Born on March 1, 1943, the 6th of 12 children, to James and Ann Rice, passed away on Feb. 12, 2015 surrounded by family, friends and loving caregivers. Ted was a supreme story teller who believed that the truth is what should have happened to make the best story. He loved Montana, the outdoors, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness. His occupations included weatherization, carpenter, pool shark, and song writer. Ted retired in 2002 to take care of his mother. When she passed in 2009, he moved to Anaconda, his childhood home. A man of high intelligence and varied talents, Ted is remembered as a colorful character by many friends. He was very proud of his children and thankful to see them happy as adults. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jim and Ed. He is survived by daughter Whitney Brothers, son John Colter Brothers, brothers Ken, Charlie and Greg Rice, sisters Kay, Sheila, Sandy and Susan Rice, Marianne Sanchez and Zedda Gallegos. Our thanks to Anaconda Community Hospital and A Plus Home Care for all their care over the past 5 years. Memorials are suggested to the MT Wilderness Association, 1400 1st Av N, Great Falls, MT 59401
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Seane Oglesbee says
Uncle Ted was an enigma – approach with caution was the way I saw him. Genial, yet firm, a lot like Grandpa Rice come to think of it and I loved them both. I want to thank my son, James, for being the catalyst to me really getting to know Ted. He saw Ted through a child’s eyes – one of his favorite uncles who was very entertaining. Ted was a great storyteller, but I had to learn to be patient and listen, not to have preconceived ideas where the story was going, and to pay attention to the characters and details as they would often show up in other stories.
I’ll miss him for sure.
Rod Steckler says
So sorry to hear this news. Ted was one of the great “characterts” that put so much color into the lives of anyone who was fortunate enough to get to share in his stories, his life. I was blessed with many hours with him. Whether it was out for rides in the country, hunting or just sight-seeing, listening to tunes while playing a little stick in a pub, or trying to keep up with his ability to sing…Ted always kept it interesting, and often quite humorous. Been too long since we crossed paths, so I’ve already missed him for a long time, too long. That goes for his fabulous family, also. I’ve long missed, and tried to re-establish contact.
RIP old friend…and thanks for the good times and memories
Danny Goldberg says
I just found this obituary today. Don’t know why I thought to look for Ted after all these years. I knew him in Nashville from 1977 to 1983. I was 19 years old when I met him and he was a life changing influence on me. He taught me how to behave in beer joints and pool halls.I learned from him about what it means to be a citizen in American cities and the Montana wilderness. I shared his love of narrative, even published a short story about him in Versus magazine called “The Bishop’s Altar Boy.” I named him Chester Oates in the story, and I was told the folks back home in Great Falls liked it. I’m glad.
I’ve been missing Ted for almost 35 years now. Now that he’s gone I can say for certain I’ll never forget him: the cadences of his speech, the way his bridge hand curled into a fist when he shot pool, the glint in his eyes when he felt a night out was going to turn into a good story. Thank you for showing me all you could, Ted. You lived a rich and varied life, and enriched mine beyond words.