— by Lin McNulty —
It was with extreme sadness that our Orcas Issues editorial staff learned Sunday of the passing of Orcas icon Ted Grossman,
Ted Grossman
Ted, along with his wife, Kay, were owners of The Islands’ Sounder before selling to Sound Publishing in the mid-1990s.
It was Ted who gave me my “start” in journalism. I went to work there in 1993 when the newspaper was still being published using “paste-up,” with no computers involved. Ted was a master at calculating column inches and cutting stories to fit in the space available. Our staff spent many a late night putting the paper together.
After his retirement, when Margie Doyle became editor at The Sounder, Ted was a valued mentor.
Orcas Issues owes a debt of extreme gratitude and maintains the highest respect for Ted Grossman, one of the last true small-town journalists. We strive to carry on his dedication and his love of news reporting.
Just yesterday, I came across an African proverb that seems totally appropriate to Ted’s passing: “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” He was, indeed, a valuable, well-stocked library.
Our hearts go out to Kay and their children Alex and Marcy. He will be greatly missed by all of the Orcas community.
Yes, so many late nights, in the days before desktop publishing…phototypesetting. What was that early portable computer, the shape of a toolbox…some stories written on that… the hot waxer, the computgraphic 7200 headline setter, pasting up all by hand.
I happened to be working there, crunch nights only, when the islands were rocked by two major community shakers, so those days there were memories of that as well…and how Ted had to play the events with some fairness and dignity.
Above all, one of the decent ones…Kay and kids too.
Farewell, Ted. He had a strong commitment to small town journalism with integrity, and a great love of featuring cute kids too. He was dedicated to our community. Condolences to his family.
Carol, I remember those days fondly. My first real job that I interviewed for was with Ted and Kay for a job to scrape that wax off the floor on Tuesday afternoons after school. That first portable computer was the Kaypro. The whole thing would fold up into a very portable 60 lb computer. Then later the first “real” PCs that Peter put in but Ted was faster on the Compugraphic so he kept using it for quite a while longer. He typed was two fingers faster than any person I ever knew could move. We went through the Neslund murder, two hundred year storms in a row, State tournaments, and so much more. We packed up and moved from across from the Upper, to the Nelson Building, to across from the Community Church to the Monkey Puzzlee to Wassau Station. The Sounder was like a family for so many years. We all laughed together. We fought over silly things. We cared for one another. We had successes. We had failures. And we cried together … as we do again. Goodbye Ted and thank you!
Thanks Ted for always being fair, and later trying to explain my golf slice issues to me. You will be missed.
I am saddened to hear of this loss. So many great memories of working at the Sounder in the old days. Ted was all heart and then some. I wish I could come back to say goodbye. This is a tough one.
My heart is heavy today with this news. I loved that Ted would come visit me at the Chamber of Commerce office … plop down in a chair and spend 5 or 10 minutes chatting about everything under the sun. I admired his quest for learning his family history, with language classes off-island and international travel to lands far away. He was truly an island character of the best variety. My thoughts are with Kay and the family. And Ted, your grin and sense of humor will be missed.
Thank you, Lin, and others for your memories of Ted. While I wasn’t around Orcas before 2001, your reminisces of Ted’s dedication to our community and the profession of journalism match my own memories. Fair, kind, committed, approachable and good-humored… that was “our” Ted. Deepest sympathies to Kay and the family.
He worked SO hard! The era that Tom T. and others have mentioned was one where he sold ads all day, wrote, then pasted up the paper most of the night. Nobody else minded working hard, with the kind of example he set.
I hope he enjoyed retirement, with walks around the lake and the community he did so much to foster. The Fijian wind call, “thangi mai,” seems appropriate here, because you breathed a lot of fresh air into our island. Thangi mai also to Kay, Alex, and Marcy. May his memory freshen with each of you as the years go by!
Boy, this one hit me unexpectedly hard.. I didn’t know Ted well, but I always loved that unique combination he had of an impish twinkle in his eye ready to tweak the establishment and open to a good laugh mixed 50/50 w/his reporter’s natural skepticism, looking askance at something that defies credulity.. I will miss seeing him at O.A. with a bright smile and his genuine interest in others.
I just learned two days ago that Ted was ill. My sincere sympathy to Kay, Alex and Marcy for their loss. I will miss seeing him around town.
Good by Ted. We’ll miss you on the golf course, at the library and around town. Our kind thoughts go out to Kay, Alex and Marcie.
Fond memories for me, also. First, of his quirky and fascinating take on small town stories as Sounder editor, then as a frequent Darvill’s Bookstore customer. We shared many interests, particularly in history and genealogy. I miss conversation with him, his tall white head visible bobbing around town. My heart goes out to his family.
Ted has been spending many hours at the Public Library doing research, and re-learning how to use word processing and email. He was always a goofball and trying his best to keep up. Our thoughts are with Kay, Alex and Marcy.
So sad to hear Ted has passed…I had the pleasure of working with Ted when I covered news on Orcas for the Journal in the late 90’s and he never failed to inspire (and make me laugh). My thoughts are with his family – he will be very missed.
Such sad news today. I worked for Ted and Kay back in late 1980, early 90. I learned so much from Ted. His work ethic cannot be matched. The last time I saw him was over a year ago in Friday Harbor. He was so full of family stories, past and current generations. He was so proud of Alex and Marcie, and happy with the Grandfather role too. I’m sorry I won’t be hearing updates from him. Ted was so full of life and so engaged with the world. What a pleasure to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with Kay and the rest of the family.
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know Ted during the past couple years. He always entertained with stories and jokes, and was a frequent visitor to my office to talk about whatever was on his mind. A contestant crusader for Parkinson’s Disease research and education, I was inspired by his tenacity and dedication. I will miss his ever smiling face. Sincerest condolences to his family. May you take comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and how far he reached.
We feel great sadness at Ted’s passing. We have been fond observers of his comings and goings since our arrival on Orcas in 1990. Much admiration for his passion for learning all kinds of new “things”! We enjoyed being next to or near him when he attended yoga classes! We will treasure our memories and be sending love to Kay, Alex and Marcy.
I am saddened by Ted’s passing. He was such a big fan of high school sports and really encouraged me when I was coaching. During the season he would call every Sunday night and talk for an hour about the past week. He knew the team, the opposing coaches, and had great insight. He really cared about this community. He left a great legacy
During these last couple of years Ted continued his commitment to his beloved community with the creation of a Parkinson’s Group to help those, like him, afflicted with the disease and for those who are the caregivers. He was, in this, like so much else he took on tireless, determined and ready to laugh. Our hearts go out to his family, his friends and this community that benefited so much by his efforts.
A great friend, a great guy.
We so admired his writings in the Sounder before we ever moved to Orcas Island in 1997. And, he always had a kind acknowledgement to us when we passed on the street or the ferry. He was a true “Island Treasurer”.
Carol and Dale Ely
When I arrived in 1991 I met the Sounder, hence Ted, the culture of Orcas had begun. I always enjoyed his sports reporting and the Flounder. Only once did I feel the need to ask Ted to refine a story and as always Ted wanted to get the facts straight. Good job Ted and thanks for the memories, you helped to make us feel at home on Orcas. Godspeed!
Our wishes to your family and friends.
BTW I will miss trading sliced golf balls at each other in opposite fairways
I never knew the man, but met and did business with him a couple of times. Very professional and dignified. The number and quality of tributes are themselves a considerable tribute. An excellent writer.
Ted; I was saddened this morning to learn of your passing. I will always remember you as the face of The Sounder. I will also remember the many “discussions” we had over the relative merits of our alma matres. Really, why would anyone go to a dinky school like Lafayette when you could have just gone down the road a piece and attended a real university like Lehigh.
Your journalism was the best that Orcas has ever had. I too was greatly impressed with your commitment to learn of your heritage in Hungary. I will miss that great head of white hair and that gravelly voice.
Ted, you truly were a unique and special person and I consider myself better for having known you, even if you did go to that dinky school down the road.
I will miss the twinkle in his eye. So sad.
The Sounder, the Flounder, editing (read shortening)articles and letters submitted for publication, the Sheriff’s Reports, and the first person who ever replied to my question “How are you doing?” with “Do you really want to know?”
Thanks for years of memories.
I heard of Ted’s death this morning and my heart cracked. I saw him on the ferry two weeks ago. He hadn’t slept well and wanted to sleep. Now he is resting. … I loved Ted’s deep curiosity about people and his commitment to the story behind the story. He understood that relationships in a small town are both fragile and resilient at the same time. And he knew how to walk the line that honored our connections and our differences. He modeled the art of living truthfully and gracefully.
When our family came to spend the Summer on Orcas to give it a “test drive”, there was this man… constantly following us! I said to Keith: “We are being stalked…” It was Ted. It was 2001. We were everywhere, checking out the tires of Orcas, and there was Ted, following us. He sensed a story: “These people are everywhere, who are they and what are they doing here?!” And at one point, he came up to us and said: “You have beautiful daughters.” That was it… And then when we found out who he was, from Margie Doyle, 4 years later, we were honored that we were stalked by someone who loved Orcas with all his heart and was a venerable newsman! Ted and I have come to terms with the hallway copier at the Senior Center now, for the past two years, and I have loved, loved, loved saying hello to him, helping him with his copies, and seeing the sweetness in his eyes every time we speak. I don’t know if he remembered me as one of his “stalkees”–we never spoke of it–but I have truly enjoyed every encounter. I will miss you Ted, and your lovely eyes and beautiful voice.
Ted,
We will miss your charisma.
Our condolences to Kay and family.
Terry & Cynthia
Wow, this immediate voluminous outpouring of the community speaks for itself; a true Island original has gone, and with his passing, we’re all a bit diminished, and in how many ways? Cherish what’s left us, gang! Thanks, Ted, you taught us well.
Ted was a great brother-in-law.So enthusiastic and fun-such a good father,husband,and provider.I will miss him.Our family has great Christmas memories- bowling,trivial pursuit,football,walks on the beach.He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Ted had the best ever laugh – when I think of him I can hear that – it would make you laugh – it was great as was so much about Ted. You will really be missed.
Goodbye Ted.
You were an Island Treasure.
Martin
Oh, Ted, how can I thank you for making this fellow Hungarian, recent Orcasian, feel right at home. Handling with wit and resilience the medical issues; Tai Chi Chih, water aerobics (afloat in a pool of estrogen, the only guy in a group of 20 women) P.T., just carrying on. Grinning at me as you greeted me: “Jo Napot! Hogy Vagy?” testing my grasp of Hungarian; saying “Bocsanat, Koszonom” ….your research, plans to write of your family, the Holocaust; your Budapest trips…raising those bushy eyebrows, eyes a-twinkle. Szeretlek, Ted, and koszonom.
My heart broke when I heard of Ted’s passing. I considered him a good friend. He always had encouragement for me and I was always impressed at his dedication to his genealogical research and trying to understand the many ramifications of the holocaust! I remember his opinions on the street when he wrote for the sounder! He was and IS a real Orcas icon! We miss you Ted!
Ted was a great brother in law .We had many good times together over the past 50 years .I was hoping for many more but it was not to be.I and my Family will miss him dearly. John& Joy Flaxel and Family.
I remember Ted as he covered countless school sports activities. He always made an appearance and I don’t know how he did that! For many years, Ted Grossman was The Sounder.
Ted,Ted, Ted.
What a loss and I’ve missed all the stories is hoped yo hear once I could join you and Kay in retirement. I was so looking forward to storytelling, laughter, and intellectually challenging opinions.
Selfish of me, but, ouch my big loss. May you rest in peace.
Much love to Kay.
JJ
Ted left us way too soon but what a valiant fight he put up. One of the true old-time journalists and just plain one of the nicest guys you will ever have the chance to meet. We will all miss him and his wonderful smile.
On San Juan, Ted would visit the real estate offices to get advertising for The Sounder. Every time he came if felt like a friend walked in the door. It has been many years since I last saw him but his voice and cheerfulness are unforgettable. We loved his visits. Whether we bought advertising or not, it was all good. More people like Ted would be a very nice thing.
How to respond to this sudden loss of an important member of our community? Not so long ago, Ted would come into my office to interview me about this or that school happening and we’d usually wind up talking about our kids or some topic of mutual interest. What a nice guy. What a loss! There’s a sadness on our island today.
This loss is so sudden – I can’t believe Ted is gone. He always had a twinkle in his eyes, a jest, an impish smile. I remember him standing outside the post office with the question of the week. Ted WAS the Sounder. He started the full-page community interest stories there, as well as the wonderfully silly Flounder. You could see that he was so excited when he retired – to keep learning, to pursue his family geneaology, and to meet his Hungarian family members. He really cared about this community, and his family; you could see that. I enjoyed every encounter we ever had – behind that goofiness and the jests was a keen mind, intelligence, curiosity, engagement with life, and genuine caring for people. My heart goes out to Kay and the rest of the family. I keenly feel the loss of Ted, and will miss him a lot. He made this place a brighter place. We will always remember all he contributed to our community.
Like so many others, I considered Ted a friend but I also realized that he was a reporter. What impressed me most was his journalistic ethic. In the time I was manager of OPALCO, we talked many, many times. Sometimes he would stop by just to chat because it was a slow news week. There were many times I gave him background that wasn’t public knowledge so he could understand what I was saying. I knew I could trust him. He never disappointed me. On a totally different subject, the number of meetings he attended was phenomenal. He kept us all informed.
I remember back in the ’90’s when the Deer were using the Airport Runway for grazing, before the Fence. The Fence became the “Issue” of the Winter season. There always seemed to be an “issue” that was knocked around during the Winter by the permanent residents back then.
When the Dept of Wildlife got involved, I decided to write a Parody of Ted’s articles to lighten it up and write from the animal’s point of view on the Fence. They were signed,”Bambi and Spirit Eagle. I substituted names using humor. I remember one was, “Mob Grumble” of the Port of Orcas, Bob Gamble. I submitted the first one to the Sounder with some trepidation and was pleasantly surprised that Ted printed it! I continued with the “Bambi” letters until the issue was put to bed. (unfortunately with the Dept of Wildlife killing the Deer. Ted printed them all! That’s when I learned about Ted’s sense of humor. In fact, he went on to use my “Bambi format” for the April Fool’s Edition, The Flounder” every year after that!
My prayers are with Ted’s family.
Ted was a great uncle. I have so many special memories and I am realizing all the life lessons he shared, including his love for learning and adventure. I especially remember the Grossman annual Mexico vacations that I tagged along on as a kid — not the packaged Club Med type, but Ted and Kay would get us off the beaten track to remote Mexican villages via bumpy roads and local buses. Ted laughing along the way and soaking up the sun and every moment. He showed me what it is like to invest in your own local community and also get out and enjoy the wide open road of travel. I will miss him dearly.
Ted and the Sounder (typos and all) were our lifeline to Orcas in the late 80’s before we arrived for good in 1990. We felt like we knew the island and the island issues; saving Madrona Point from condos was that year’s main event. Ted wrote most, if not all of the paper back then… I finally thanked him years later when we were in a writer’s group together. He was so touched to know he had made a difference in our lives. I think he would love these comments and stories! If I had to pick just one of his stories to share, I would have to choose the story about him riding backwards on a water buffalo all the way to a small village in the Phillipines during his Peace Corps stint! I’m gonna miss you Ted.
Ken Wood
Great loss to the Orcas community. We will miss him; his big smile, reporting on community and school events. So sorry to hear.
Ted, you and your smile are missed!!! Paul & Merry
I never knew you, but always wished I did. I would see you playing golf, together with fellow golfers or alone in the mist, or at an event. Your shock of beautiful white hair, your much-mentioned twinkle of the eye and your renown as a truly great newspaper man … well, even those of us who only knew “of you” we, too, will miss you.
Lucky those of you who got to know Ted.
Hearing the news of Ted’s passing has broken my heart, as it did for so many of you who have already shared your thoughts here. I started working as an office manager at the Sounder at the age of 26. After watching the reporters (Deborah Fraser and Lesley Reed), I got the itch to report too. Ted was the kind of boss who loved to support his employees. He could be frustrating, as anyone who worked with him knew, but he believed in us. He let me try my hand at reporting and later editing, a huge opportunity for me. Over the years, my love for Ted deepened. He was a smart, caring man. He deeply loved his friends and his family, and he was good at letting us all know that. We’ll miss you, Ted.