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Theodore George Gaiser (Ted), 48, beloved husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2006, at his home after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He never allowed his illness to conquer his loving, playful spirit or prevent him from recognizing each day as a treasure. Ted was born in Texas on November 22, 1957, to Thomas Martin and Mary Ellen Gaiser and lived most of his life in Albuquerque. He leaves behind his mother, Mary; the love of his life, wife, Sandy; son, Heath and wife, Rachel; daughter, Audra; granddaughter, Aubrey; sisters, Tina and Anastasia; brothers, Tom, Tim, and Terry; numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, brothers- and sisters-in-law; and because he never met a stranger, a diverse group of friends who love him like a brother. Ted was a skilled and conscientious craftsman in a variety of trades including home improvement, construction, steel-working and most recently, planner for Rocky Mountain Stone. A charismatic man of contrasts, with his long red beard, waist-length braid and Viking warrior demeanor, Ted was well suited for his nicknames: Terrible Ted and Vanilla Gorilla. But Ted was also affectionately known as Papa Ted and kind-hearted Teddy. He was a man of great charm and tenderness with an undying devotion to his family and friends. Ted was renowned for his twisted and very unpredictable sense of humor that assured laughter wherever he went and sustained those who cared for him in his illness. Multi-talented, resourceful, intelligent, and highly creative, Ted was a fixer of all things broken and collector of all things unique. If there was a lifetime achievement award for Grateful Dead devotee, Ted qualified. He and Sandy met at a Grateful Dead concert and they loved traveling the country to listen to the Dead and other bands. In addition to his love of music and traveling, Ted was an expert on World War II history, old movies and vintage cars. Fare you well, fare you well, we love you more than words can tell, listen to the river sing sweet songs, to rock your soul. We'll miss you Teddy. BIG TIME! Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Rosary will be recited Thursday, 6:00 p.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel, with Deacon Pilar Garcia reciting. Memorial Mass will be celebrated Friday, 10:00 a.m., at Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, 5310 Claremont NE. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE 843-6333
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