Jan 16, 1931 - Sep 22, 2017
Theodore Gustav Krause "TK" passed away on September 22, 2017 in Nanaimo, British Columbia at the age of 86 with Ruby by his side.
Ted was born January 16, 1931, the first son of Theodore and Ida (Abend) Krause in Charleswood, Manitoba followed by his three brothers, Lionel, George and Landis.
Ted married Ruby Olive Dease on Dec 13, 1958. Together in Calgary, they raised two daughters and two sons.
From the time Ted moved to Alberta at the age of 17, he began to forge a career in sales and entrepreneurship. After initially settling in Innisfail, Ted moved to Calgary and started work with B/A Oil preparing service stations for sale. After a short time at this, he and his future brother in-law Lloyd Dease saw an opportunity in opening their own station, "Crescent Service" in 1958. Two years later they moved to open "Renfrew Service" on 16th Ave NE. It was here that the seeds for Ted's focus for the next 30 years, were sown.
Through hunting and exploring in Alberta's backcountry with friends, Ted discovered a passion for motorized vehicles that led him to start selling the then revolutionary Ski-Doos and Tote-Gote off-road motorcycles from the service station. This was so successful, that the station was sold and "Renfrew Sports", a full-service Honda & Ski-Doo dealership, was opened on Meridian Road, with partner Ship Shipp. Needing more space, the pair moved Renfrew Sports to an even larger location on 19th Street NE and added several boat lines and Mercury motors to the mix.
After the move, Skip sold his shares in the partnership to Ruby, and after a few harrowing years in the economic downturn on the early 80s, Ted and Ruby sold their very successful business in 1992. They retired to Vancouver Island where they settled in Ladysmith. Here, Ted finally got to spend some quality time on a series of boats named "Lamb's Navy", enjoying fishing and exploring the waters around his new home.
In 2014, Ted and Ruby moved to Nanaimo after truly enjoying Ladysmith for more than 20 years.
Ted is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ruby; his children Kandace (Steve), Karen, Parker, Russel (Heidi) and Aimee; his grandchildren Kaileigh, Nikole, Shaina, Michelle and Daryl; and his brother Landis.
Family and friends are welcome to join in a celebration of life (and rum!) in honour of Ted on November 19, 1-4 pm at the Glenmore Sailing Club, 8601 24 St SW, Calgary (South Glenmore Park).
In lieu of gifts or flowers, friends are encouraged to donate to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or another charity of their choice.