at the Chinese Village on 520 SE 82 ^nd & Stark St. Please come and be ready to share your stories of Ted.