Edward (Ted) Sommer died peacefully in his 88th year after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Victoria, Dec 13, 1925, Ted spent all his life on Vancouver Island. He worked as a bank teller for Bank of Montreal and then a long career in the lumber business with BC Forest Products until his retirement in 1985 as a Production Co-coordinator of the Sawmill Division. Ted enjoyed the great outdoors including hunting, fishing, camping, nature walks and up until last year, gardening. He also enjoyed sports, playing Badminton and Soccer in his youth and later in life, loved watching his sports on TV. Dad had a beautiful tenor voice and sang in Church choirs and Barber shop quartets for many years. Most days Dad could be heard singing or whistling a tune. He was predeceased by his first wife Helen who passed away in 1973 after 25 years of marriage. Dad married Mae in 1974 and they enjoyed 30 years of marriage until her death in 2004. We all enjoyed wonderful times up at Shawnigan Lake and after Dad’s retirement Mae and Dad enjoyed winters in Mexico and many cruises to Mexico, Caribbean and Alaska. Dad will be missed and always remembered as a generous, kind, honest and patient man with an incredible work ethic. He had a great sense of humor, a real twinkle in his blue eyes and an easy smile. He was forever the “gentleman”. It is very difficult to sum up a long and productive life, but we knew he felt he had a “pretty good kick at the can”. Ted leaves behind a son Steve of Nanaimo, daughter Valerie (Lou) of Vancouver, a stepson Art (Faye) of Kelowna a stepson Chris (who predeceased him) and stepdaughter Shirley (Gunnar) of Barriere. He also leaves behind a sister Pat and niece Judy both of Victoria, grandsons David, Nathan, Dale, Michael (who predeceased him) and granddaughters Cara, Tanis, Carmen, Darlene, Deanna, and Nicole as well as 5 great grandchildren and friend Marie Hopkins. Special thanks go out to Dr. M. Vaughan for his care and concern during our Dad’s illness and all the care providers at the James Bay Care Centre. Words cannot express our gratitude for the level of care, compassion and love shown to our Dad and our family during his time at James Bay.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2014 at 2:00 pm at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson & Vancouver Street, Victoria, BC with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC, #202-306 Burnside Road West, Victoria, BC V8Z 1M1 in memory of Ted would be most appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Gail Padilla (Davidson)
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Larry Straith Dear Steve,
Am very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing through a message from Mac.
I’ve been recalling so many wonderful times with Ted at the lake, surrounded by you and your buds.
So welcoming, and with his great sense of humour, Ted had his special way where you felt comfortable and at home with him.
We’ll always remember your Dad as a dear friend.
Larry
My sincere sympathies to all of the family in the loss of such a wonderful man. I hold many great memories of times with Ted, Mae and members of the family at Shawnigan with Andy. Having just learned of Ted’s passing and I apologize. My thoughts are with you all. Gail