Theodore Hugh Thomas

KEIZER - Ted Thomas of Keizer, Oregon passed away on May 26th after a one-year battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. He was 65. Ted leaves behind his loving wife of 42 years, Kathy, his son, Matthew, Matt's wife, Bethany. He is preceded in death by his oldest son, Jason, who died in 2001. He was a devoted grandfather to his four grandchildren, Aubrey, Morgan, Quinn and Cy. Other surviving family members include four sisters, his step-mother and all his nieces and nephews and their children.
Ted was born in Missoula, Montana and moved to Oregon during his high school years, graduating from Eagle Point High School in 1966. He went on to graduate from Oregon College of Education in 1971 and earned a Master of Arts in teaching at Lewis and Clark College in 1978. He taught at several Marion county schools and was principal at North Howell and Eldridge Elementary Schools. He left teaching to open a sports memorabilia shop in Salem. After eight years, he returned to teaching at William Lord High School at MacLaren and retired as Vice Principal in 2003.
Ted was a strong family man. His commitment to his wife and children directed his life. He spent countless hours coaching his sons' sports teams and driving them to and from their various activities. He knew the importance of a college education and did everything he could to help Jason and Matt make it through. He loved all manner of sports including NASCAR (Go Jimmy!), football (Go Ducks!) and golf (Go Anyone-But-Tiger!). He was an avid reader and loved to travel. His wife Kathy was his true love and best friend, and they enjoyed many cruises, trips abroad and drives all over the country together. He was one of the good ones. He will be missed.
Services are open to all: graveside service at Restlawn Cemetery on Friday, June 1st at 2:00, Memorial afterward, 3:00 at the Keizer Renaissance Inn. In lieu of flowers, Ted requested donations be made to a local charity benefiting children. Please send donations to the Community Action Network/HOME Youth & Resource Center, at 625 Union St NE Salem, OR 97301, and mention Ted Thomas with your donation.