Theodore James Karwin

When remembering our friend, Ted, I will always think of two things: his wonderful sense of humor and his unwavering support of another’s ambition or talent. Even as early as high school he acknowledged other’s accomplishments with encouragement and was first to send a genuine complement. Because of this I always looked forward to sharing thoughts and ideas with him as I knew his friendship was a safe harbor to nurture creativity. It’s a lesson in friendship and decency that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life. 

teddy, we know that to everyone else you were Ted, but to us you were Teddy. you were a car guy to the extreme, a great guy & you left us way too early. we will miss you forever. god bless you, stan,martha, jonathan & the bif

Ted,Nancy, Tom & "Fred the Dog". What wonderful memories you have left with us. Seeing Ted & friends ride by on their bikes past our townhome in the summer in nw portland was always a joy. having Ted ring my cell phone and say, "hey, i just saw you drive by in the speedster...the car looks awsome"! i will truly miss the "car talk" with you Ted. a little bit of you lives on forever in each one of us. we love you all...Dave & Becky

Ted (Teddy) was one of my favorite students. He always contributed to the class discussion and activities. I was impressed by his insights and his genuine interest in the study of literature. He was a student that left a lasting impression and I am deeply saddened. The world is missing a bright light of passion, enthusiasm and zest for life. Meagyn Keys Karmakar

"Our Teddy is no longer with us." I will never forget those words and I will never forget Teddy. Such a fine human being. So warm, kind, thoughtful, positive, funny, and smart. So handsome and impeccable in his dress and manners! Such a good friend to my daughter, for which I am grateful. I ache for Erica, Robin, Teddy's family, and all of Teddy's many friends. There is a hole in our hearts and lives. Nancy and Tom, I am

"Our Teddy is no longer with us." I will never forget those words and I will never forget Teddy. Such a fine human being. So warm, kind, thoughtful, positive, funny, and smart. So handsome and impeccable in his dress and manners! Such a good friend to my daughter, for which I am grateful. I ache for Erica, Robin, Teddy's family, and all of Teddy's many friends. There is a hole in our hearts and lives. Nancy and Tom, I am so sorry for your incredible loss and have cried as many tears for you as I have for Teddy. I cannot imagine your devastation and am so sad and heartbroken for you. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you. I haven't seen Teddy for a while. The last I heard from him was on March 13 when he thanked me for giving him and Erica my Blazer tickets for that night. They had a wonderful time and I know Erica cherishes that last memory of being with Teddy, as well as many fond memories of going out dancing, riding their bikes, and just hanging out. Such a true friendship is a rare thing and will be sorely missed. We love you Teddy, and we miss you terribly. Rest in peace.

I hope his family stays strong during this time. Ted was loved so dearly.

My thoughts and prayers are with Teddy's family and friends. It is a tragic loss of a wonderful young man.

Teddy...what a guy. The only person I know who could make me look and feel unkempt! The only guy I would trust with my car...the only guy I know that when he answered the phone, and you asked him how he was, always, always said "Excellent!" He was and always will be in my mind, a one of a kind. Willing to do anything for you at anytime. I watched Ted grow up with our two boys and am so

Teddy...what a guy. The only person I know who could make me look and feel unkempt! The only guy I would trust with my car...the only guy I know that when he answered the phone, and you asked him how he was, always, always said "Excellent!" He was and always will be in my mind, a one of a kind. Willing to do anything for you at anytime. I watched Ted grow up with our two boys and am so saddened that we will no longer see those three together again, nor will we see how their lives would have been woven together going forward as they were in the past. So I honor our dear friends, Nancy and Tom, with love, hope, prayers, and the future and that this tragic loss will leave an everlasting and hopeful avenue for others. David Meyer

May the good lord bless and keep your family. May you take strength and comfort in prayer and in the many friends who mourn and grieve with you.

My heart goes out to the family over your loss. You will be in my prayers.

I knew Ted briefly at Chapman and in the short time I knew him, I had the pleasure of experiencing his kind and genuine energy. I haven't seen him in years, but he's definitely in my thoughts and I wish all of my best to his family.

There are no words that can express the sorrow I feel over your loss of Teddy. (He will forever be Teddy to me!) Reading the tributes tells me that he will live on through all of the family and friends that he has touched with his infectious spirit. I am with you in thought and prayer and would do anything to help you through this time of sorrow.

Ted was only at Willamette for one year but I still feel touched by knowing him and being his neighbor. I wish I had kept more in touch with him after he left Willamette. I hope he knows just how much he is missed and the mark he left upon this world.

Teddy will be so missed. He was my 3rd grandson. He was bright, smart and so much fun. I have great memories. My heart goes out to Nancy and Tom. Love you Florence

Ted was a gem of a young man and Tom and Nancy are 'teriffic' parents!!!!!! If there is something positive to be learned from this tragedy I hope it opens all our eyes to be thankful for what we have, to be kind, understanding and civil to everyone and to simply do the right things at all times. My love and thoughts to Tom and Nancy in what is an unbelieveable time....I am here for both of you anytime and for anything!!! Your Good Friend, Tony

"This parting cannot be for long; for those who love as we do cannot be parted. We shall always be united in thought, and thought is a great magnet"... love letters of abelard & heloise We'll remember you Teddy, we'll remember you... tom and debs

Tribute To Teddy April 1, 2009 Our family has been blessed by our long time friendship with the Karwin’s and I am honored to be sharing my reflections on how extraordinary Teddy was and how he will always be considered an important and treasured member of our family. It seems like only a few years ago that I held him in my arms visiting him as a newborn at Providence Hospital – he was gorgeous from the very beginning. With

Tribute To Teddy April 1, 2009 Our family has been blessed by our long time friendship with the Karwin’s and I am honored to be sharing my reflections on how extraordinary Teddy was and how he will always be considered an important and treasured member of our family. It seems like only a few years ago that I held him in my arms visiting him as a newborn at Providence Hospital – he was gorgeous from the very beginning. With Teddy this was not an exaggeration he was the epitome of gorgeous from the core of his soul to the last thread of his exterior…the word was made for him. Of course everyone always said he looked just like Tom. I was only 25 and had no concept of being pregnant with my first son, Ian, who followed Teddy by a little over 8 months…I was given the opportunity to quickly assemble some mothering experience with Teddy, I don’t think I even knew how to change a diaper until learning the ropes with Nancy. The boys shared a Nanny at times, Nancy and I worked together over the course of 10 years and we spent much of our personal time raising the boys together. My second son, Elliot, was born 4 years behind Teddy and the three of them were like brothers. Teddy was always considered the perfect friend from toddlerhood through the teen years and on into college. There wasn’t another child so easy to have in your home or to go adventuring with…in so many ways he grew into a young man that echoed every wonderful quality he possessed in his childhood. There was the impressive intelligence, the compassion, patience, fun and style all discernable and made you consider him a truly gifted individual. I share wonderful memories of the boys along with Tom & Nancy– the many weekends at the zoo, going to the Children’s museum, Halloweens (always including the pumpkin patch), hikes at Tryon Creek Park (dressed as Robin Hood of course) and the endless hours of playing at the house. One of my favorite pictures I have is with Teddy’s face covered with chocolate and a huge smile while decorating Christmas cookies at my house…one of the few messy moments caught on film. Most of you know the special qualities Teddy possessed or you had your own window into his generous and loving personality and his accomplishments through either Nancy or Tom. He was their pride and joy. The best way for me to explain what a beautiful and supportive friend or big brother he was is to have experienced the manner in which he continued to be close to each of my sons. There probably are not two more different people in personality and style. But that never mattered to Teddy, he was a loyal friend to each, never making one feel more important than the other and always finding a common ground for sharing interests and being supportive of their lives and pursuits. With Elliot it was German cars and artwork, with Ian it was international travel and some philosophy. This loss is intense and I haven’t progressed much from the denial stage of grief. We will miss you Teddy, there simply are not words for the whole that is left in our hearts. God Bless You!

Ted was like a big brother to my son and will be deeply missed. My son first met Ted when he started at U.P. Ted was a true friend; always responsive and willing to listen. I met Ted when my son and I were in Portland last summer. Ted recommended a great quirky place to eat. Over lunch I expereinced many of the qualities that other people have described about Ted; he was charasmatic, fun, intelligent, articulate, generous, kind and

Ted was like a big brother to my son and will be deeply missed. My son first met Ted when he started at U.P. Ted was a true friend; always responsive and willing to listen. I met Ted when my son and I were in Portland last summer. Ted recommended a great quirky place to eat. Over lunch I expereinced many of the qualities that other people have described about Ted; he was charasmatic, fun, intelligent, articulate, generous, kind and driven. What a wonderful person - a real treasure. When I read about how many people he touched with his friendship it inspires me to want to be a better friend to others. My deepest sympathies go out to Nancy and Tom. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for allowing a forum where we can communally grieve and pay tribute to your son. Karen Hunter Boise, ID

We all will miss you Ted. It helps to know the God awful pain your parents feel was shared by so many that attended your memorial service. You are in the heart of so many Ted. You are in God's hands now and will find peace in heaven.

It's taken me 1 Yr. to write this. Your not dead. Nobody ever dies. Because you are going to live inside of everyone who knew you, everyone you ever touched. No matter how little. The people who loved you, MOM, DAD, Friends, Family, (ME). They're never going to stop thinking of you, or talking about you. Were never going to forget you- because that never goes away. Your Never going to die because you were loved... You loved! Your going

It's taken me 1 Yr. to write this. Your not dead. Nobody ever dies. Because you are going to live inside of everyone who knew you, everyone you ever touched. No matter how little. The people who loved you, MOM, DAD, Friends, Family, (ME). They're never going to stop thinking of you, or talking about you. Were never going to forget you- because that never goes away. Your Never going to die because you were loved... You loved! Your going to live forever.... We all will. Life is about laughing, & loving one another. People aren't really gone when they die, we have all the good memories to sustain us until we see you again. Your going to live forever.... We all will. We'll see you again Teddy. I Love you. Aunt Janet

Ted, time just flys by and sometimes it doesn't seem real. I've been wearing your "Always Our Friend" wrist band again for the past 2 weeks and thinking about the wonderful times you had with everyone. I will wear it again when I race around various tracks this summer. You have definately left your wonderful "mark" and will never be forgotten. What a guy! David & Becky

You're missed sweet boy, we speak of you often. Memories are brought to mind, joyful times of a boy well loved. Tears are shed, the loss immense. You're missed dear child, you are missed.

Ted, we all miss you greatly. david & becky

I came across this poem and thought of you Teddy...You're remembered always ? Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. ... Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be

I came across this poem and thought of you Teddy...You're remembered always ? Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. ... Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me. Let my name be the household word it always was. Let it be spoken without effort. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is absolutely unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near just around the corner... All is well. Nothing is past, nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before, only better, infinitely happier and forever we will be one together. Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)

I came across this poem and thought of you Teddy...You're remembered always ♥

Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
... Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be the household word it always was.
Let it be spoken

I came across this poem and thought of you Teddy...You're remembered always ♥

Death is nothing at all,
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
... Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be the household word it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of your mind
because I am out of your sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near just around the corner...
All is well. Nothing is past, nothing is lost.

One brief moment and all will be as it was before,
only better, infinitely happier
and forever we will be one together.

Henry Scott Holland (1847-1918)

Ted, we all miss you greatly.
david & becky

You're missed sweet boy, we speak of you often.
Memories are brought to mind, joyful times of a boy well loved.
Tears are shed, the loss immense.
You're missed dear child, you are missed.

Ted, time just flys by and sometimes it doesn't seem real. I've been wearing your "Always Our Friend" wrist band again for the past 2 weeks and thinking about the wonderful times you had with everyone. I will wear it again when I race around various tracks this summer. You have definately left your wonderful "mark" and will never be forgotten. What a guy!
David & Becky

It's taken me 1 Yr. to write this.
Your not dead. Nobody ever dies. Because you are going to live inside of everyone who knew you, everyone you ever touched. No matter how little. The people who loved you, MOM, DAD, Friends, Family, (ME). They're never going to stop thinking of you, or talking about you. Were never going to forget you- because that never goes away. Your Never going to die because you were loved... You loved! Your going to

It's taken me 1 Yr. to write this.
Your not dead. Nobody ever dies. Because you are going to live inside of everyone who knew you, everyone you ever touched. No matter how little. The people who loved you, MOM, DAD, Friends, Family, (ME). They're never going to stop thinking of you, or talking about you. Were never going to forget you- because that never goes away. Your Never going to die because you were loved... You loved! Your going to live forever.... We all will. Life is about laughing, & loving one another. People aren't really gone when they die, we have all the good memories to sustain us until we see you again. Your going to live forever.... We all will.
We'll see you again Teddy. I Love you.
Aunt Janet

We all will miss you Ted. It helps to know the God awful pain your parents feel was shared by so many that attended your memorial service. You are in the heart of so many Ted. You are in God's hands now and will find peace in heaven.

Ted was like a big brother to my son and will be deeply missed. My son first met Ted when he started at U.P. Ted was a true friend; always responsive and willing to listen. I met Ted when my son and I were in Portland last summer. Ted recommended a great quirky place to eat. Over lunch I expereinced many of the qualities that other people have described about Ted; he was charasmatic, fun, intelligent, articulate, generous, kind and

Ted was like a big brother to my son and will be deeply missed. My son first met Ted when he started at U.P. Ted was a true friend; always responsive and willing to listen. I met Ted when my son and I were in Portland last summer. Ted recommended a great quirky place to eat. Over lunch I expereinced many of the qualities that other people have described about Ted; he was charasmatic, fun, intelligent, articulate, generous, kind and driven. What a wonderful person - a real treasure. When I read about how many people he touched with his friendship it inspires me to want to be a better friend to others.

My deepest sympathies go out to Nancy and Tom. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Thank you for allowing a forum where we can communally grieve and pay tribute to your son.

Karen Hunter Boise, ID

Tribute To Teddy April 1, 2009
Our family has been blessed by our long time friendship with the Karwin’s and I am honored to be sharing my reflections on how extraordinary Teddy was and how he will always be considered an important and treasured member of our family.
It seems like only a few years ago that I held him in my arms visiting him as a newborn at Providence Hospital – he was gorgeous from the very beginning. With Teddy

Tribute To Teddy April 1, 2009
Our family has been blessed by our long time friendship with the Karwin’s and I am honored to be sharing my reflections on how extraordinary Teddy was and how he will always be considered an important and treasured member of our family.
It seems like only a few years ago that I held him in my arms visiting him as a newborn at Providence Hospital – he was gorgeous from the very beginning. With Teddy this was not an exaggeration he was the epitome of gorgeous from the core of his soul to the last thread of his exterior…the word was made for him. Of course everyone always said he looked just like Tom. I was only 25 and had no concept of being pregnant with my first son, Ian, who followed Teddy by a little over 8 months…I was given the opportunity to quickly assemble some mothering experience with Teddy, I don’t think I even knew how to change a diaper until learning the ropes with Nancy.
The boys shared a Nanny at times, Nancy and I worked together over the course of 10 years and we spent much of our personal time raising the boys together. My second son, Elliot, was born 4 years behind Teddy and the three of them were like brothers. Teddy was always considered the perfect friend from toddlerhood through the teen years and on into college. There wasn’t another child so easy to have in your home or to go adventuring with…in so many ways he grew into a young man that echoed every wonderful quality he possessed in his childhood. There was the impressive intelligence, the compassion, patience, fun and style all discernable and made you consider him a truly gifted individual.
I share wonderful memories of the boys along with Tom & Nancy– the many weekends at the zoo, going to the Children’s museum, Halloweens (always including the pumpkin patch), hikes at Tryon Creek Park (dressed as Robin Hood of course) and the endless hours of playing at the house. One of my favorite pictures I have is with Teddy’s face covered with chocolate and a huge smile while decorating Christmas cookies at my house…one of the few messy moments caught on film.
Most of you know the special qualities Teddy possessed or you had your own window into his generous and loving personality and his accomplishments through either Nancy or Tom. He was their pride and joy. The best way for me to explain what a beautiful and supportive friend or big brother he was is to have experienced the manner in which he continued to be close to each of my sons. There probably are not two more different people in personality and style. But that never mattered to Teddy, he was a loyal friend to each, never making one feel more important than the other and always finding a common ground for sharing interests and being supportive of their lives and pursuits. With Elliot it was German cars and artwork, with Ian it was international travel and some philosophy.
This loss is intense and I haven’t progressed much from the denial stage of grief.
We will miss you Teddy, there simply are not words for the whole that is left in our hearts. God Bless You!

"This parting cannot be for long; for those who love as we do cannot be parted.
We shall always be united in thought, and thought is a great magnet"...
love letters of abelard & heloise

We'll remember you Teddy, we'll remember you...
tom and debs

Ted was a gem of a young man and Tom and Nancy are 'teriffic' parents!!!!!! If there is something positive to be learned from this tragedy I hope it opens all our eyes to be thankful for what we have, to be kind, understanding and civil to everyone and to simply do the right things at all times.
My love and thoughts to Tom and Nancy in what is an unbelieveable time....I am here for both of you anytime and for anything!!!

Your Good Friend,

Tony

Teddy will be so missed. He was my 3rd grandson. He was bright, smart and so
much fun. I have great memories. My heart goes out to Nancy and Tom.

Love you Florence

Ted was only at Willamette for one year but I still feel touched by knowing him and being his neighbor. I wish I had kept more in touch with him after he left Willamette. I hope he knows just how much he is missed and the mark he left upon this world.

There are no words that can express the sorrow I feel over your loss of Teddy. (He will forever be Teddy to me!) Reading the tributes tells me that he will live on through all of the family and friends that he has touched with his infectious spirit. I am with you in thought and prayer and would do anything to help you through this time of sorrow.

I knew Ted briefly at Chapman and in the short time I knew him, I had the pleasure of experiencing his kind and genuine energy. I haven't seen him in years, but he's definitely in my thoughts and I wish all of my best to his family.

My heart goes out to the family over your loss. You will be in my prayers.

May the good lord bless and keep your family. May you take strength and comfort in prayer and in the many friends who mourn and grieve with you.

Teddy...what a guy. The only person I know who could make me look and feel unkempt! The only guy I would trust with my car...the only guy I know that when he answered the phone, and you asked him how he was, always, always said "Excellent!" He was and always will be in my mind, a one of a kind. Willing to do anything for you at anytime. I watched Ted grow up with our two boys and am so

Teddy...what a guy. The only person I know who could make me look and feel unkempt! The only guy I would trust with my car...the only guy I know that when he answered the phone, and you asked him how he was, always, always said "Excellent!" He was and always will be in my mind, a one of a kind. Willing to do anything for you at anytime. I watched Ted grow up with our two boys and am so saddened that we will no longer see those three together again, nor will we see how their lives would have been woven together going forward as they were in the past.

So I honor our dear friends, Nancy and Tom, with love, hope, prayers, and the future and that this tragic loss will leave an everlasting and hopeful avenue for others.

David Meyer

My thoughts and prayers are with Teddy's family and friends. It is a tragic loss of a wonderful young man.

I hope his family stays strong during this time. Ted was loved so dearly.

"Our Teddy is no longer with us." I will never forget those words and I will never forget Teddy. Such a fine human being. So warm, kind, thoughtful, positive, funny, and smart. So handsome and impeccable in his dress and manners! Such a good friend to my daughter, for which I am grateful.

I ache for Erica, Robin, Teddy's family, and all of Teddy's many friends. There is a hole in our hearts and lives. Nancy and Tom, I am

"Our Teddy is no longer with us." I will never forget those words and I will never forget Teddy. Such a fine human being. So warm, kind, thoughtful, positive, funny, and smart. So handsome and impeccable in his dress and manners! Such a good friend to my daughter, for which I am grateful.

I ache for Erica, Robin, Teddy's family, and all of Teddy's many friends. There is a hole in our hearts and lives. Nancy and Tom, I am so sorry for your incredible loss and have cried as many tears for you as I have for Teddy. I cannot imagine your devastation and am so sad and heartbroken for you. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you.

I haven't seen Teddy for a while. The last I heard from him was on March 13 when he thanked me for giving him and Erica my Blazer tickets for that night. They had a wonderful time and I know Erica cherishes that last memory of being with Teddy, as well as many fond memories of going out dancing, riding their bikes, and just hanging out. Such a true friendship is a rare thing and will be sorely missed.

We love you Teddy, and we miss you terribly. Rest in peace.

Ted (Teddy) was one of my favorite students. He always contributed to the class discussion and activities. I was impressed by his insights and his genuine interest in the study of literature. He was a student that left a lasting impression and I am deeply saddened. The world is missing a bright light of passion, enthusiasm and zest for life. Meagyn Keys Karmakar

Ted,Nancy, Tom & "Fred the Dog". What wonderful memories you have left with us. Seeing Ted & friends ride by on their bikes past our townhome in the summer in nw portland was always a joy. having Ted ring my cell phone and say, "hey, i just saw you drive by in the speedster...the car looks awsome"! i will truly miss the "car talk" with you Ted. a little bit of you lives on forever in each one of us.
we love you all...Dave & Becky

teddy, we know that to everyone else you were Ted, but to us you were Teddy. you were a car guy to the extreme, a great guy & you left us way too early. we will miss you forever.
god bless you, stan,martha,
jonathan & the bif

When remembering our friend, Ted, I will always think of two things: his wonderful sense of humor and his unwavering support of another’s ambition or talent. Even as early as high school he acknowledged other’s accomplishments with encouragement and was first to send a genuine complement. Because of this I always looked forward to sharing thoughts and ideas with him as I knew his friendship was a safe harbor to nurture creativity. It’s a lesson in friendship and decency that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.