Theodore Christopher (Ted) Rihn
May 27, 1946 - March 31, 2024
Obituary
Ted was born to Theodore R. and Angelina A. (Tomaselli) Rihn, and raised in Beacon, New York. The Army brought him to Fort Lewis in the 1960s, after which he decided to stay in the area. He and his wife Teresa were very happily married for 49 years, living most of that time in Federal Way, Washington. The couple spent many weeks each year in Ashland, Oregon, enjoying the various theatre productions, and the many friends they met there. They also supported local theatres. Ted was an avid reader, especially of mysteries, and visited book shops and libraries wherever they traveled.
Ted worked most of his career as a programmer and systems analyst for Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Company in Federal Way. In his middle years, Ted enjoyed playing pickleball in tournaments. He loved baseball and could answer any question about its history. Ted was a devoted son and son-in-law, and a cherished friend to many.
Ted is survived by his wife, Teresa, brothers John (Susan), Joe (Christine), and Peter (Bonnie), sister-in-law Meryl, and many nieces and nephews. Ted was predeceased by his brothers Bob and Thomas. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the America Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 9 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at Bonney Watson Funeral Home of Federal Way. Graveside service to be held on Friday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m. at Gethsemane Cemetery, also in Federal Way.
There is no better big brother than Ted. He cared for all aspects of my life, like a parent. Sports were always important to him and I’ll never forget seeing the NY/SF Giants at the Polo Grounds and Shea. He had our parents enlarge the patio with a basketball hoop and many games were played there and stickball too. Watching games on TV was fun with Ted. While the play by play man gave out players pro stats Ted would follow-up with their collage stats. He was always a step ahead. We shared a love for flowers from Mom and I’m planning a bed in his memory. Lots of pansies. Teresa, he will always be there.