Theodore Anton ‘Ted’ Torreiter was surrounded by his children and listening to music when he passed away at Listowel Memorial Hospital on July 14, 2024, in his 90th year.
Beloved Dad to Sonya and husband David of Toronto, Michael and husband Willy of Waterloo, and Heidi and husband Mike of Guelph. Dear Papa of Zoe, Hannah, and Lila Klein and Maggie and Vietta Johnston. Big brother-in-law to Lloyd Karges of Listowel and Paul and Cathy Karges of Gowanstown. Uncle Ted to Jane, Lauren, Sara, Ian and their families. Predeceased by his wife Marie (Karges) and his nephew Greg Karges.
Ted was born in Ruma, in the former Yugoslavia, on November 25, 1934, and the story of his Long Road to the Karges Farm is a wonderful, sad and uplifting read. Here in Wallace Township the orphan found family and love, allowing him to build a life in which he was always open to new experiences and passions, from Dylan to opera, organic farming to Tai Chi, metal sculpture to rom coms. He had a gift and a passion for connection, for looking every person in the eyes and giving them his attention and interest.
He never expected to have to learn to live without his beloved Mia, but did his utmost to find meaning and purpose after her loss. He traveled far and wide: to Gesundheit Institute in West Virginia to feed his sense of humour, to the west and east coasts of Canada, to the Rhine River for classical music, to Nicaragua to build a school and try zip-lining. He read until his eyes failed, danced even when he had to lean on a walker, and tried to keep fit despite four hip surgeries, faithfully attending exercise classes and making circuits of the Livingstone Manor parking lot with his walker. He was deeply connected to his family throughout, showing his love through his engagement, his humour, and his art.
Ted’s family is beyond grateful to the multitude of angels who have been part of his life in the last few years: Melissa and Heather and their staff at Livingstone Manor, who made the Manor a home and treated him as family; the wonderful staff at Listowel Hospital; the warm, fun team at the VON day program; the One Care PSWs and care team; Vesna and her staff at Veky’s; Brenda Dumond at the clinic, “a great lady”; and Dr. Barb, his kindred spirit. It meant so much that those giving him care saw his worth and his unique light.
Teddy, Dad, Papa, Brother, Uncle, Friend. Artisan blacksmith, author, master of the pirouette. Your Mia has been waiting a long time but we’re certain you’re dancing together now.
Visitation was held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Interment and committal services was held at Zion United Church Cemetery, Wallace Township, on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 9:45 a.m. Funeral service was at Zion United Church, Wallace Township, at 11:00 a.m., reception followed. The service will be recorded and the link available on the funeral home website.
Ted liked bright colours and comfortable clothes, so formal attire definitely not required!
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation or Medicins sans frontiers/Doctors Without Borders would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca
