Ted ….Edward Duncan McTavish
Died: June 24, 2008 | Place: London Health Sciences Centre - Victoria Hospital
Obituary
McTAVISH
Ted. Edward Duncan McTavish: Passed away at the London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital on Tuesday, June 24th, 2008 at the age of 56 after a brave and courageous battle with leukemia. Beloved husband of Julia May (Otani) McTavish. Much loved and admired father of Tyler, Terri and Mariko at home. Dear son of the late Ernie and Elaine McTavish. Beloved son of Mrs. Marion McTavish of London. Dearest and loving brother of Carole Lunter, Kathryn Burningham and her husband Ray and Terrance McTavish and his wife Geraldine all of London. Dear brother-in-law of Michael Otani and his wife Adriana of Toronto and Alan Otani of High River, Alberta. Dearest uncle of Marnie Merritt and her husband Paul and their children Kennedy and Logan, Brendan, Leeanne and Kevin Lunter, Erica and Ryan Burningham and Erica and Alanna McTavish all of London. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Friday, and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Saturday at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Funeral service will be conducted at Calvary United Church, 290 Ridout Street South at Garfield Avenue, London on Sunday, June 29th at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Frank Van Veen officiating. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the London Regional Cancer Program, 747 Baseline Road East, London, ON N6C 2R6 or the charity of your choice. Online condolences accepted at www.amgfh.com The family wish to extend their deepest and heartfelt thanks to their dear friend Dr. Ian Chin-Yee for always being there for Ted and the team of physicians in the Hematology/Oncology Department at the London Regional Cancer Clinic. Many thanks to the kind and caring staff of the 7th floor Oncology and the Emergency Department at Victoria Hospital.
“You will always be in our hearts”
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Dear Julie, Tyler, Terri, Mariko,
Stay strong, know that we are here for you not only today but forever. Our prayers will continue and may you all find peace and strength when needed. Remember what Ted told us all…”Don’t be afraid”
Love, Kathy, Ray, Ryan and Erica
THINKING OF YOU JULIE
Dear Julie, Tyler, Terri, Mariko and family
With Sympathy & Caring.
Loving memories sustain us in times of sadness.Please know that caring thoughts and heartful sympathy are with you
We know how much Ian, Louise and family cared for Ted.
sincerely Charlotte, Ross Hull
and family.
Julia and family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always.
Sincerely, Nancy McWebb
There is never anything which can be said to ease the pain of losing someone who had so much more to do and so much more to live for. We can only find peace in knowing that Ted didn’t waste any of his time here. He was one person who lived every moment of his life to the fullest.
Today, there is a huge void in many lives because he’s no longer here. But Ted spent his life filling the void for so many people, for his students, his teachers, his friends and his family. Most importantly, for his family.
We must measure people by whether they left the world a better place. Look no further than Tyler, Terri and Mariko. He loved them, was proud of them and knew he and Julie were leaving a legacy of children who would continue to make a difference.
Ted left the world a better place and left people better for knowing him. His time was too short but it filled a lifetime.
Our thoughts are with you all and especially you Julie. Your courage and bravery alongside Ted’s made his journey just that much easier.
With love,
Morris, Megan, Jenifer, Emma and Juliana
Julie and Family
I was so sorry to hear about Ted’s passing. Although it’s been many years (we worked together at Clarke Road SS. Ted was a VP)he’ll always be remembered for his laughter and his great sense of humour! He will be missed by many “Trojans”
Julie,
We were so sorry to see about Ted’s death in the paper.
Twenty five years have passed since we shared a hospital room in the maternity ward at St. Josephs. We were both proud parents of beautiful boys – my how the years fly by.
We shared the excitment of being first time parents then and now we share with you, the sadness of losing one so soon.
Our thoughts are with you and your family ,Julie.
Lori & Brent Clarke
Dear McTavish family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Kathleen O’Hara
Dear JULIA & Family;
I’m so sorry to hear about Ted
He was my math teacher at Thames Secondary 29 years ago. I always remeber my teachers. He always wanted the best for his students. Ted will always be in our thoughts and hearts. My sympathy go’s to and to your family
I had Mr MC Tavish for a teacher at Thames… He was a great teacher. So sorry for your loss….
Julie & Family,
We are thinking of you during this very difficult time.
Sincerely, Carmela, Jason, Justin, & Caitlin Dunlop
Dear Mariko, Terri, and Tyler,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I didn’t know him very well but I do know that he raised three pretty incredible children and that speaks volumes about the type of father that he has been to you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Webby
I am very sorry to hear about his passing. I am a close friend of Mariko’s. Tell her that all of us in Banff love her and we are very sorry!!! Us, as well as the Concierge class, send our love to the McTavish family at such a sad time.
To Mariko and Family:
Words can not describe the sympathy the class has for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mariko, if you need anything at all – never hesitate to pick up the phone and call the friends and faculty from the Concierge Class, we are always here for you.
May your father rest in peace, and know that he is joined by loved ones with open arms.
Concierge Class of 2007-2008, Fanshawe College, London, Ontario
Dear Julia:
Ted was one of my favourite students at Oakridge Secondary School. He was a great football and basketball player. I know because I coached him in both sports. He was also a wonderful person and was liked by everyone who knew him. He will be missed by so many people. I send you and your family my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Don Prowse
Ted was an inspirational and dynamic leader who brought out the best in people. He is truly missed. My deepest condolences, your family is in my prayers.
Jo-Anne Schyvenaars
WD Sutton Teacher
We were so very saddened to hear the news of Ted’s passing and want to extend our heartfelt sympathies to you. We hope that time and memories will help to lessen your sorrow and that you might take some comfort in knowing that others care and share in your loss. Ted will always be remembered. Our thoughts are with you all.
As a ‘Banting’ parent I came to admire Ted for his dedication to the students, and his love of his family. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I was so very sad to hear of Ted´s passing. I admired him as a colleague and friend. I was delighted when he took over as principal of Banting after me. I knew the school would be in the hands of a caring and compassionate educator.
More than that, Ted was a caring and compassionate person, whose bravery in the face of his illness the rest of us can only aspire to.
I am in Europe at the moment so I cannot attend Ted´s memorial. My thoughts and best wishes go to Julie and the family.
Sincerely,
Graham Brown
Thinking of you during this sad time, Terri. Sending you all our love and hugs.
Dear Julie, Mariko, Terry and Tyler
I am so sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. I am keeping all of you in my heart and prayers during this difficult time. Ted was so brave and fought so hard. Julie, your strength through all of this amazes me. You are the strongest person I know. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you during this time.
Much love
Tricia Alexander
Dear Julie, Tyler,Terri, &Mariko;
I was so sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.I know you have wonderful memories of him. He was a great husband & Dad.
Love, Julie
Dear Julie,
I remember watching you and Ted in your “dating” years and seeing you glow as a happy bride with your Scottish groom. I remember Ted as always having a smile, and taking the time to have a friendly chat with a little neighbor girl. I am so sorry to hear of your loss and I will keep you and your children in my prayers.
Mindy (Keller) Gough (from Foster Avenue)
Mai and I were saddened indeed to read of Ted’s passing. We worked together at Thames Secondary School for some years and he was a wonderful teacher ,administrator and role model to staff and students alike. We offer our deepest condolences to Julie and her children at this time.
Mai and Ian Young
Julie,
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about the loss of Ted for you and your family. I know through Carole that all of you have been through an unbelievable time. I share the following poem hoping it will give you some comfort.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Carole’s friend,
Doreen Forbes
To Julie and family…know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time
To Cathy & Ray, and Terry and all of your families:
We hope you remember your old friends from Banting in the 70’s. We were delighted when our own daughter, Lia, chose to return to our alma mater to continue her French immersion studies – and even more delighted to see a member of a family so familiar to us at the helm of our beloved school. It was Nancy’s privilege to serve with Ted on the School Council and we were so impressed and grateful for his powerful, positive influence on the students, staff and parents – always setting the right “tone” for the school. We will long remember his deep, infectious pride in Banting. We grieve along with you in this tragic loss of someone so young and we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Martin & Nancy
Julie, Tyler, Terri and Mariko
There are many people I meet as I did Ted and all of you, his family, through illness…..up on the 7th floor…and most touch me in some way and leave a mark…and sometimes I’m not even aware of what that mark even is…but I knew long time back now….that Ted and his family were going to touch me in ways….that would enrich me….and let me stand taller…and what a gift to give to another…Ted sought the good in people even
when the energy it took to do it asked more of him than a person should be asked to give, no one asked though..he gave it freely.
Julie you found a treasure in Ted and he also found one in you…and although the days ahead will be hard know that nothing purely given is ever lost….Ted is just around the next bend….free from pain…til you meet again, this time never to part.
I wanted to let you know that you will remain a part of me forever, you touched my heart. You made a point of knowing my name, personalising every encounter, it spoke voumes to me from the get go.
And Ted thank you so much for peanut butter and cucumber sandwiches….I’ll never eat another without my mind wandering to you. And that is a truly nice thought:-)
Thinking of you all at this time and hoping you know that the hearts of many are with you now.
With so very much admiration of a wonderful family, and so very much sympathy at their loss,
Dory McRandall
I only knew Ted through his sister Carole & his years at Oakridge as I am the same age and lived on Runnymede Cres. when the McTavish family lived in Orchard Park, but I was very moved when reading all the Condolences, learning what a remarkable individual he turned out to be through his short but full life…He clearly has touched an incredible number of people in so many ways, that I feel, will keep him with you through eternity…If any of us can leave such a legacy, our life was truly blessed and to live on in so many memories, a gift, that you should take much comfort in!…Although he may no longer be with you physically, I can see clearly that he is alive and well in each of his family, that take with them, through their lives, all those good things he had to offer…Please cherish those things and whenever possible, share them with others and in doing so, he will never be gone…All the Best in the future to Carole and Ted’s family and all those who had the opportunity to be touched by him!…Warmest Regards, Dave Mathews….
Dear Julia and family, So sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. You were so supportive. Our deepest sympathy, Alanna and Chuck. Linda Perry’s daughter
Dear Marion, Carole and Marnie,
Though I did not know your son, brother, uncle or his family, all three of you have a special place in my heart. My most sincere sympathy to you and Ted’s family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this sad and stressful time.
Mavis Viragos
Dear Julie:
My most heartfelt sympathy in the passing of your husband. I feel we have bonded this year through sharing with each other accounts of how leukemia has affected our loved ones. Ted outlived Mike by about two weeks. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your friend and colleague,
Wendy
Dear Julie and family
I was shocked to read of Ted’s passing. I think back to our days in Stratford and I know he was truly the “Love of your Life”. Please accept our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Most Sincerely
Pat and Don Jewitt
Dear Julie, Tyler, Teri and Mariko:
It is with such deep sadness that we send our thoughts and prayers to you all. The memories we have of our wonderful neighbours on Baker St. have always been so dear to us. While there are no words that could truly convey how sad we are for the loss of your life partner and your loving dad, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as you hold his memory close.
Love Patti, Scott, Andrew, Meghan and Hailey Vidler
Dear Julie,
Thinking of you and wishing you and your family my sincere sympathy. May your fond memories remain in your hearts forever.
Peace and love be with you.
Marg
We have fond memories of spending time with Ted and his children at their cottage about 10 years ago. What a lovely piece of the rock to share with friends.
—
Bob and Sandra Neubauer
Julie:
Thinking of you at this very difficult time. My heart is with you
Connie
The McTavish family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Josh, Sherri, Ally and Jayden
My heart goes out to you and the whole McTavish family. I grew up in the house behind you guys in London and i have many fond memories of talking with Ted at the back fence. He will live on in everyone’s memories.
Julie and family
We are very sorry to have read about the loss of your husband. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. The Hunter Family
Thinking of you Mrs.McTavish (Julie) in your loss. Please feel free to email when you have time.
Love Carly
To Ted’s family:
When the Thames Valley Board was formed, Ted and I became colleagues. His straight-forward talk, desire to keep it simple, and commitment to kids and family were always evident. Please accept my condolences.
Julie and Family
Thinking of you and hoping you find strengh in your family, friends and in each other. Our thoughts are with you.
Your friends at the EU
We are so sad to hear about Ted passing away. I will always cherish the fun summers that my family spent at the cottage and learning to water ski! His smile and laughter will live on in the memories of the all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dear Mrs. McTavish & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband/father. I hope the knowledge that he is longer suffering, brings you peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Makenna, Deb & Ray Chokelal (Mary-Anne Masse’s daughter in Oshawa)
Dear Mrs. McTavish & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband/father. I hope the knowledge that he is longer suffering, brings you peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Makenna, Deb & Ray Chokelal (Mary-Anne Masse’s daughter in Oshawa)
Dear Julie and family,
I was saddened to hear of your husbands death. May you know I am thinking of you and what a difficult time this will be for you and your family. Allow your memories to sustain you and comfort you. And know that you are being thought of at this time.
And if you ever visit your brother in High River please look me up in Calgary.
Love Lois (nursing class of 75)
Dear Julie, Tyler, Terri and Mariko;
I was so sad to hear of Ted’s death. We were on our way to Lake Superior when I heard, and just got home. Kids, I am sure that all of you know how admired and loved your dad was. He was always so supportive of me and always so positive about the shows and everything else you were involved in with me. He was a very special man. I know you will miss him so very much. My thoughts are with all of you. Julie, I hope all the kind words written about Ted have helped you in some small measure. He has truly left a wonderful legacy for you and Tyler, Terri and Mariko. Love, Susan
Dear Julie, Tyler, Terri and Mariko,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Ted was a wonderful person; a kind and gentle spirit. We will remember him at South not only because he was an excellent VP, but because he was so wise. I will remember him for his contagious ability to laugh at life.
Sincerely.
Dear Julie and family,
Julie, the last time I saw you during a shift at Children’s Hospital, you told me that your husband was unwell. (You had cared for my son in hospital as a baby and I remembered you as a very kind, special person from that experience.) I am sorry sorry to hear of the loss of someone so special in your life. Take care, Julie.
Julie although it has many years since Oakridge I want you to know how sorry I was to read about Ted. He was a neighbour in Orchard Park and I have many fond memories of both his sister Carol and you both. I apologize for taking so long to send my condolences. Robin
I wish that I had heard sooner that Mr. McTavish was ill. I will always remember his time at Banting while I was there. Always happy and cheerful, with time for anyone and everyone. The entire school was better off for having him there, and I know that I am better off for having known him. I realize that this is three months after the fact, but I hope that you know how much we all appreciated him. I look forward to the day when he and I will meet again.
i feel so terrible that i just found out that Mr. McTavich passed away,i am so sorry for your loss.He was my Principal, when i was in grade 9 at Banting Secondary School, that was forever ago but i will never forget him he was the best principal i never had!!he will truly be missed
again I’m sorry for just finding out
I just learnt about the sad news. He was the principle when I went to Banting, and he was one of the principle I’ve ever had. My deepest condolences Julia May, Tyler, Terri and Mariko.
Iwas one of Mr Mctavish’s students at Thames SS. I felt led to find Ted to thank him for the years of believing in me and for showing so much care when I was dealing with such disfunction in the home. He supported me so many times and he and his precious wife made me feel so loved. When I saw this sight I was so broken but I trust that Mr Mctavish is with Jesus. I send my deepest condolences to the whole family and to his wife and everyone who knew the precious man of influence. May all who knew Ted Mc Tavish continue to influence others with the love and compassion as Mr Mc Tavish did. God Bless you all and know that you are special and valuable and God Loves you!