THADEUS (TED) DANIEL RIPPLINGER

It is with a heavy heart we announce that Mr. Ted Ripplinger, 74, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 24, 2004 at Hospice House in Penticton, B.C.
His best friend and soulmate, Lois, was at his side.
Ted was born in Kendall, Sask. on April 11, 1930 to Anna and John Ripplinger. He was one of 10 children. Their family later moved to a farm in Glenella, Man., where Ted spent his childhood.
As a young man, Ted moved to Atikokan, Ont. It was in Atikokan that he met and married Alice Seguin of Pinewood. Together, they raised three children, Barb, Keith, and Betty.
While living in Atikokan, Ted worked in and managed a tire shop. In 1968, Ted moved to Dryden, Ont. and started his own tire business. Uniroyal Tire Centre was established (the name later changed to Ripplinger-Pauselli when it was incorporated).
After setting up a thriving business there, Ted moved to Fort Frances, Ont. in 1970, where he established his second tire shop also known as Uniroyal Tire Centre.
His Fort Frances business originally started in the location that is now North Air Services. In the early 1980s, he moved his business to the west end location where it still is today, now known as Lakewood Tire, owned by Rob and Carla Payne.
Ted also later started a small tire business, “Woodland Tire,” in Ear Falls, Ont.
Ted enjoyed his work and was a successful business man. He met many wonderful people over the years. Anyone who came to Uniroyal often was treated to songs and yodeling.
He was well-known for this and often was referred to as “Yodeling Ted.”
Ted’s wife, Alice, passed away in February, 1993. That summer, Ted sold Uniroyal-Fort Frances and retired. He later sold the other two shops, as well.
He truly enjoyed many years in business.
Later that year, Ted became friends with Lois Fowler. Their friendship soon blossomed into love and they became inseparable. Lois became a much-loved part of the family, stepping into role of step-mom, grandma, and friend.
In the summer of 1996, Ted and Lois moved to Penticton, where they enjoyed 11 years of happiness together. Praise the Lord for His blessings.
Ted was predeceased by his parents, John and Anna; six siblings; and his wife, Alice.
He is survived by his special friend, Lois; his three children, Barb of Echo Bay, Ont. and her childrenm Robin, Doug, Jaysonm and Jesse; Keith and his wifem Joan, of Leaf Rapids, Man. and their children, Derek and Jennifer (Neil); and Betty and her husband, Gary, of Devlin, Ont. and their children, Adam, Luke, and Emily.
Ted also is survived by his extended family: Ann and Marvin Angus of Emo, Ont. and their children, Debbie and Bill; Audrey and Raimo Tyrvainan of Fort Frances, Ont. and their children, Christie (Trevor) and Angie; Florence and Ed Meakin of Pentiction, B.C. and her children, Stacey (Bonita), Garrett (Crystal), and Josh (Daylene); Pat and Pam Fowler of Thunder Bay, Ont. and their children, Bobbi, Bev, Patrick, and Matt; Bill and Rhonda Fowler of Fort Frances, Ont. and their children, Dana, Crystal (Jamie), and Terri (John); Laura and Yale Angus of Moose Jaw, Sask. and their children, Jennifer (Steve) and Ashley; and Shelley and Elmer Truelove of Moose Jaw, Sask. and his children, Sarah and Scott.
He also has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also is survived by two sisters, Johanna and Marge; and one brother, Nick (Hilda).
He will be dearly missed.
Ted enjoyed his children and grandchildren, family, and friends. He was blessed with a full life, enjoying many things over the years. He loved music and humour, fishing, and, in earlier years, was an avid hunter.
He loved his time spent at Reef Point and on the lake. He enjoyed his retirement years in Penticton.
He touched many people’s lives over the years. He truly valued his friendships over the years. Many wonderful memories were made.
There will be a private family ceremony held at Ted’s request.
In lieu of flowers, please make in memoriam donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.