Theodore R. “Ted” Meamber, 74, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident and a current city councilman, passed away at his home on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.
Ted was born on June 17, 1936 in Yreka, California, the son of Theodore & Thelma (Van Lanningham) Meamber. He made his home in California until 1949 when the family moved to Sedro-Woolley.
Ted attended Sedro-Woolley High School where he was active in multiple sports; football, wrestling and track. He was the state wrestling champion in 1953. He was also in a boys quartet in choir and a trumpet trio in band. He graduated from SWHS with the class of 1955.
After high school he served his country in the U.S. Air Force. After his discharge he returned to Sedro-Woolley where he worked as a tool & die master machinist for Skagit Steel/Bendix for 24 years.
Ted was dedicated to serving his community. He served on the board for the Helping Hands Food Bank and Community Action; he was currently serving on the Sedro-Woolley City Council, a position he has held for the past eleven years and was a volunteer fireman for the Sedro-Woolley Fire Department for many years. He was a member of and active in the Masonic Lodge, the Elks, the Moose, 40 & 8, the Sedro-Woolley and Burlington Eagles Clubs and the American Legion Post 43 in Sedro-Woolley where for many years he served as bugler playing taps for fellow veterans.
Ted is survived by his daughters, Melinda Bucy & her husband Jim of Mukilteo and Marcie O’Bryan and her husband Keith of Clear Lake; his grandchildren, Sean, Jay & Steven Bucy and Tegan & Ian O’Bryan. His longtime companion, Doris Rathvon of Burlington; his sister, Aretta Jonkheer and her husband Ted of Mount Vernon; nieces, Nancy Martin, Diane Ohl and Ginger Adams and numerous extended family.
Ted’s family request’s that memorials be made to the Helping Hands Food Bank or to the George Baldridge Post 43 American Legion scholarship fund.
Graveside Services with Full Military Honors will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery with Pastor Mark Smith of the Mukilteo Presbyterian Church officiating. Visitation will be available at Lemley Chapel Monday thru Friday from 9am to 5pm and on Saturday from 9am to noon.
Ted and my friendship go back to the 1940’s in Yreka, California. We went through most of grade school together. I remember when he and his family moved to Sedro-Woolley, Washington. I kind of lost track of him until me and my family moved to Centralia, Washington. In my junior year, Ted and I hooked up again. I spent a week at his house. Had a great time. Once again I lost track of him and his family until reading his obituary. I have great memories of him. I know he is in a better place. Belated condolences to his family.
My past decade of friendship of Ted can be summed up: a very humble man with a compassionate heart who loved eastern Skagit County………..I will miss you Ted, rest in peace!
I HAVE ALOT OF GREAT MEMORIES OF TED AS A KID OUT ON BIG LAKE SKIING AND FISHING OFF THE DOCK HE WILL ALWAY BE REMEMBERD AND MISSED
It was a pleasure to work with Ted on the Business Revitalization committee for the town. He definitely had a deep commitment for the welfare of Sedro-Woolley.
My condolences to his family.
Ted always supported our community, and he really cherished his daughters. Ted was nice enough to drive eight cheerleaders around to pick out shoes for our football outfit! My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Brenda Suryan Sem
I am so sorry for your loss. Ted was a wonderful friend, as a Councilman he was alway looking out for “his people” was he called them. Truly beleived that he was there to listen and serve the people that elected him. Always listen to all sides of an issue and voted the way he beleive “his people” wanted. Ted took his role on the Helping Hands Food Bank very seriously, he want to make sure that everyone was served and got there needs meet. I truly will miss our times together. Goodby Friend.
Sorry to hear about Ted rember him from school
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
A good man and friend who will be missed
So sorry to hear of Ted’s siddem death. Please know that our payers are with your families at this time.