Theodore Norman Busse

Born in Chicago, Ted moved with his family to Colorado as a boy, where he discovered his lifelong passion for the mountains. He became an avid outdoorsman, a passion he would later pass on to his sons.

After graduating from Jefferson High School, Ted enlisted in the Navy, serving aboard the USS Ticonderoga where he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars for the time he spent in theater. After returning from Vietnam, he became a licensed journeyman electrician and member of IBEW Local 68, working at many industrial facilities including the Climax Molybdenum Mill, Rocky Mountain Arsenal, Fort Saint Vrain Nuclear Power Plant and eventually the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Facility. He worked at Rocky Flats while simultaneously earning his degree and becoming an electrical engineer. After a 25 year career at Rocky Flats, Ted worked at the Pantex Nuclear Weapons Facility in Amarillo, Texas, before retiring and returning to Colorado.

Ted coached baseball, T-ball, and football. He loved to take his family camping and fly fishing. Ted was passionate about hunting with his brothers, father, cousins, and sons. Ted valued family above all things, and his dedication and love were unwavering. He was always happy to lend a hand, no matter when or where. Trappers Lake, the Flat Tops Wilderness and the White River National Forest all held a special place in his heart. He was very smart, well read, and enjoyed a good conversation. Ted played a mean game of pinochle, never turned down apple pie, and, despite years of heart break, loved the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation.