KULA, HAWAI'I

Water was always an important part of Ted's life: Growing up on the water in New York, attending college in Florida, surrounded by 10,000 lakes in Minnesota, to living the salty life in Maui. A perfect opportunity arose when he learned he was going to be based in Honolulu by Northwest Airlines in 1991. The following year, Ted and Mary packed up and found their new roots in Maui, a perfect place for a windsurfing enthusiast. 

For the next 11 years, they embraced what the Valley Isle had to offer. They established their homestead in Kula, an Upcountry region of Maui, where the air is cool and crisp with the elevation, the yard filled with native plants and fruit trees, and the surroundings somewhat rural and quiet just as they wanted it to be. They made new friends, took up new activities, and found joy living on the island and love for the Hawai'ian culture. Ted's favorite island to visit was Molokai. He would go windsurfing and hiking via the ferry or rent and fly a plane over for the day with friends. 

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When Northwest closed its Honolulu base in 2003, they moved to Mary's home state of Minnesota to be based in Minneapolis/St. Paul. They made new friends and spent more time with long-time friends and family until Ted's retirement in 2017. They moved back to Maui and renovated their home in Kula, which was rented out while in MN, to their exact liking to spend their retirement years being surrounded by the natural beauty of Upcountry.

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Ted immersed himself in outrigger canoe paddling where he made new friends, stand-up paddling, hiking, mountain biking, snorkeling, taking drone videos for canoe clubs, and serving on the board of directors for Kihei Canoe Club. He even learned how to make lei! In his last days, he would get up very early to be with his then-puppy Koa. He might then paddle, fly a drone, or haul brush with his friend, followed by a stop at Leoda's for a sweet treat, enjoy a breakfast with friends, or a visit with family. At home, you would find him sitting in his favorite recliner reading a good book and spoiling Koa. He enjoyed having friends visit, riding his lawn mower, and working in the yard. In the evenings, Ted and Mary would enjoy watching the spectacular Upcountry sunset.