Obituary of Theodore "Ted" James Spicer

Some people leave behind accomplishments. Others leave behind stories. Ted left both—usually with a laugh, a whistle, and a Hawaiian shirt.

Theodore “Ted” James Spicer was born on June 10, 1944, in Fergus, Ontario. Raised in the close-knit farming community of Fergus, Ted learned the values of hard work, neighbourliness, and showing up for others, establishing the foundation of the life he would go on to live.

He passed away at home surrounded by loving family on July 27, 2026, aged 82. He is survived by his loving and supportive partner Kathy Doherty. Through the ups and downs of Ted’s battle with Alzheimer’s, Kathy remained steadfast in her love and care for him.

He was a loving and devoted father to Marnie Spicer Boyd (Neil) and Bob Spicer of Waterloo, and a proud stepfather to Patrick Doherty (Sokhany) of Shakespeare. Ted was a deeply proud grandfather to Mackenzie Boyd (Matt), Cameron Boyd, Aiden Boyd, Erinn Spicer (Tanner), Ella Spicer, and Sophie Spicer. Through Patrick’s family, he also became a doting grandfather to Maya and Lyla.

Ted is survived by his brother Russ Spicer (Sue), his sister Donnalee Bosklopper, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Winona Spicer; his brother-in-law, Rudy Bosklopper; and his niece, Kerry McDougall, née Bosklopper.

If you knew Ted, you likely heard him before you saw him. His unmistakeable cheerful whistle would announce his arrival, followed by one of his iconic Hawaiian shirts, a grin, and an eagerness to connect people— sometimes to the chagrin of his children and grandchildren. Ted lived with colour, energy, and an enthusiasm that was impossible to ignore. He did not just enjoy life— he leaned into it. He was endlessly curious; always asking questions, interested in your story, and able to make even a brief conversation feel like you had known him for years.

Ted had passion for teaching, asking nearly every new person he met, “Did you go to Conestoga College? I taught there for 40 years!” A graduate of Teachers College and Wilfrid Laurier University, Ted built a lifelong career in adult education, with environmental studies among his favourite classes.

Always his family’s biggest cheerleader, Ted did not just attend milestones— he celebrated them, loud and proud. Their joy was his joy, multiplied. Many of the best memories with Ted happened outdoors. Fall brought carving pumpkins and laughter; winter brought snow creations and bundled-up adventures; summers at Sauble Beach brought sun, sand, and stories. And then there was “Grandpa Camp”—fun, chaos, and memories that will be retold for generations.

Ted believed most problems could be solved with a little creativity—and a roll of duct tape. He was “MacGyver” before MacGyver was a household name. If something broke, he assessed, taped, and somehow made it work—at least long enough to become another family story.

He had a lifelong love of cars, especially his cherished 1969 Dodge Charger. Bold, classic, and full of character, it suited him perfectly. He often said it was the finest car ever built, and family lore has it that Bob was nearly born in its back seat as Ted raced—at the posted speed limit, wink wink—to the hospital.

Ted’s impact reached far beyond his family. In Stratford, he served on the Parks Board, as a school trustee, on the Spruce Lodge Advisory Committee, on the Non-Profit Housing Corporation Board, and as a youth soccer coach. After moving to Kitchener-Waterloo, he stayed active through years of curling at the K-W Granite Club. He was a member of the Confederation Club and particpated with both the provincial and federal Conservative Parties.

Even in his final act, Ted continued to give. Through donating his body to McMaster University, he extends his legacy of education by helping train future healthcare professionals.

Ted’s life is measured not only in years, but in laughter shared, stories told, students empowered, and people made to feel they mattered. His whistle may now be silent, but it echoes still—in every family story, every Hawaiian shirt worn, every laugh that begins with “Remember when Ted…”, and every life made brighter because he was part of it.

A special thank you to the palliative care team from CarePartners, especially Diane, Alison, and Dr. Tan; to family doctor Ali Mohamed; and to the excellent Brain and Body Exercise Program at the University of Waterloo.

A celebration of life will be held at the K-W Granite Club, 99 Seagram Dr. Waterloo, Ontario on Sunday October 4, 2026, from 2 – 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Out of the Ashes Large Animal Rescue, at www.Canadahelps.org/en/charities/out-of-the-ashes-large-animal-rescue-oalar/ may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, Waterloo at 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com