Also known as "Ted"
3 February 1939 – 29 September 2024
Also known as "Ted"
3 February 1939 – 29 September 2024
SISLEY Edward Gordon (Ted)
Passed quietly at Oaklands, Tauranga aged 85 years. Beloved partner of Ann Martin
Cherished and greatly missed by Struan, John and Catherine.
Lovingly remembered by Barry, Anamarie, Hamish, Rebekah, Natasha, and Eraia.
With thanks to Oaklands and Support Net Ngati Ranginui staff for their kindness and care.
A service for Ted is to be held at St. Johns Anglican Church, 94 Bureta Rd, Tauranga on Friday 4 October at 1.00 pm.
Communications to the Ted Sisley family c/- PO Box 3136 Tauranga 3142.
Funeral service held at St John's Anglican Church
Ted was a valuable member of the volunteers. Ted shared his knowledge and expertise with the team working on our military history vehicles and willingly gave up his time to come to Waiouru. Ted will be missed by the tram here at the National Army Museum, our sincerest condolences go to all of his family and close friends. RIP Ted.
Dearest Auntie Ann, Struan, John, Catherine, and Families, We were profoundly saddened to hear of Ted’s passing. He was a truly remarkable and special man with such a kind and gentle soul. Ted had a gift for sharing his knowledge and experiences, and our conversations were always fascinating. I especially loved hearing about his travels—they were always filled with such vivid stories. He had a way of making everyone feel at ease and appreciated, and his presence will be sorely missed. Some of my fondest memories come from our times spent at Grange Road, where we shared so many special moments with both Ted and Ann. Our adventures to the Mount, picnics and Ann visits to Blenheim always seemed extra special with Ted’s presence. I’ll never forget our wonderful trips to Ted's little farm. One memory that especially stands out is Ted’s incredible patience as he gave Mathew rides on his vintage tractor as a child. Even now, years later, that simple joy still brings a smile to Mat's face when he recalls it. Please know that we are holding all of you close in our hearts and thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. Ted made a lasting impact on my family and we feel very fortunate to have known him, and I am in no doubt that his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched. With deepest sympathy and all our love, Anita, Gary and Mathew Wicks
To be in the company of Ted was to be in the presence of a true gentleman. Ted was the epitome of humility and kindness. He had a quiet presence that was peaceful and brought calm to any context. Our visits from Oz always provided us with hours of hearing about Ted’s amazing adventures, incredible knowledge and great stories. We enjoyed having Ted and Ann come to our wedding 20yrs ago and then throughout the years, introducing our children to our NZ family. You were a rich blessing to our Aunty Ann and our cousins Struan, John and Catherine and therefore, we treasured you too. Thank you Ted for always welcoming us with open arms. You were a beautiful person and we give thanks for your life and the privilege it has been to be on the receiving end of your love and friendship. Farewell and Thank you Uncle Ted ❤️ Tammy Dave Samuel and Maddie (Rosemary’s 2nd daughter)
I have many fond memories of sailing on Ted's boats. Despite inexperienced crew, sea sickness, stuck halyards and storms Ted never raised his voice, he was always patient, tolerant and calmly guided us home. We had many laughs over a cup of tea at Grange Rd. Calm seas and fair winds Ted. Condolences to Ann, Sam, John, Catherine and families.
The little things we shared: Ice creams at the park. Bike rides around the estuary. Train rides at Memorial Park. You were the one that would fix the middle C key on the piano when it would stick and repair my clarinet when the pads came loose. Ted had a wealth of knowledge, including poems and ditties about anything and everything under the sun. Visits to Adelaide to see the Cricket, the V8 racing, the trains and the special task of helping assemble our wedding arch! Watching jazz clips on YouTube, going to live concerts, and seeing the Wurlitzer organ in action - those were some of the moments just the two of us shared. Love always,
Ted was always a very kind and interesting man that I had immediate respect for. Although Ted was only in his late 30’s when we first met, he was clearly well travelled and could speak quietly yet eloquently, on a diverse range of interests, topics and experiences. A well travelled person from that era and off the beaten track as Ted had done, gave him the demeanour of an explorer. Ted and Ann were treasured guests at our wedding and although we have probably only met once since then, his character and personality was one to emulate. A well respected and kind man. Our condolences to all the family, especially Ann.
(contd)...supporting the restoration and maintenance of historical military mechanical equipment, such as tanks and trucks. It is in the telling of stories of our memories of Ted that paints the picture of how he impacted each of our lives. Each person will have a different story to tell and their own special memory in their heart. Ted was a special man who touched the lives of many. His dedication to his craft, his passion for sharing knowledge, and his unwavering love for Mum, and his caring support for his family and friends will be deeply missed. Ted's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and he will always be remembered as a kind, generous, and inspiring person.
Ted's Eulogy Ted, a Kiwi at heart, was a quiet and gentle man. He was a loving and devoted partner to Mum, providing unwavering support throughout their lives together. His kindness and generosity extended to our entire family. Ted took a keen interest in my brother's sailing hobbies, which is how he was initially introduced to Mum and me. I was 14 at the time and was intrigued to meet this mystery man my brothers had been talking about. At that first meeting in 1978, I recall this tall, quiet, light-haired guy with piercing blue eyes arriving at Grange Rd in his diesel Mercedes Benz. Ted was passionate about his hobbies and loved to share them with others. It could be said that he was a jack-of-all-trades, with a keen interest in machinery, sailing, train travel, motorbikes, and jazz music. Ted was always tinkering with something, whether it was a vintage tractor or some other piece of antique machinery. When Ted and Mum visited us here in the USA, he would often embark on a train trip across and up and down the United States and Canada seeing all the sights. We would also incorporate going to local tractor meets where he was in his element talking with fellow tractor and steam engine enthusiasts. I think the ocean must have held a draw to Ted. He was a skilled sailor. I remember one time he crewed on a multi-million brand new yacht that was being delivered to the USA. An adventure to say the least especially as Ted could not swim. I remember him saying he could not float despite many lessons. Ted was also a skilled heavy diesel mechanic by trade, with a passion for sharing his expertise both in and outside of New Zealand. He loved to mentor young people and teach them the intricacies of heavy diesel maintenance and repair. Ted also dedicated countless hours to volunteering at the New Zealand National Army Museum at Waiouru. There, he generously shared his knowledge, supporting the restoration and maintenance of historical military mechanical equipment, s
Funeral service held at St John's Anglican Church

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