September 1939-August 2024
Grants Pass, OR
Ted was born to Edward and Gertrude Dower in San Mateo, California on September 10th, 1939. He grew up as an only child who loved to spend his childhood years playing with his local neighborhood friends and eating his mother’s sweet pastry treats. As Ted got older, he began to get into Track and Field athletics while working as a golf caddy during high school. After leaving school before the end of 12th grade Ted followed the call to serve in the US Army.
While in the service Ted enjoyed learning the ropes of the kitchen and taking the opportunity to see the world. Ted’s 6 years of time in the service was a lifelong source of pride as a Specialist Class 4 rank. When returning to life in the US with his first wife, Ted was now a father to his 2 sons: Donald Eugene and Michael Edward. It was not long after that he welcomed his first daughter Deanie Kay. From that time on Ted began his time as a journeyman mechanic. When his journeys took him for a brief stay in South Lake Tahoe, it was there that Ted met the love of his life, Gayle.
Ted and Gayle Dower married in January 1968. Ted and Gayle lived a fun filled life that always included family, friends, 49er games and tailgating, good food and heavy libations. They continued this life in Redwood City, California with their two daughters: Linda Chris and Kristina May.
Ted and Gayle moved the family to Grants Pass, Oregon in 1995. Ted retired from Sears after a decades long career with the company. He spent his retirement years with an abundance of love and joy from family. His pastimes were full of prideful grandchildren sports’ games, Elks Lodge meetings, volunteer events and sharing meals and drinks with friends. Ted is survived by his 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren who will cherish the memories and love he has left behind.
