Ted Poulton Obituary

Ted Poulton, age 80, passed away at home on Sept. 9, surrounded by family.

Ted led a life marked by humor, love and a special appreciation for the small, quirky and beautiful things in everyday life. Even Alzheimer's disease did not take away the twinkle in his eye, or the joy and vibrant spirit he shared with those around him.

Born Jan. 26, 1945 in Columbus, Ind. to James and Helen Poulton, Ted's family settled in South Haven before his junior year of high school. There he met Shirley and after their first date on Sept. 15, 1961, they were together for 64 years.

Throughout his life, Ted's passions were many and he took pleasure in sharing new adventures with his friends and family. He caught the sailing bug in the South China Sea while serving in Vietnam and raced with family and friends on his beloved old boat, Pandemonium, for 25 years.

Travel and hiking were frequent joys, with Shirley and Ted embarking on spirited journeys together – full of affection and excitement.Ted could often be found on the Highland Park tennis courts, where his cut shot was legendary.

He was also an incredible dancer, a life-long learner, seasoned Parrot Head, wine enthusiast, and margarita connoisseur. And, if you needed interesting conversation or wise advice, there was no better person than Ted.

Ted loved being a dad and adored being a grandfather. He delighted in all things grandchild – be that changing diapers, imparting wisdom in a way that connected with his young grandkids, attending performances in The Secret Hideout, being a "trouble maker" during nerf gun wars, or building sand castles on the beach. When it was nap time, Ted often "led by example" to get his grandkids to sleep.

Ted found success in many different areas. He was the governor of South Haven High School, the King in "The King and I" and a track stand-out.

After high school, Ted attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate and master's degrees. There he received the William J. Branstrom Freshman Prize, was a cast member of the Soph Show musical (Fiorello) and treasurer of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Supporting the Grand Haven community was especially important and meaningful to Ted. He proudly served as President of Old Kent Bank in Grand Haven and Muskegon.

Ted dedicated significant time and energy to organizations in the Tri-Cities area, including: GH Association of Commerce and Industry; North Ottawa Community Hospital; GH Rotary Club; Christ Community Church/C3; West Shore Symphony Orchestra; GH Area United Way; Downtown Grand Haven, Inc; Tri-Cities Family YMCA; GHAPS; Highland Park Association and Highland Park Tennis Club.

Ted is survived by his best friend and wife, Shirley (née Hosier) Poulton; children, Timothy (Ginger) Poulton and Lindsay Poulton (Christopher Frett); five grandchildren, Samuel and Oliver Poulton, and James, Isaac and Anna Frett; brother, Nick Poulton (Barbara Howard); sisters, Jane Collins and Carol (Tom) Overhiser; sisters-in-laws, Nancy Hagy and Janet Hosier; much-loved nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Special thanks to Drs. Ruchira Mehra and Joel Phillips; the entire staff at The Little Red House, Tammi and Darlene of Interim Healthcare Hospice, Matt at CarePatrol and the Friday morning coffee group.

We will gather for a celebration of Ted's life from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Noto's at the Bil-Mar in Grand Haven, Mich. Casual, beach, or tropical attire are encouraged. The celebration begins with a social hour at 2 p.m. Memories and reflections will be shared at 4 p.m.

The family requests no flowers. In honor of Ted, please consider making a donation and/or volunteering at these organizations: The Little Red House at www.thelittlered house.org/ways-to-give/ please note "Ted Poulton Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Little Red House" in your donation; The Grand Haven Schools Foundation at ghsf.org/get-involved/ or the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission at miottawa.org/parks/donate/.