July 10, 1931 - April 18, 2021
James Edward (Ted) Huntington passed from this life into heaven on April 18, 2021. He died peacefully with his eldest daughter and son-in-law at his side, in the Bulkley Valley District Hospital.
Ted was born July 10, 1931, in Wadena Sask., to parents Jim and Phyllis. He married Beverly Craig on Sept. 1, 1951, in Lousanna, Alta. In 1952, they moved to Smithers where all 5 of their children were born.
Ted is survived by his daughters Shelley Becker (Ron), and Debbie Webb (Keith), his sons, Del (Debi), and Brent (Yvette), and his 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded by his wife, Beverly on April 1, 2021 and daughter Gaydene Olsen (Bill).
Ted worked for the Canadian National R/R for 42 years, starting at the age of 16, until his retirement at 58. At the age of 18, he became a fireman on steam engines when his dad was the engineer, then soon became an engineer on steam engines and later on diesel engines. He was well known as the fastest of the "highballers", a group of engineers that ran trains faster than anyone else. Late in his career as an engineer, he taught himself plumbing, pumps, and specialized in water distillers and purifiers. He remained very active in this profession into his 80's.
He loved to tell jokes and was always a prankster which may have explained why he didn't pass the 8th grade. Rather than give his report card to his parents, he threw it away while walking home. When school resumed in the fall, he walked into the 9th grade classroom and sat down at a desk. The teacher walked up and tapped on the desk, "Ted, I told you that you had to repeat the 8th grade? Ted responded, "I don't think so" and walked out of school for good.
Ted loved God and his family with all of his heart. His main interest was serving others, whether that was distributing food to the needy, or helping someone thaw frozen water pipes in the middle of the night.
He was well known for greeting people with a huge smile and a firm handshake each Sunday morning at Mountain View Assembly.
Other passions included motorcycles, running five miles 5-6 times a week into his 80's and was also an excellent fisherman. He and Bev were famous for having guests into their home on Sunday afternoon, when he would don an apron and make waffles, served with ice cream and wild raspberries.
We know he is better off now but he will be dearly missed. A small Graveside Service was attended by family, and a Memorial Service will be announced when gatherings are allowed. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Gideons International.
Condolences may be offered at www.schraderfuneralhome.ca
Schrader Funeral Home & Cremation Services