On my neighborhood walk today, the kind of walk on which I’d been accustomed occasionally to cross paths with Ted and stop for a chat, I learned from a friend I ran into that Ted had passed away. It has been nearly seven months since his passing, and I have noted many times how long it’s been since I saw him, including at the Parcells crosswalk.
As a teacher at Parcells I knew Hannah and had Will in my English class. I also knew Ted from frequenting Barnes & Noble, where he worked. Our literature conversations started there and continued for the next twenty years or so. I always loved hearing what he was reading, and he took an interest in my reading as well. We also spoke of his children and dogs and community and faith and sports.
My condolences to Ted’s wife and children, as well as to all his family and friends who loved him and must miss him so much. Ted was a very special man who made the world a better place by interacting with and caring about the people whose paths were blessed enough to cross his.
0
Our family was very saddened when we heard the news of Ted's passing. Ted and I would meet each other throughout the years and enjoyed sharing family updates, work and past army experiences. Hanah and our son, Conor shared the same birthdays and a few school years. Ted shared much during his time with us.
0
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Ted at the Woods Lakefront Park. Ted was such a kind man and always offered his help. He will be missed here.
0
The South West corner of Mack and Vernier just won't be the same. Always looked forward to his Wave as I passed by him in the morning. So Sorry for your loss.
0
I just learned today of Ted’s passing. What a good man. I loved seeing him at his job at Barnes&Noble. But it wasn’t a job for him. He loved books, stories, and people. I’m sure he is regaling the angels with tales and always with a smile.
0
I was one of the many walkers that got to know Ted at his crossing guard corner in the morning. He truly connected with each and every student that he helped cross Mack Avenue on their way to school. He knew all the kids names and what grade they were in. He knew their dogs and their parents names. He knew the morning Mack Avenue walkers names and what was going on in our worlds. He was a genuine and kind man. I am so grateful that I got to know him and will miss our morning banter. Rest in peace Ted, you touched the lives of countless people. 🙏🏻
0
So very sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. We talked often on my many visit to Barnes & Noble. I would wave as I passed him as he safely took the children across Mack. My deepest sympathy to his family. Our community has lost a dear friend.
0
I’m sooo sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers to all of you
🙏❤️🙏❤️.
I enjoyed serving on the vestry with your dad. He always had very thoughtful answers to share during our discussions. I also liked talking books with him during our quarterly church book club meetings.
He will definitely be missed❤️❤️
0
Some of my favorite memories are spending holidays talking with Ted. I loved getting the chance to talk with him. He was a great guy, incredibly knowledgeable but always accommodating with a wry sense of humor. I always felt like I gained something from talking with him.
Even when I was being deliberately obtuse about some things for a joke or strongly disagreeing with a point I made, he treated me with respect and grace. I always felt like he treated me as an equal which is an important thing to feel as a kid. He saw me as just another person who had valid thoughts and questions. There was no malice in our conversations besides some gentle ribbing.
Seeing him out as crossing guard or at the book store always made my day. If you went to Parcells or North and walked home, chances are you had Ted as your crossing guard. He always had a smile on his face or a new book to recommend. He was a man of culture and I gained a lot from interacting with him.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how he helped people. He cared deeply about people and the state of the world. He was a man of faith who actually walked the walk and helped people. You see so many people who claim to be the real deal. They aren’t. He was the real deal. He helped others, rain or shine. He was a good man who loved and believed in people. I wish there were more men like him.
I will always appreciate the time I got to spend with Ted. I hate talking about him in the past tense or being so serious. I loved cracking jokes or trying to make him laugh, he had a great laugh. We’ll miss you very much, Ted. Rest in Peace.
0
I didn’t know Mr. Colborn that well, but my wife and I live on Huntington. Having known Will through soccer, I would often stop and reintroduce myself when we would run into him on walks. He was always so excited to hear what I was up to and ask about Will and I’s various shared connections. He was basically the mayor of the surrounding Ghesquire community. Everyone knew him and everyone loved to talk to him. I am better off even just from my few conversations with him here and there.
0
My favorite...As were leaving a church meeting, Ted called out to a woman friend driving a convertible in the parking lot..."Take your top down Sally!" Classic Ted ,I love and miss him!
1
So many memories of begging my parents to let me go home with you guys after church!
0
Ted was my crossing guard in elementary and middle school. He was always so kind and always had a smile on his face. He will truly be missed.
0
Ted was an amazing dad and a great man that I was able to call my friend. All the nights and weekends of travel soccer, talking with him at Barnes and Noble, or seeing him at church. He was always in the best moos and could make anyone laugh even when they were down. He will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and community
0
Ted was a great man who always had such a wonderful spirit about him! I was honored to have known him. May he rest in peace.
0
Ted was the most fun to talk to. He was never short of quips and always found a way to make you laugh. One day, as I was leaving, he remembered he had something for me. He comes back with a worn out, advance copy of a book called “Rizzo’s War”. He had the biggest smile on his face and we all started laughing. The book was ordinary; the gesture was extraordinary. Ted was extraordinary and we miss him terribly.
0
Hannah, I'm so sorry for your loss, and send heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
0
I was so sad to hear this news. Ted and I chatted several times a week as I walked my dog and he was "commuting" to his post. My dog Athena loved Ted. Before retirement I was a chef and Ted always wanted to hear what soup I had made that day. He was a kind, interesting, and smart gentleman. I will miss our conversations.
0
We met Ted ( Mr. Colburn) when he coached Harris' TBall team. Will and Harris went through 12 years of school together. Ted was the friendly face at Barnes & Noble, and the park gate, but most importantly the protective crossing guard on the way to school.
He knew all the kids through the years, and yes he'd yell at drivers who put our kids at risk.
Ted and I seemed to time our morning and evenings walks at the same time. We had great conversations about all sorts of topics. He was so curious about the world. He'd always ask about both our kids. An evening walk was how I met his daughter Hannah.
My heart goes out to Kate and Hannah and Will and every one of us who will miss his smiling face.
I will not stop looking for you on my walks :)
Melissa, Frank and Molly Bunker
0
My deepest sympathies on your loss. Ted was a good man. I worked with Ted for many years at Barnes & Noble. I loved his ties! He always wore the coolest ties! Most depicted children. His customer service was exemplary. He loved his family so much and talked about them with much pride. I could always count on Ted to pick up a shift if I needed him. If I didn't see him at the bookstore, I'd see him on his corner, crossing kids, on my way in. He loved the dogs he rescued as much as his family and had an extraordinary patience with even the hardest cases. I pray that he rests in peace.
2
My husband and I lived on Lochmoor next to Ted for about 6 months when we moved back to Grosse pointe in 2011. He was a kind welcoming neighbor and we loved continuing to see him as the crossing guard at Mack and vernier. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family!
0
My kids and I always loved talking to Ted when they were smaller and we walked to school all the time. Thank you for all those years watching over all the kids. Such a kind soul. You will be missed!!
0
Share with others
Donate in memory
