Theodore 'Ted' Tveidt, 72

Ted passed away June 1 at Kalispell Regional Hospital surrounded by his family.

Ted was born April 22, 1943, in Whitefish, to Esther and Ole Tveidt, graduating from Whitefish High School in 1962 and spending his entire life living in Whitefish.

Ted's love was being outdoors. He was an avid skier, fly fisherman, hunter both  birds and elk, and golf.

After high school Ted began his working career which also followed his passions, beginning in 1962 working on the Big Mountain Ski Patrol. Becoming an accomplished skier while seeking out every inch of powder he could find. That same year he began what would be a lifelong career with the U.S. Forest Service on the Tally Lake Ranger District working trail and wild land fire. He continued working at Tally Lake until 1965 when he transferred into the Big Prairie Ranger District in the Bob Marshall Wilderness allowing him to experience the serenity and beauty of the back county.

In 1966 he married Lynda Elwood and would transfer back to Tally Lake Ranger District and ultimately becoming the Fire Management Officer for district office. In 1990 he transferred to the Supervisors Office in Kalispell.  

Ted found such excitement in fire whether it be a small broadcast burn or a large wild land fire.  His vast experience led him to travel the United States in various capacities offering his knowledge to aide in fire suppression. Ted retired from the U.S. Forest Service in 1999.

His fire calling didn't stop with his Forest Service experience.  He was an active volunteer with the Whitefish Fire Department for 23 years. Dedicating countless hours to fire and EMS service within the community and surrounding area while making strong and lasting bonds with his fellow fire families

  As a young boy Ted along with his dear friends Bob Muraoka and Keith Evenson began fishing together.  His love of fishing continued throughout his life which led him to become a fly fishing guide in 2000. For 11 years he would row his clients down the river with the intent that each and every one would catch that “one” fish. He seemed just as content just rowing the boat and assisting his clients as he was if he were fishing himself.

Ted had a passion for golf and was often “first tee” on the Whitefish lake golf course. Golfing with his dear friends Travis Collier and Ron Luke and numerous other special friends would often lead to many humorous conversations, challenges and great memories.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Ole, and various aunts and uncles

Ted is survived by his loving wife, Lynda, of 49 years; his son, Kevin of Augusta; son, Travis and wife Kristy, of Whitefish; daughter, Jennifer and her fiancé Brian, of Renton, Washington; grandchildren Madison, and  Baylee, of Missoula, Cody and Fynlee of Whitefish, Brooklynne, Tucker and Tanner of Spanaway, Washington, and his sister Karen of Bozeman.

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. June 5 at Whitefish United Methodist Church, 1150 Wisconsin Ave Whitefish, MT 59937.  

Internment will take place at 2 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens, 2659 Highway 93 N., Kalispell following a celebration of life at the church. All are welcome to attend graveside services following the celebration.

Memorials may be made to the Whitefish Methodist Church, PO Box 4248, Whitefish, MT 59937 or the charity of your choice.