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Theodore CORNELSON

January 9, 2007

Theodore Wesley

1923 – 2007

It is with profound joy and sadness that we announce the passing of Theodore Wesley (Ted) Cornelson who was called Home to be with his Lord on January 9, 2007 in his 84th year. Ted moved onto Glory surrounded by loving family and enveloped in words of scripture and prayer led by Pastor Lyndon Plett at the Christine Morrison Hospice near his home in Abbotsford, BC. While cancer took his body his soul now rests eternal.

Ted was born in Main Center, Saskatchewan on September 9, 1923 - one of nine children borne to Frank and Anna (Dyck) Cornelson. He was raised in this prairie farming community before taking his first step into military service in 1941. He met and then married Allison (Sunny) Bell in 1946. During their 43 year marriage, they had four children and led a typical military life, moving heart and home every three years to live in such exotic locales as Calgary, Sidney, Toronto, Germany, Ottawa, Edmonton and finally Winnipeg. Here he retired in 1974 having achieved the rank of Major and becoming Base Commanding Officer. His masterful and sometimes annoying organizational skills led him to run extremely efficient Supply Depots for the Armed Forces.

Ted and Sunny retired to the gentle environs of Abbotsford where they reconnected with their cultural and spiritual souls in the Mennonite Brethren community and enjoyed a strong fellowship at Seven Oaks Alliance Church. His beloved Sunny went to be with her Lord in 1988.

Although Ted retired from the military at a young age, his spirit and energy could not be put away. He worked for a time at Conair Aviation, then as a Customs Officer at the Abbotsford (Sumas) crossing. He later let his entrepreneurial spirit loose and utilized his keen mind to form an innovative property management consultancy where he honed his knowledge of condominium law. As a result his expertise was in demand and he consulted to several corporations right up until early 2006.

In 1989 Ted found love again and married Anne Delesky of Abbotsford whom he loved and adored with all his heart. They enjoyed fellowship with many at Central Heights Church. Anne was more than a loving wife, she was his care provider to the very end and gave of her time and energy selflessly. His children are forever grateful for her love and care of their father.

To have known Ted was to enjoy the presence of man clearly filled with joy. His eyes bespoke wisdom and at the same time shone with a mischievous twinkle. To have been close to Ted was to have an entirely trustworthy and steadfast rock in one’s life. He was a man of unwavering support and caring for those around him and particularly his family. He typified grace, patience, faith and joy in his later years. As a younger man he exemplified the strong and silent type. He was a strict father who loved his children as he had been loved - from somewhat of a distance. Once he recommitted his life to the Lord his love and affection knew no bounds. His family knew to brace themselves for his bone-crushing bear hugs that expressed his real joy at reunion. His unique and infectious laugh shall now rumble the heavens and cause angels to smile.

Ted is predeceased by brother Edwin, father Frank and mother Anna (Dyck) of Main Center, Saskatchewan and wife, Allison (Sunny). He is survived by his loving wife, Anne (Delesky) of Abbotsford, daughter Barb (Ron) Denney of Qualicum Beach, son Wes of Edmonton, son Lorne (Carrie) of Toronto and daughter Darlene (Ed) Tait of Victoria. Ted could hardly contain his joy in his grandchildren whose intelligence and accomplishments often moved him to tears – he leaves behind Lindsay and Kirsten from Toronto and Kynan and Graydon from Victoria. He was a positive and joyous presence in their lives.

He also leaves behind several siblings with whom he enjoyed a close, loving, fun and spiritual relationship – brothers Melbert (Tillie) of Saskatoon; Maynard (Emily) of Okotoks; Les of Calgary, Lorne (Joyce) and Herbert (Lynn) both of Creston and sisters Viola Wessner of Medicine Hat and Ileana (George) Dirks of Edmonton.

The family wishes to thank the many wonderful people who tended to Ted in his final months – the doctors, nursing and palliative care staff at MSA Hospital, the tender souls at Christine Morrison Hospice and Pastor Lyndon Plett who prayed Ted into the heavens.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Central Heights Church 1661 McCallum Road Abbotsford BC on Tuesday January 16 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the ­family would appreciate donations to the Abbotsford Hospice Society.

Woodlawn Funeral Home

604-853-2643




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