Ted Althof

In Memoriam

Many people knew Ted for his love of Christmas through this site, papaTedsPlace.com. But Ted was far more complex than many people realize. He was an inventor, author, musician and actor (Ted got his Screen Actors Guild card just this past year!) and so much more, all rolled into one intelligent, sensitive man. Ted's home was a sanctuary for animals, most notably cats and turtles. Easy going and friendly, Ted had the ability to disarm people and get them to reveal their better natures.

My wife, Nancy, met Ted in an acting class in 1990. We scoured flea markets and antique shops together over the years. Ted often spent Christmas with us and always managed to lift the spirits of everyone in the room. Ted was a natural raconteur and was always the life of any party.

The music below is from a CD that Ted made to prove to his mother that "he could make real music and not just jazz". The piece is called Kinder Karol. Ted once told me that after his mom passed away that this song reminded him of her and everything that she did for him. May this piece of music now remind us all of Ted and what he has done for us. Not only did Ted elevate the simple beauty of Christmas Village Houses, and rekindle wonderful memories for many of us, but he created a community of friends who share his love for the true meaning of Christmas - friendship and love.

If the music player above doesn't work for you, feel free to download a copy of Kinder Karol here.

- Rob Whitfield