Ted Hope, of Friday Harbor, WA passed away peacefully at home, just as he wanted. He took his last breath listening to CNN and smelling chocolate chip cookies baking in the next room.
Ted was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin and grew up in Elmhurst, Illinois. He met the love of his life and his pillar of strength, Margaret “Peg” Rosenow at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. They married directly following graduation in 1970. Ted and Peg traveled the world for eight years, the last two of which were spent running art import business Phoenix International. They then returned to the U.S. to start a family, resulting in their beloved daughters, Melissa and Rebecca.
The family lived in the Seattle area where Ted grew an existing independent middle school into both a middle and high school, known as Stanford Schools. For nine years, Ted and Peg enjoyed the challenges of teaching and the transformations that came from sending students abroad for culturally immersive experiential learning. The family made Friday Harbor their home in 1987, first as owners at the San Juan Fitness Club, where they improved and expanded facilities, including the addition of the swimming pool. Then in 1995, with the support of community parents and the Nash family, Ted and Peg founded Spring Street International School.
Ted held a BA in Political Science (cum laude) and a MA in South Asian Studies, and continued to study these subjects along with physics, history, economics, psychology and more for the rest of his life. He was a voracious reader, a curious listener, and an engaging speaker. A teacher and a scholar, always. His adventurous spirit led him to many unique places around the world, and inspired generations of young people to live beyond their comfort zone.
Ted was passionate about traveling, exercise, sports, learning and teaching, human rights, cultural preservation, environmental and social justice, and much more. His sense of humor was unmatched, his compassion known far and wide. Ted was most passionate about family; he took so much pride in the people they are and the things they have done; he loved them with all his heart. Most recently, Ted treasured time playing with his grandchildren, visits with family, having coffee with friends and Spring Street alumni, and dancing with his wife to their favorite music.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Madeline Hope, and two great friends whom he considered brothers, Craig Carlson and David Martin.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Peg Hope; children Melissa (James) and Rebecca (Matt); grandchildren Piper, Boden, Ronan, and Crystalee; great-grandchild Jahmel; sister Lee Hope Betcher (Bill) and nephew Theo Dolan; sister Laura Hope and niece Elyse Hope (Max); and so many wonderful extended family members and friends.
As his energy dissipates from his physical body, we sincerely hope he has hugged his parents, and toasted to this amazing life with Craig and David. Ted is deeply beloved and missed by those who knew him left behind in this earthly place. Until we meet again.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2165 West Valley Road
On Saturday May 31, 2025 at 2:00pm. Casual attire, fun socks are encouraged!
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Ted Hope Memorial Scholarship Fund at Spring Street International School (https://ddock.co/GULF9BA2KY) or to the Mountain Climate Fund (www.mountainclimate.org)