Theodore (Ted) P. Ek

Theodore P. Ek (Ted), of Rockland, MA passed away on Monday, July 20th.  Following a fall in April, which resulted in spinal fractures, Ted entered a short-term rehab facility where he contracted the coronavirus.  Following that diagnosis came many health complications that resulted in his heart stopping.  It was only during that last week that immediate family was able to be with him.

Born on September 2, 1945 in Duluth, Minnesota to Luther and Lillian (Bernhard) Ek, Ted spent his growing up years in Cranston RI, Quincy, MA, and Springfield, MA.  On February 14, 1970, Ted married Janet M. Engstrom. The Eks made their home in Rockland, MA where they raised their three children, Christopher, Gretchen, and Kathleen. 

Ted received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design from Massachusetts College of Art and also obtained a Masters of Education in Instructional Media from Antioch University.  Ted taught art and photography in the Braintree Public School system for many years.  He also worked part-time repairing and restoring church pipe organs and antique reed organs.  

Ted had a life-long involvement in the Evangelical Covenant Church.  He served as youth director at the Covenant Church in North Easton. At the Forest Hills Covenant Church, Ted served as the youth director and choir director.  Lastly, Ted served as choir director at Community Covenant Church of East Bridgewater, MA where he was a member for many years.

God gifted Ted with many creative skills both in art and music. He saw the potential for art in any material which explains his occasional “dumpster diving”.  As a teacher, Ted’s students did art projects that were unique and fun.  Around the house there was always a project in the works. One art form that Ted excelled in was using construction paper to create three-dimensional sculptures. He did this by expertly folding, creasing and gluing the paper to create the shapes and angles. Using this technique he constructed a 7-foot Statue of Liberty, lobsters, hats, hamburgers, boxes of chocolate, ice cream cones, flowers and much more – all from paper!

Ted’s love for music was nurtured by his family. He began singing at an early age along with his brothers.  Later on, he often sang with Janet’s three brothers. As a choir director there were many facets to the concerts he directed.  In addition to the musical aspect, Ted made visual elements that enhanced the experience.  One example was a host of paper angels hanging from the sanctuary ceiling.

Ted had a personal relationship with Jesus.  As a family, we are thankful for the expression of his faith, and we are thankful for so many memories.  Ted invested his time in this life making the world more beautiful.  We rejoice in the eternity he now has to marvel at the beauty of his creator. 

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.  He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”    John 5:24

Ted is preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Lillian Ek. Ted is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janet; his son Rev. Christopher Ek and his wife, Rachelle of Mont Vernon, NH and granddaughters Alayna and Ashlyn; Gretchen Ek of Rockland, MA; Kathleen (Ek) Sharkey and her husband Rev. Stephen Sharkey of Quincy, MA and grandsons Tyler, David, and Aidan; his brothers Rev. Timothy (Julie) Ek and Rev. Thomas (Cheryl) Ek and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Gifts may be given to two places that were special to Ted. He believed strongly in the work and ministry of each place and gave his time and resources to both. 

Community Covenant Church          Pilgrim Pines

400 Pleasant Street                          220 West Shore Road

East Bridgewater, MA 02333            West Swanzey, NH 03446

Arrangements by Leighton-MacKinnon Funeral Home, 4 W. Washington St., Hanson, MA

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