I first met Ted as his cart partner at a golf outing in 1993. His reputation as a fromer head of construction at a large privately held firm preceeded him. I wanted to know him. I liked him instantly. As luck would have it, I got to know Ted as a regular in a Saturday morning foursome that met at a nine-hole municipal golf course for more than 10 years. Though he was 25 years my senior, through that weekly ritual, each season I came to regard Ted as a close friend.
Highlights of a typical Saturday morning with Ted Brown:
On the first tee box “Okay, we get one Mulligan off the tee. That’s all.” Ted offers this rule every week. I’ve heard him say it maybe 500 times. He cherished each new round as a brand new day full of promise.
On the second tee box (a par three)“If that had been straight, it would have been a hole in one.” Sometimes he’ll add that, as a point of fact, in all the years he’s been playing golf he’s never had a hole in one. But he remained optimistic.
On Number 3 “You are so consistent.” Ted liked to comment on how erratic my game is. Ted enjoyed the cheerful sarcasm. Me too. It was always in fun. Never mean-spirited.
On Number 4 “You know this is a tough hole. As tough a hole as you will find anywhere.” THWACK.. He hits the ball. “Pretty good but I’m a little off center.” Ted is pleased with his near perfect shot. I never got tired of that comment.
On Number 5 At this point, Ted is busy evaluating the scorecard and enjoying the day. When he hits it well he offers a hearty laugh.
On Number 6 “Bye Bye Ballie!” Ted sings if anyone hits it in the water on number 5 or number 6. Even if it’s his ball.
On Number 7 “You know years ago I could hit it over the top of the hill.” Ted comments. I know it’s true. Even at the age of 80, he out-drove me nine times out of ten.
On Number 8 He felt fortunate when he was playing well enough not to use that Mulligan. Still, if he makes it to Number 8 without using one, odds are pretty good that he’d use a Mulligan on the final hole.
On Number 9 (another par 3) “You know I’ve never had a hole in one…” Ted lets us know, one more time.
Ted died just six weeks after the doctors found cancer. He’s been gone a year. We still miss him. We really do.
-Optimistic Contributor Wes Morgan: Originally posted October 14, 2010
Brown, Edward H. Ted Jr. Mr. Brown was born Aug. 29, 1929, in New York City and he died at home on Oct. 1, 2009, of complications of lung cancer. Ted met his wife, Willene (nee Edwards) at Bucknell Univ. where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering. He served in the Counter Intelligence Corps during the Korean War. During his early career, he worked for Turner Construction of New York City and Gilbane Building Co. of Hamden, CO. He moved to St. Louis in 1974 to work for the HBE Corp. as executive vice president in charge of construction. Ted had a passion for golf and bridge and excelled at both. He also enjoyed volunteering for his community wherever he lived. Since moving to Creve Coeur, he has served on the recreation board, the planning and zoning commission, and most recently on the board of adjustment. Ted was an active member of St. Paul's Evangelical Church, Creve Coeur, MO Ted is survived by his wife, Willene; a daughter, Donna Shallenberg; a son Edward H. Brown III; grandchildren Michael, Kendra and Liana Shallenberg, and his twin brother Donald S. Brown of Denver. He will also be missed by various nieces, nephews and many friends. Services: Visitation will be held Sunday, Oct. 4, at KRIEGSHAUSER WEST Mortuary, 9450 Olive Blvd. from 3 to 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be Monday, Oct. 5, at St. Paul's Evangelical Free Church, 9801 Olive Blvd. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 am. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the St. Paul's Expansion and Renovation fund or the Memory and Aging Research Project at Washington Univ. are greatly appreciated.
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