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FUNERAL HOME

D. O. McComb and Sons - Lakeside Park

1140 Lake Ave

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Theodore Ornas Obituary

THEODORE ORNAS, 91, died Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Coventry Meadows Assisted Living, Fort Wayne. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he retired in 1980 from International Harvester as Head of Styling and was the visionary creator of the Scout. He was a graduate of Garfield Heights High School, Cleveland, Cleveland Institute of Art, and Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. He loved his family and grandchildren and had a passion for the guitar and Industrial Design. Survivors include his wife, Esther Ornas of Fort Wayne; sons, Eric (Jennifer Joslin) Ornas of Santa Cruz, Calif., Theodore B. (Jill Brothen) Ornas of Sioux Falls, S.D.; daughters, Donna Bloom of Asheville, N.C., Diana (Dwight) Nissen of Harrisburg, Pa.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Mary Ornas. Service is 2 p.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorials to Alzheimer's Association.

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Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Mar. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Ornas

Sponsored by Ben W. Maples.

39 Entries

Betsy Blume

March 14, 2011

Grandfather it has been two years to the day since you passed away and I just want you to know that you are woven into the very fabric of my life and that is something that neither time nor distance can ever erase. I love you and think of you often. Betsy

Donna Bloom

November 15, 2010

Dad . . . just today I sent your grandson,
Eric, copies of the many things you did in your life. He as we are all are so proud your legacy lives on. And because of that we have met so many wonderful people . . . many of whom have become our extended family. We are so blessed you touched so many lives in your own quiet way. We miss you and Mom every day and are grateful for all that we learned from you.
Love, Donna

Betsy Blume

March 14, 2010

Grandfather, today marks the year anniversary since you passed away. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and all our wonderful times together. Today,tomorrow, or ten years from now you will always be with me.I'm so proud to of been your granddaughter. Love, Betsy

January 22, 2010

Sorry for your loss. I wish I could of known such a legend! I own and I'm sure always will own a scout. They are truly great vehicles! sincerely, Randy R. Binstock, New Salem, ND

mark daly

November 1, 2009

nov 1 2009
as a scout owner and lover the man
created something special.1979 still
running after 30 years.
mark daly
markstay ontario
canada

Mary Passino

May 21, 2009

The first time I met Ted was at Coventry Meadows. I was his "barber", as he called me. He was a very kind, gentle and caring man. I remember the day he told me all about his "Harvester Days". I was amazed to hear his story. I never will forget when he told me that day, "You must start with a dream"....He must have touched many lives. He certainly touched our lives, at Coventry Meadows...He will always remain in our hearts.

Kurt Ornas

May 11, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to your family. I can remember meeting Ted at my college graduation in Independence, Ohio. My Father Robert Ornas is very proud to have Ted as a family member.

Kev Kluske

April 15, 2009

We at the The International Scout Owners Clubs of Australia, are so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. We thank Ted for giving so much to the Scout community.

Ken McPhail

April 15, 2009

With deepest condolences to the family. What a visionary, his legacy lives on in backyards, barns, garages and trails across the country.

Mike Ball

April 14, 2009

Your legacy lives today on the highways and backwoods trails of America. Somewhere right now someone is driving, restoring, tinkering or admiring your work. I know I speak for the many hundreds if not thousands of Scout enthusiasts when I say thanks and "Job Well Done."

Charles Price

April 14, 2009

To the Ornas family, Thanks for your visionary idea on the Scouts. Without you, I wouldn't have two '64 Scouts that I am very proud of. But, my deepest sympathy goes out to your love ones.
Charles & Minnie Price, Pryor, Oklahoma

John Olvera

March 22, 2009

To Ted's family.
I was sad to here of a man I admired and will admire for the rest of my life. I met Ted and Esther back in 1992 at the Scout National's in Springfield, Ohio. Got to visit them back in 2007 at their home. Me and my wife will truly miss him. When will came to visit them, I said "Ted we have two things in common, we both are disigners and both love to play the guitar." Of all the things I have done in this world, that was one of my truly best in my life, visiting with them!
My deepest Sympathies.
John Olvera Scout Owners of Texas (Missouri City,Tx.)

Debra Ismail

March 20, 2009

To The Ornas Family
Our family got the pleasure of meeting Ted in 2007. It was an honor to visit him and Ester in their home. Our Scout 80 won the Ted Ornas award that year and he signed it for us. Thank you Ted for sharing your vision with the world. You are a gem in this life!!! Regards, Mike, Debbie, Evan & Joseph Ismail- IH ONLY Lancaster, CA

Mark Fredrick

March 20, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Betsy Blume

March 20, 2009

Thank you for all the sweet posts about my grandfather. You all knew him as the "Scout" man but I was blessed to have been able to call him Grandpa. He was a friend, a teacher, a confidant and my most steadfast cheerleader. I love you and miss you more than words can say. Your loving, grand-daughter, Betsy Blume

Jeff Ismail

March 19, 2009

Thank You Ted for your visionary ideas as without them I don't know what I would be looking at today.

jackie cayot

March 19, 2009

to Esther and Ornas family

I met Ted when we first bought and restored a 1967 Scout, which was one of the first IH Scouts. He was a charming man, yet down to earth and very friendly. We visited him and Esther through the years and were always enchanted by them. We will miss him. My husband will be at the funeral but I could not take off from work.
My thoughts are with you Esther because I know how devoted you were to each other. I still remember coming to your 60th wedding anniversary and how well matched you were.
Now that Ted is gone to the big Scout plant in the sky all of us left behind will always remember him for his genius and charm, sense of humor and his paintings and various other endeavores . He was always learning some new skill and perfected it in a short time. I still remember fondly several years back, when he had just bought a PC and I tried to help him with its working points.We chuckled at the intricacies but in few minutes he had the whole process under his belt. Such a genius!

My very very sincere condoleances to all of the family of Ted

My love to Esther
Jackie Cayot

Wes Van Pelt

March 19, 2009

Ted,
Your legacy and impact will never be forgotten by the devoted following of the Scout and IH trucks. May you see happy trails driving that big Scout in the sky!

To the family,
I am sorry for your loss. It is one that has rocked a large population of devoted followers of his most commendable work.

Benjamin Wheeler Maples III & myself near Sandsprings,OK

Ben Maples

March 18, 2009

Special thanks to Mr. Ornas for his remakable contributions to the IH world. His name & legacy will live on. IH motor trucks are my favorite form of Americana. The toughness & sparten utility of the Scout 80 is a testiment to American ingenuity. They were ahead of their time & something the big 3 couldn't compare to. My Aunt Jo put it best once when talking about her & my Dad back in the fifties doing donuts in the snow in their Dad's International Harvester truck. I asked why Grandpa Maples drove IH? She said "well honey, it was the truck to have". Still is as far as I'm concerned. My sincere condolences to the family, Ben Maples

Glenn Gayman Jr.

March 18, 2009

One of my favorite memories of the IH Nationals is of Ted being there and enjoying the scene. His happiness was appreciated by everyone. It was an honor to meet such a talented kind person. He will bring pleasure for years to come from his accomplishments.

David Vaughan

March 18, 2009

My condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Ornas. I did not know him, but am a avid Scoutaholic. Anyone who can design such a great vehicle had to be a great person. Myself and thousands of others will carry on his legend. God bless him and the family. DV

Alf Agdler

March 18, 2009

We never met in person, but for quite a few years we corresponded, sent e-mails and even had a few telephone conversations. That way we became close friends. I miss you very much and so do every member of the Swedish IH Club. Rest in peace, Ted.

Robert Jackson

March 18, 2009

My deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Ornas' family. I also wish you the peace of knowing that few people leave as large a legacy as Mr. Ornas has, or as large a following of grateful admirers.

John Sepe

March 18, 2009

It is amazing how someone I did not know could have effected my life in such a positive way. Every time I drive my International- I smile- Thank you for making that happen.

Stephen Keith

March 18, 2009

Our deepest sympathy to Ted's family and to all who knew and loved him.

We, in the International Scout community, feel as if we know Ted, as we drive, restore, or gaze on the vehicles he created many years ago.

Ted, we salute your accomplishments and brilliant ideas that were far ahead of the times. Though production was halted in 1980, thousands of people perpetuate your legacy by maintaining and promoting International Scouts.

We join hundreds of IH clubs around the world to morn this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and hope they take special comfort in knowing that thousands of people around the world are holding them up in these trying times.

Stephen Keith
President
Southern Scouts

John Glancy

March 18, 2009

I had the pleasure of knowing Ted and I am deeply sorry he is no longer with us.
Ted was a very humble man, years ago when we started the "Ted Ornas" award at the NATS (IH Truck Show), he was flattered but wished he could share the credit for creating the Scout with his fellow design engineers. One show several years ago Ted arranged for a panel of engineers who worked on the Scout program to tell about thier parts in the project and to take questions, i have part of a video as the event was filmed but wish we could find the entire film.

Ted welcomed Scout folks to visit his home and in 2007 a number of Scout fans went to his home after the 100 years of International trucks show, this made him very happy as he was glad to have the visits and to see the Scouts in the street.

We are truely blessed to have such a man as Ted Ornas known as the creator of the SCOUT! Tonight he is sitting in a Scout 80 that flys through the clouds and he knows all about how we feel about these historic, rugged, will not die vehicles!

Neal Robinson

March 18, 2009

Thank you for all the enjoyment you have brought into my life!

Allan Ericson

March 18, 2009

You touched so many lives in a positive way.
The legacy lives on in the attitudes of those who appreciate your work and your vision.

Jason Reynolds

March 18, 2009

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies for your families loss. I would also like to add that Mr. Ornas has effected people all over this world with his designs, especially that of the Scout. I have been an avid owner of a Scout for many years now and share numerous memories centered around the vehicle, so I would like to say thank you Theodore Ornas for designing a vehicle that has not only touched my life, but so many other in an amazingly great way!

Dave & Beverly Weimer

March 18, 2009

Esther . . . You both have always been special friends of our family.
We have so many memories of family get togethers and you 2 were always there. Fond memories. Ted was a wonderful man. He will be remembered. Our sympathy and love.

Charles Schneider

March 18, 2009

I offer Mr Ornas' family my deepest sympathies. I did not know him but his reputation in the world of International trucks is truly legendary. He leaves us a great legacy in the work he has done. I have admired all his designs for IH, not only the Scout but also the Travelall and Loadstar and all the rest. May he rest in peace. He will be remembered well by so very many.

Joe Hartman

March 17, 2009

thanks for dreaming up such a wonderful vehicle that so many people have enjoyed!
God bless your family.
Joe Hartman

Steve and Tina Hines

March 17, 2009

Our sympathy and prayers to the Ornas family.Teds legacy will live on in thousands of IH Scout enthusiasts
all over the world for decades to come.He truly was an IH man.

Judith Doubler

March 17, 2009

To the Ornas Family: I have such wonderful memories of Uncle Ted and Aunt Esther. They embraced me into the family when I married Jon in 1984. It was wonderful of you to notify me. Uncle Ted was a wonderful man. Jon's son Joel has Uncle Ted's Scout drawing given to Jon on one of our many visits. Joel also has Scout in the garage.. one he found after moving to Grand Rapids. My prayers and thoughts are with you and Aunt Esther. Love, Judy Doubler (Akron, Oh)

John Fleck

March 17, 2009

I had the pleasure of speaking with Ted 4 or 5 times after I sent him about 600+ photos and a few videos of the 2007 National IH show. One video was of the presentation of the Award bearing his name presented by Donna his daughter. She said he would really enjoy them. Ted called to thank me and ask how to load the CD's. During our conversation you could hear the excitement in his voice. I’m sure he really enjoyed the photos as it was the 100th year anniversary of International Harvester and the 22nd Scout 80, the vehicle he designed won his award. I was very happy to have gotten to speak with him. My best wishes to the family and friends of Ted. Scout on Ted, may you be driving a Scout through the mountains to an endless see of Clouds!!

Mike Bolton

March 17, 2009

I brought the Last International Scout by his house in 2007, following the event in Ohio marking the Centennial of International Trucks. Even though it was difficult for him to get around, he looked out his kitchen window for a glimpse of the last example of his creation, before it took its owners home. I'm sure he wondered how we could have such confidence in a 27-year-old vehicle to have driven it 1400 miles that weekend, but, after all, it was a Scout!
Thanks to you, Ted, for your gift to us.
Donna, you and your family have our sympathy and prayers.

Jens Jensen

March 17, 2009

I did not know Mr. Ornas, but as someone who loves the scout, I hope that all is well with his family and that he knew how much people loved his design. His work created a product that has brought families and friends together, and developed entire communities of people that are working to keep Scouts on the road and in the hills.

Gayla Kollmeyer

March 17, 2009

Donna,
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Don and I just saw him a few weeks ago. Always pleasant and a joy to visit with. Jordan had a great time helping him with his guitar. We will really miss him. We will keep you, your mom & family in our prayers.

Mark Rody

March 17, 2009

I was just a young drafter starting in the body group at IH in 1977 but Ted's presence was immense and I was in awe of his reputation and accomplishments. I want to express my condolances and sympathy to you all on the loss of this great man.

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