Ted R. Scarff

We will remember Ted Scarff for his quiet demeanor, his soft-spoken and kind words, and his fun-loving spirit, but the love he had for his family will be his lasting legacy. He established a successful career with many accomplishments of which to be proud, yet there was nothing that made him more proud than the children and grandchildren he shared with Sonya. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, he created many happy memories that will forever remain near and dear to the hearts of those he leaves behind.

In 1934, a young couple from Troy, Ohio welcomed a baby boy into their hearts and home. Ted was the older of two boys born to his parents, Ray and Ramona (Rhine) Scarff, and was raised in the family home alongside his brother, Ned.

In many ways Ted experienced a childhood that was reflective of his generation. He was an active boy who was involved in a variety of activities. With his outgoing and spunky personality people were naturally drawn to him, and he made friends with ease. Ted attended local schools during his elementary years and went on to Troy High School. He very well could have graduated as the most popular person in his class because of his easy going and fun spirit.

With his high school education behind him Ted went on to General Motors Institute, which is now called Kettering University, where he studied engineering. Not to be forgotten during this time was Ted’s introduction to the woman with whom he would share a lifetime of love. Her name was Sonya Nims, and they had been friends since the eighth grade. With a desire to establish a life together the couple married in 1957, after he graduated from engineering school and she had graduated from nursing school. Ted and Sonya were blessed with four children: Matthew, Benjamin, Sarah, and Joe. As a father he was an active part of his children’s lives.

In 1960 Ted moved his family to Kalamazoo, Michigan, when he accepted a position with National Water Lift (NWL). He possessed a strong work ethic and was always filled with the drive to succeed. It was the desire to better himself that was the force behind the pursuit of his master’s degree in business, which he earned from Western Michigan University. Ted enjoyed a fulfilling career with NWL now called Parker/Hannifin until he retired in 2000. As a businessman he was frequently involved in various clubs, but nothing was ever more important to Ted than his family.

Although his career would move the family around a bit, Kalamazoo was always home to Ted. His happiest times were spent at their home on Crooked Lake in Texas Corners. It was there that he loved having the grandchildren over for fun on the water, fishing with them, and just enjoying spending leisurely time together. In addition to fishing on the lake, Ted enjoyed golfing at Milham Golf Course, camping at Bond Falls or Goose Lake in the Upper Peninsula, and vacationing in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Ted especially enjoyed the vacations he and Sonya had with the grandchildren. Gardening was another favorite activity. For many years he and Sonya have been active members of Pine Island Presbyterian Church.

One thing Ted could often be found doing while at home was puttering around in the garage. He would even “fix” things that weren’t broken just so he could tinker with a variety of things. He has asked to take duct tape and a screw driver with him to his new life. Sadly, it was while tinkering out in his garage last week that Ted fell and suffered a severe injury to his head.

Life will not be the same without Ted Scarff here, but the lives of countless others will be forever changed for the better because of him. Although he enjoyed so many things along his life’s journey, Ted’s greatest gift was the love he shared with his family. Ted will be deeply missed.

Ted R. Scarff of Kalamazoo died May 24th at Borgess Medical Center. Members of Ted’s family include his wife, Sonya; children: Dr. Matthew Scarff, Sarah (Joe) Curry, Joe (Becky) Scarff; grandchildren: Maureen, Patricia, Raymond, Alekzander, Troy, Jennifer, Aubree, Timothy, Rachael, Lauren, Adam, Benton, Kyle Christine, and Drew; and brother, Ned (Dottie) Scarff. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Dr. Peter (Nancy) Nims and Dr. Thomas (Jan) Nims. Ted was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Benjamin Scarff in 2009. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 12:00 noon at Life Story Funeral Home, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600) where visitation/reception will follow until 3:00 p.m. Please visit Ted’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book. Memorial donations may be made to Pine Island Presbyterian Church.