Honouring the Life and Legacy of
Edward “Ted” Clayton Sawford
The Sawford family invites you to view the virtual Memorial Service & Reception honouring Ted’s life and legacy.
Virtual Memorial Service
& Online Reception
Recorded January 14, 2022
Biography
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband, and grandfather, Edward (Ted) Clayton Sawford. Ted passed away on December 23, 2021 at 77 years of age in Calgary, Alberta after a prolonged battle with bladder cancer. Ted’s struggle had become increasingly difficult over the past few months. We are comforted only by knowing that his pain and suffering have come to an end, and that it was of relatively short duration considering his otherwise long, happy and fulfilling life. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to express our love for each other and offer our thanks for a life well lived as we said goodbye.
Ted is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn, his brother, Stephen, sons Colin and Darren (Robin) and grandchildren Kaitlyn, Lucas, Juliette and Noah.
Ted was born in Maidenhead, England on June 13, 1944, to parents Edward and Winnifred Sawford. In 1957 the family returned to his mother’s home near Kingston, Ontario where Ted attended High School, then graduated from Queens University (BSc, MSc). In 1964 he moved to Edmonton to work for Shell Canada. He met Marilyn in October of 1965 and they married the following year. The newlyweds later moved to Ottawa where Ted achieved the distinguished accomplishment of earning his PhD in Geology from Carleton University in 1972.
For the next 25 years Ted worked as a Geologist at Shell in Calgary, where he and Marilyn raised their two children, Colin and Darren. They spent a memorable three years in The Hague, Netherlands on secondment. This is where Ted’s love for travel and adventure flourished and where his other passion, long distance running, began. Over the many years that followed, Ted completed numerous race events including marathons, triathlons and bike road races. In 1996 he qualified for and completed the Boston Marathon, and four years later he completed the Penticton Ironman; remarkable achievements of which we are so proud.
Ted and Marilyn transitioned into retirement by spending winters in Guayabitos, Mexico where they made many new friends. Ted made it a priority to seek out the best fish tacos every year they were there and mastered his versions of local Mexican cuisine. He was an exceptional cook, a talent that he developed later in life.
Goodbye, Ted – we love you and will miss you with all our hearts and souls. Thank you for being such a positive influence the on lives of the many people your path touched.
Slide show
Photo Gallery
In Lieu of Flowers, Please Consider Donating to the Canadian Cancer Society
Ted passed away from complications relating to bladder cancer. Cancer touches the lives of so many people, either directly or through the suffering of a loved one. Helping fund research or programs to support those with the disease can offer promise and hope. We thank you for considering a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in Ted’s name.
Dear Marilyn, Colin, Darren and extended family,
Like so many people I was deeply saddened to learn of the suffering that Ted endured and of his final passing. Thank you for offering the viewing of the memorial service. I watched the entire service and absolutely loved the stories and the photos. I knew Ted was a remarkable man, when I first met him in the early 90’s. The memorial service enlightened me about just how remarkable Ted was and how he lived life to the fullest with zest and vigour.
Both Marilyn and Ted welcomed me into their home and I felt like a part of their family almost instantly. The bond between Marilyn and Ted was ever present and this contributed to a home filled with love and acceptance. I marvelled at Ted’s commitment to excellence in his athletic pursuits, his hobbies, his work and most importantly in the generosity he shared with everyone he met. I also marvelled at the support that Marilyn and Ted provided for their family, friends, the community and for one another.
Ted and Marilyn also gave space for one another to explore their unique interests, while sharing so many activities together that they both loved. I remember when Ted retired and Marilyn said to me, “Oh my, what am I going to do with Ted hanging around the house?” Shortly thereafter, Marilyn and I laughed at this question, as Ted had immediately enrolled in cooking classes and then endeavoured to create delicious and nutritious meals for family and friends.
I send my love to Marilyn – a strong individual with a passion for excellence. You will need the support of others as you grieve the loss of your soul mate and life partner. Please feel free to reach out to me. When you need to ‘get away from it all’, you are most welcome, at any time, in my home. The doors are wide open, just as Ted opened doors for others and provided support in so many ways, I in turn open mine to you, Marilyn. Keep your dear friends close and celebrate your amazing love story… Love never ends… Ted and Marilyn.
My memory of Ted was the first time I met him and Marilyn. I am one of Colin’s good friends and back in 2007 or 2008 he invited me to dinner at his place because his parents were visiting from Calgary. So I told Colin I would bring dessert. My great idea was to make bread pudding, not realizing how long it takes to bake. It started to don on me that it wouldnt be able to go into the oven till dinner was done. So I was starting to get concerned as I knew it would take an hour and a half from the time we sat down to dinner. I shouldn’t have worried as Ted and Marilyn were just happy to sit around and talk about travelling. And have a few more glasses of wine. It turned into a lovely evening talking about our trips to Thailand and Mexico and finally having dessert. My condolences to the whole family. Ted was a lovely person who put you at ease. He will be missed.
Auntie Marilyn, Colin, Darren and family,
Thank you so much for sharing all of the special memories with everyone. Uncle Ted meant so much to many. He will be missed by many.
Dear Marilyn, Colin and Darren,
thank you for having such a beautiful memorial service. Words are to limiting to express ones live. I am honoured to have had the privilege of knowing Ted and Marilyn for as many years I have. One couldn’t have a better friend then Ted. A true gentlemen! He always was inclusive and knew the right thing to say. He also supported my work over all those years and kept in touch that way. He will be sadly missed. Lots of Love to the whole family,
Mechtild
What a wonderful service to get to know the kind of character Ted had. I see so many of those great traits continuing in Darren, and his loving steadiness with his children. Beautiful how threads of kindness weave through the generations.
Wow, retired at 54! I was struck by the many deep friendships that seem to have formed after that by embracing his interests and passions, and by being present with those around him.
Dear Marilyn, Colin and Darren
Thank you so much for including us in the memorial service for your dear husband and father Ted. It was wonderful and we are so grateful that we could share this day with you. We never met Ted but through the memories shared today, we learned what an amazing man he was and the impact he had on everyone who knew him. Love and Hugs from George & Lisa in Toronto.
Auntie Marilyn, Colin, Darren, Robin and family,
The online service was so special. Thank-you for sharing your memories with us. Uncle Ted was an exceptional man and will be missed.
Shirley and Kevin Bre-Win
Dear Marilyn and family,
I was saddened to hear of Ted’s passing. I got to meet Ted from the running group and he became a dear friend. He was always so caring and thoughtful and will be truly missed.
I was part of Ted’s running group from the Tech Shop and ran with him since 2001. He was such a great friend. I recall Ted making sure I did not post partum with my first child in 2009, meeting me on my mat leave regularly. We would take the chariot round, have a coffee at the Good Earth and laughs. Ted told me that he was happy to give me a reason to get out of my bathrobe. I looked forward to those runs so much. No matter how overwhelmed I felt before, he always made me feel better and more empowered to be a good Mom to Lizzy. I really miss you Ted. My heart goes out to Marilyn and the family.
Thanks to the Family and friends for the wonderful tribute to an amazing person. Ted will be missed by so many people that had the privilege of knowing him.
From Doreen, Shirley, Michelle and Tim in mexico. Hiking will not be the same without Ted to guide us