Ted James Broussard, 71, of Durham, NC, died peacefully on February 19, 2024, at Duke Regional Medical Center after a sudden heart valve rupture two days prior. His husband and close friends were holding his hands and sharing their love with him as he passed.

Ted was born in Church Point, LA in 1952 to Evelyn and Cline Broussard. He moved around Louisiana and Texas during his childhood as his family worked in the oil fields. He moved to New Iberia, LA when he was in the 8th grade and remained there through high school and college. He had a newspaper route and he worked at Winn-Dixie as a cashier and bagger. Ted attended New Iberia, LA high school before studying Psychology and English Education at the University of Louisiana Lafayette, graduating in 1975. He taught Psychology and English at New Iberia Senior High from 1974–77. While teaching, he also worked as a DJ at a local radio station—his handle was “TJ the DJ.”

He then moved to Connecticut to attend graduate school in counseling at Fairfield University, graduating in 1979. Ted moved to Washington state in 1989 and North Carolina in 2021. Over his career he worked as a mental health counselor and student affairs administrator at the University of Bridgeport (CT), Green River Community College (WA), Clark College (WA), and Clover Park Technical College (WA). Ted was also in the first group trained to do HIV counseling and testing in Connecticut, and he served as the HIV/AIDS case management coordinator at the Bremerton-Kitsap County Health District in Washington.

He was a talented writer who brought his observations and humor alive on the page. His travel logs and holiday letters were treasured. Many folks eagerly awaited his annual holiday letter to say the holiday season officially started. Everyone who knew Ted knows he loved interior design. He had an acute eye for design, colors, placement, and DETAILS--he could hang a picture better than anyone on earth! He had his own business redesigning people’s living spaces using their existing furnishings, delighting his clients because it felt like a new space, and they fell in love again with the treasures they had hidden away in their closets and attic.

Ted had a fulfilling retirement, albeit one we wish had been longer. He took writing classes at the University of Washington-Tacoma. He was selected as a guest columnist with the Tacoma News Tribune sharing his observations of civic and personal life in Tacoma. Ted made friends wherever he went—when traveling, in his condo communities, and while volunteering. In Durham he volunteered at the food bank distribution center. He enjoyed exploring the streets and trails of Durham and running errands on his e-bike, planning his and John’s travels, reading, keeping up with friends, and shopping at his favorite store—Costco.

Ted met the love of his life, John Wiesman, in 1987 in New Haven, CT. He originally turned down an arranged date with John but reconsidered a year later when he realized the error of his ways  :-) . They had 36+ years loving each other and spent treasured time traveling the world, attending artistic events, walking around the city, celebrating with friends, creating lovely homes, and simply enjoying time together. Ted opened John’s eyes to Cajun culture and John loved it all, including a good crawfish boil (as they say, “pinch the tail, suck the head”).

It was important to Ted that he live his true life, an important part of that as an openly gay man. He knew much about gay history and saw society eventually recognize his relationship. Ted and John were married in Provincetown, MA in 2009. It was an act of love and respect, as were many elements of his life.

Ted is survived by his spouse, John Wiesman, and three siblings: Paul Broussard (Geraldine), Darryl Broussard (Kathleen), and Eddie Broussard (Ron). Ted was preceded in death by his father, Cline Broussard; mother, Evelyn Broussard; sister, Nancy Broussard; niece, Evelyn Walet; and cousin, Brian Chesson.

Ted had many enduring friends who adored him, with whom he regularly communicated and helped him grow. The resulting love and support have been flowing in Facebook posts, texts, and emails to John and family. All are much appreciated.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 20th at 1:30 pm Eastern Time at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, Rosenau Hall, Room 133, Chapel Hill, NC. A zoom link is also being made available. Please RSVP at https://forms.office.com/r/sy… to let us know if you will be attending in person or via zoom (Zoom Webinar link will be sent separately).

Ted had a commitment to educational opportunities for all and thus a passion for community colleges, their mission, and supporting the wonderful adults attending those institutions. He also never forgot his roots in Louisiana. To honor that, Ted had pre-arranged that upon his passing he would want donations in his memory to be made to South Louisiana Community College Foundation. To donate, please go to: https://givebutter.com/TedBro…

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