Theodore Walther

Theodore (Ted) Walther, Professor Emeritus of Economics, of Lewiston, Maine died on Saturday, June 2, 2018, after a period of declining health.  The son of Ann Petrie and Francis T. Walther, he was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey on August 23, 1929.

He was a member of the United States Navy, working primarily on the USS Kula Gulf, an aircraft carrier during the Korean War for six years.  Ted graduated with a BA from Mexico City College where he married the love of his life, Joan Mirandon Walther.  The newly married couple returned to New York City where he earned his M.A., Ph.D. from the New School for Social Justice. In 1958, he and his Beloved Bride moved to Lewiston, Maine where he accepted a position of Professor of Economics at Bates College until his retirement in 2002.  Ted created a legacy for himself, striving to make his classes lively, cracking jokes and interacting with students.  He was fondly known as “Terrible Ted, the Bobcat’s Buddy”. 

The highlights of Ted’s life included being with his bride, Joan for more than 58 years, his children Pamela Walther Felber of Exeter, NH and Susan Walther of Lewiston, ME.  As a family, they traveled extensively in Europe three times, always traveling by ocean liner and visiting many Cathedrals and Zoos.  He believed that by having some degree of economic success it gave him the ability to create unforgettable experiences for his family. Ted was also the biggest fan of Pam and Sue’s competitive swimming career. 

Joan and Ted traveled extensively in their later years.  There is no doubt that their favorite destination was Bath, England.  They spent a combined time of more than two years living in the city where they met great people who became fast friends.

Ted loved being a Grandfather and is survived by Grandchildren, Kimberly Plummer, Samantha Howaniec, Zachary Felber, Jessica Felber, Andrea Bonin and Grandson-by-marriage Andrew Plummer. He was fondly called Great Beepa by his four Great Grandsons, Travis, Bentley, Shane and Levi Plummer.  Ted enjoyed being a big buddy to all of them and was incredibly proud of their achievements. 

Ted was predeceased by his parents and his Bride, Joan.  He leaves his daughters, Susan Walther and Pamela W. Felber, son in law, Michael Felber of Exeter, NH, his sister, Gretchen Walther Dumler of NYC, brother, Chris Walther and wife Leanne Walther of Boulder, Co., and a special niece, Johnna Dumler Liddle of Washington, DC and nephew Matt Dumler of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living in Scarborough,      Compassus Hospice in Scarborough and Schooner Estates in Auburn for their kindness and care while Ted was in their charge.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 9 at the Bates College Chapel, 275 College St. in Lewiston, Maine at 12:30 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Save The Children, 501 Kings Highway East, Suite 400, Fairfield, CT 06825 or support.savethechildren.org.

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