Theodore "Ted" William Snoddy Sr.

With heartfelt sadness, we announce the passing of Theodore “Ted” William Snoddy Sr. of Escondido, CA. Ted passed away on February 28, 2022, at the age of 78. He had been battling leukemia for 20+ years, and his body was already weakened when he was hospitalized with three infections at the beginning of February; the infections led to sepsis and he was unable to recover. Ted was transferred to a nursing home and then to a hospice house where he received comfort care for four days prior to his death. His loved ones were with him at the time of his passing.

Ted was born in Seattle, WA on February 18, 1944, to Theodore and Betty Snoddy, and he had an older sister Diane. His family moved to southern California where he went to school. He played football while attending Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA, graduating in 1961. Ted went on to play football for Long Beach City College until he was offered a full football scholarship for the University of Utah, thus moving to Salt Lake City in 1963. Ted loved the game of football, which was evident throughout his life. He enjoyed watching games on TV, especially college ball.

After graduating from college in 1966, Ted moved back to southern California, living in several different cities, including Vista, Saugus, Indio and Fallbrook. During this time, he was married to his former spouse Silvija and they had three children: Krystal, Lenise and Ted, Jr. His children fondly remember going on camping trips in the summer; the giant Redwoods of Big Sur were a favorite destination. They also recall fun times at the beach, going to San Francisco, and swimming and barbecuing in their back yard. In recent years, Dixon Lake was a favorite place for Ted and his son to fish.

At the beginning of his career, Ted worked as the Director of the Boys Club. He eventually decided to pursue his desire to work in law enforcement. He attended the San Diego County Sheriff’s Academy, graduating in 1973. He worked for the Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy, a Detective, and a criminal investigator for the District Attorney’s office. (He liked to say that he worked as a “Trash Collector” since he picked up trash and made daily deposits into the county jail!) He was a respected colleague and made many lifelong friends.

In 2001 at age 57, he was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). He would have good days and bad days, and sometimes good months and bad months. He bravely faced this challenge head on and fought it with all he had. He retired soon after his cancer diagnosis and moved to a cabin in the small, quaint town of Julian, CA.

While living in Julian, Ted enjoyed his photography hobby, which he turned into a business. In 2012, he opened a gallery and later published a book called Julian Photography. He also volunteered as a football coach at the local high school and even hosted a foreign exchange student from Brazil. It was while living in Julian that Ted met Joy, his beautiful wife from Thailand. They were married in May of 2014 and decided to make their home in Escondido, CA. Joy and Ted have enjoyed traveling to Thailand.

In 2014, Ted was inducted into The University of Utah Football Hall of Fame, along with his team members from the 1964 Liberty Bowl Team.

In addition to his passion for photography, he also loved building and painting model cars. He built 35 custom model cars in the past two years, including one boat and a plane, but mostly police cars. He also had a huge place in his heart for his little dogs, Teddy and Pixie.

Ted leaves behind his loving wife Joy; his three children: Krystal Hellbusch, Lenise (Ben) Wallace, and Ted Snoddy Jr.; his seven grandchildren: Naomi Broadbent, Holli Lampro, Brian Broadbent, Nathan (Alyson) Wallace, Dakota (Kat) Showalter, Karissa Wallace, and Joshua Wallace; a nephew Jeff Hairabedian; a niece Bobbi Jean Johnson; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Vernard Snoddy; his mother Betty (Davis) Ayers; his sister Diane Hairabedian and her daughter Janet.

Ted’s loved ones would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the wonderful help and hospice care given by Rose Garden in Vista, CA.

In honor of Ted’s passing, his wife Joy previously held a Buddhist memorial at the Thai Buddhist Temple in Escondido, CA.

Eternal Hills Funeral Home in Oceanside, CA, is in charge of his arrangements.