THEODORE PHILLIP (TED) CATES

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THEODORE PHILLIP (TED) CATES Theodore Phillip (Ted) Cates, loving and beloved husband and father, passed away September 23, 2006 in Winnipeg, Manitoba at age 83. Ted leaves his wife of 56 years, Luba, children Farley, Margo and Tara, granddaughter Zoe, daughter-in-law Lois, brother-in-law Zachariah Kay and niece Alix Davis. Ted was the son of Morris and Fanney Cates of Winnipeg. Ted served overseas in the signal corps of the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War. Following, he attended the University of Manitoba and graduated as a civil engineer during the spring of the Winnipeg Flood of 1950. Early in his career, he was involved in the development of the hydroelectric dams along the Winnipeg River System. He later worked as a development and construction manager for a variety of national and international companies, predominately within the hospitality industry. Utilizing his expertise in pre-cast concrete, Ted ran his own engineering consultancy until the early 1970s. Ted was a voracious reader and a lifelong learner. Beginning the second chapter of his life with the enthusiasm of a younger man, Ted was determined to keep his knowledge current and his skills vital. He continued to do consulting work through the late 1990s. Throughout his life, Ted contributed generously to anyone and everyone who requested his assistance. He brought his consummate professionalism and diverse experience to the non-profit sector where, in his later years, he was an active board, committee and volunteer member in such organizations as the Jewish War Veterans, the Middlechurch Home for seniors and the medical library at the Health Sciences Centre. In his middle years Ted was involved in Rotary International. Ted and Luba were passionately interested in other cultures that they explored through travel, film, theatre, music and food. They had a vibrant social life and their home was always a warm and welcoming environment. As a couple they exemplified the best of what a marriage and partnership are about. Their devotion to each other deepened with the years. Ted raised his family to believe in the importance of living with integrity, acting with compassion, giving back to the community and loving unconditionally. Skylark, Have you seen a valley green with Spring Where my heart can go a-journeying...

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2006