July 22, 1938 – May 10, 2024
at the age of 85 years:     

Prologue
Tappen Valley Growers
T – Ted, V – Vicki & G – Girls

Ted has swung into the saddle astride his trusty steed ‘Mac’ and, along with his beloved Bouviers, headed off into the wild blue yonder. Along the trail he will meet his older brother Art and his sister Meredith, who had journeyed on ahead of him.

At the crossroads, Ted will join company with his cherished friend Big Jack Chupa and together the two will turn their horses into the wind and gallop off across Heaven’s Range.

At least that is how I intend to imagine it ~ Vicki
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Born and raised in the rural community of Cottam, Ontario, Ted was the second of seven children born to Ed and Ruby Squire (nee Kelly).

Ted had a wonderful childhood as a farm boy. He and his brother Art worked hard on the family farm. Their home was just steps from school and church with plenty of room to roam; there was ample opportunity for fun and hi-jinx with siblings and friends. Ted was full of stories that he loved to share, and share is what he did!

His young adulthood had him starting several small businesses, then onto hair stylist, and finally to a career with L’Oreal as Western Canada’s Manager of the Salon Division and Hair Colour Expert. Ted travelled extensively with L’Oreal across Canada and to Europe, most notably enjoying his times in Paris.

His office was downtown Vancouver, and his hobby acreage was in South Langley. There he established ‘Delylse’ Registered Bouvier Kennels and took part in the show dog circuit.

With close friends, Klaus and Carol he started ‘La Vallee Growers Ltd’. They propagated many wine grape varieties and, thanks to a contract with the Summerland Research Station, they were able to propagate many unique seedless table grape varieties which were sold to start up vineyards and nurseries. Many of these vines are still growing at Recline Ridge, Larch Hills, Domaine de Chaberton, and Celista Vineyard & Winery.

In 1993, Ted moved to Tappen with Vicki and stepdaughters Emily and Kate. He established a small vineyard to propagate wood and for grapes to sell at farmer’s markets. He also returned to his boyhood passion for growing tomatoes. He was a master and became affectionately known as the ‘Tomato King’, winning the Salmon Arm Fair Trophy many years in a row. He loved participating in the fair and farmer’s markets, where he established a loyal following of locals and returning vacationers looking to enjoy his delicious tomatoes!

In the early years of residing in Tappen, Ted enjoyed the close friendship of Jack Chupa, good neighbour and haying partner, and also friendships made while on the Tappen Co-op Directorate. He shared Co-op duties with Jamie Gooch, Joan O’Brien, Jim Wright, Reg Charlesworth, and many other community minded residents. He loved it all!

He loved his horse Mac, a most remarkable animal, and his many Bouviers and all things farm, returning to the joys and work ethic of his childhood.

It has been a long and difficult time since Ted’s disastrous fall in January 2021. Lewy Body Dementia took his ability to walk and forever after his mind played tricks on him. Through it all Ted maintained a cheery disposition and positive appreciation of his care. He was truly blessed to have been a resident of Mt Ida Mews, Coho Crescent Floor, where the care aide and nursing staff are nothing short of Angels. No amount of thanks and gratitude would be enough.

And last but not least, from the very depths of our hearts, we extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude to Dr. Adriaan Heunis for his energetic, optimistic, and jovial care of Ted for so many years.

Ted leaves behind ‘the ball to his chain’, his wife of 31 years, Vicki, and stepdaughters Kate and Emily; his four siblings in Ontario; his sister Sherron, his fifth birthday present sister Connie and Bro-mance brother-in-law Ed Meszaros, brother Bryon (Precious Pam), baby sis Beverly, nieces, nephews, and countless friends near and far.

As there is no service at Ted’s request, please do raise a glass of wine from a local winery in memory of him and his wonderful, well-lived life. Not a drinker? Just blast any country music and dance like nobody’s watching and sing like nobody’s listening.

Ted, you will be greatly missed. Godspeed, Squire.

 A celebration of life will be announced closer to Ted’s 86th birthday this summer.