It is with a broken heart that I am writing this post. We lost Ted Lea over the weekend. I spoke with him this past February shortly after he found out that he had some cancerous tumors in his kidneys and it had spread to his lymph nodes. I asked him if I could let our Pond Boss family members know so we could all send our love, support and prayers his way, but he didn't want anyone to make a fuss over him. We all know Ted is a fighter and he gave it his best, but even he couldn't beat this awful disease.
Ted was a great friend and mentor to me personally. He showed me the ropes in the aeration world when I was new to the business and even after ten years of being an aeration "expert", I would still go to him for advise. There hasn't been a week that has gone by since working for Vertex that I didn't talk to Ted. Both business and personal. I am going to miss him so much!!!
I can't even begin to imagine the pain and loss his family is feeling! Terri and he had been together since they were little children! I could never imagine one with out the other!
There is going to be a celebration of Ted's life later this summer in the form of a fish fry. It is what Ted would have wanted.
Wow... Prayers to his family and friends...
I am so sad and so, so sorry to hear this news!
Since being referred to him by Sue when I first joined PB 2 years ago I have spoken to Ted numerous times. He ALWAYS took the time, answered so many questions and taught me so much as he set me up with my system, got me through the FA, DW and Coontail issues and was so instrumental in turning my pond around.
I was not able to meet Ted in person as I know many of you had, but my heart is heavy hearing this news, with my thoughts and prayers going out to him, his wife and his family and friends.
God bless you, Ted and may you rest in peace.
Ted will be greatly missed. He, as Sue described, was a great guy. I was quite familiar with Ted and we were co-workers on several projects. Pond management has lost a very knowledgeable and helpful person. Deepest and sincere condolences to his family.
NOOOOOOOO
!!!! OMG!! Ted has helped me out so may times even sent me a 2 free vertex fusers last year and never asked for anything!!! Damn cancer.
Very , very sad now..... Dang it!!!
I just can't type at the moment..... ...... . .... ... .. ^*(&*()&()*(&^^&%%^$*&&*(&*^%^&%*(*(&^&(*(()&*_(
RC,,
So so sad but death is inevitable. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. I met Ted at Scotts last summer and he had me figured out before I introduced myself. A good man!
I sent Ted one last PM. He deserves it. I hope he can see it and hope his family stays strong and that they have friends near by for support.... I don't know whether to be sad or just pissed..... Gonna start to well up if I don't stop typing.... Sorry Ted and family I am soooo sorry!!
PB just didn't lose a good person the world did...
Rc
So sad to hear this news.
Sue, please update us with any further information.
Rest easy, Ted.
Ted was my Favorite on the forum and only one of 2 I've personally called many times for advice.. I credit my pond not dying off this winter directly too him.. I think I learned my most valuable aeration resource from him this past winter..
Ted i can honestly say this hurts me too have too type..
Good bye my friend you was a great help.. your out of the box thinking last year made me realize this is my pond and don't take it too serious.. RIP your still awesome and I won't forget you.. I'm gonna write your name in aeration box just so I can think of you every time I mess with it..
Gone.... Fishing.
I never had any direct communication with Ted but always enjoyed reading his posts....and thought of him as the kind of person that makes this forum a great place. He will be remembered with admiration, affection, and respect even by many who didn't know him.
I'm having trouble finding words as well. So sad to see this. Ted was such a great person and a wonderful educator. He will be greatly missed.
It was my good fortune to meet Ted last year, at esshup's place. While I already knew that his depth of knowledge and grasp of aeration was second to none, I soon learned that he was also a heck of a nice guy, as well as a pleasure to talk with. By the time early evening had rolled around, I was feeling right at home due in no small part to his efforts.
A generous spirit, a quick smile, and a great sense of humor to boot.
My most sincere condolences to his family.
Same experience here. A truly class act. My sincere condolences. I will miss him here just like Dr. Willis!
I wondered why he seemed to be missing posts the last few months that were in his area of expertise. Now I know why.
This is very sad news. Ted is an awesome guy!
I didn't really talk to him at Scott's place, but had a number of PM's back and forth about electric motors and such.
Ted will be greatly missed. He, as Sue described, was a great guy. I was quite familiar with Ted and we were co-workers on several projects. Pond management has lost a very knowledgeable and helpful person. Deepest and sincere condolences to his family.
*sigh*
Closest I can find to expressing my feelings right now.
It hit's on a regular basis tho, and sometimes it's too late when they actually find it. I know!
I visited Ted and Terri a few weeks ago at their home in Ohio and could have spent all day talking with him. His body was weak and in pain, but his spirits were high!! The opportunity to talk with someone of his calibre in that position is life changing... he really made me think. Ted was first class, top notch. Terri is strong and she has an awesome family!!!
:-( So many people leaving us this year :-(.
Sue, you blew me away when I talked to you this morning and you told me about Ted. Terri and family, my sincere condolences. There's not much to say that hasn't been already said.
Sue, please let us know about the fish fry. I'll definately make the trip to Ohio.
Tragic news. Praying for family.
Wow, just wow!! Ted was definitely one of my mentors! I feel very blessed to have had several chances to spend time with him and share ideas as well as knowledge.
Ted and Terri created a First Class business, Norman Rockwell home, and friends everywhere! I guess I won't get to razz him about a late order this year!
Fish on my friend, and aerate heaven well!
Sue, Terri, please keep us updated, and you know if you need a thing, just mention it!
I gotta believe Dr Dave and Ted are brainstorming some really fun fishing for the rest of us now!
Man, I just want to say SO much more, but Damn Cancer really sums it up
My condolences to his family.
So sorry to hear about Ted. Prayers for the family...
Wow, what a horrible loss. He was generous with his time and helped many on the forum and probably countless others in his life by sharing his passion and knowledge.
Losing Ted really hurts. He had such a common-sense approach to so many issues and problems, in addition to being just a great person.
I really want to thank Sue Cruz for alerting us to this news.
Regrets,
Lynda and Ken
It is sad news indeed, I had just gotten to know Ted a bit this spring, had no idea he was seriously ill. My deepest condolences to all.
Nothing to add other than nice guy and a real pro.
RIP.
I visited Ted and Terri a few weeks ago at their home in Ohio and could have spent all day talking with him. His body was weak and in pain, but his spirits were high!! The opportunity to talk with someone of his calibre in that position is life changing... he really made me think. Ted was first class, top notch. Terri is strong and she has an awesome family!!!
n8ly, I'm kinda of jealous of you. Ted had a good friend come and visit him when he needed it the most.
Sue Cruz, I already posted this on another thread but again... Thank You for honoring his wishes!!!
Ted was one of those people who would take the time to ensure understanding. I really liked talking with him. His passion set him apart. He will be missed. It will take the community to fill his shoes.
Prayers for his family.
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