William D Thetford

Ted passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, October 31, 2011, at home in Olympia, Washington. He is preceded in death by his two sisters, Ruby and Alice and is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Nancy Mary Taylor Thetford, their three children, Terry (Violet) Thetford, Penny (Brett) Heisler, Tim (Jeanette) Thetford and one foster child Marybeth (Chuck) Acker. He has eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Ted was born in Lubbock, Texas, April 18, 1924. He was a WWII Veteran of the Coast Guard who served in the Asia-Pacific. Among his awards he received a Bronze Star. He made his living as a design/build contractor and enjoyed inventing, promoting clean energy, playing the guitar and bringing joy to people. One of his signature projects was designing and managing the building of the Thunderbird Stadium in Kitsap County where he was also a rodeo clown for a time. He ministered at McNeil Island Prison for three years and was a surrogate father of two teenage foster children.

A memorial is planned for Veteran’s Day on Friday, November 11, 2011, at 11a.m. at the Delphi Schoolhouse located at 7601 Delphi Road SW, Olympia, Washington 98512. A potluck will follow. Please bring something to share. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Ted’s name can be made to benefit the blind. Please send your offering in care of New Hope Christian Fellowship, 2805 Blvd Road SE, Olympia, WA 98501 (360-493-0629).

We would like to thank Assured Hospice for their outstanding care and support.