Theodore R. "T-Bear" Fonis

Theodore R. "T-Bear" Fonis

Ted passed away on January 27, 2011 at the age of 88.
He was born on July 23, 1922 in Seattle, WA to Mary (Elsie) and Soterhou (Sam) Foufounis. Ted grew up in Georgetown, WA and attended schools in CA, OR, and WA.
In his senior year at Broadway High School, Ted joined the U.S. Navy 1940 and served active duty for six years in the Pacific Theater on the destroyers USS Maury DD 401 and USS DIXIE AD 14, followed by 12 years in the Navy Reserve. He was a life member of the VFW, Post 1040 in Lynnwood, WA, and a member of Olaf Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine. He enjoyed the many USS Maury reunions held across the country, attending his last one in San Antonio with his daughter in 2002.
On October 22, 1952, "T-Bear" was sworn in as a Seattle police officer working through several divisions including beat officer patrolling First Avenue and the Public Market, prowler car officer and working his way to detective for units of burglary, homicide (14 years) and narcotics. He was an active member of the SPD Marching Unit for 12 years and served as 2nd Lieutenant in the latter years of the team. The drill team participated in many events including President Kennedy's 1961 inauguration and the 1962 Seattle's World Fair. Following his 28 years of civic service, T-Bear was a life member and continued his involvement with the SPD through such organizations as SPD Athletic Association, SPD Relief Association and the Seattle Police Retired Officers Association, holding many offices including President for five years, editor of the Scoop Sheet and was a permanent trustee on the board.
Along with his strong ties and involvement with the SPD; Ted was a 50+ year member of the Royal Arch Masons of Washington. In 1958, he was raised to the degree of Master Mason in Rainier Lodge #189. In 1994, he became Grand Master of that Lodge. Ted's numerous Masonic affiliations include 1959 Knight Templar in Rainier Commandery #28, 1968 High Priest of Rainier Chapter #52, 1974 Deputy to the Grand High Priest in Dist #7, 1978 Grand High Priest for Grand Chapter of Washington, King Solomon Chapter #30, Royal Arch Masons of BC, 1995 Thrice Illustrious Master of Adonirm Council #17 Royal and Select Masons of the Cryptic Rite, 1996 Arch #3 Royal Select Masters, Past Sovereign Master of Chinook Council #22 Allied Masonic Degree, York Rite College #54, Puget Sound Council #3 Royal Arch Mariners, and Southgate Lodge #100. Ted also kept busy as life member in the York & Scottish Rites and Order of Scotland, Thistle Clan of Scotland.
Ted was a 50+ year member of the Nile Temple of the Shrine 1960, joining the Legion of Honor and serving as Drill Team Captain in 1965-66. He was a founding member (Badge #2) and participated heavily in the Shurtah and Zem Zem units.
Among his many civic duties and activities, Ted managed to find spare time for his love of fishing, gardening and working in his wood shop. Over the years, he crafted numerous Masonic wooden gavels, holiday and yard art. Ted loved to cook and garlic was always a staple in his kitchen.
Above all was the love for his wife, Betty Lou, who he married in 1959 and with whom he shared the next 46 years. She preceded him in death in 2005 and he now joins her to "view the sun as it sets over the Mountain."
Ted is survived by his lovable dog, Coco; daughter, Debb and son-in-law, Steve Wagner; his grandson, Greg (Katlynn Smith); sister, Margie Ross of Seattle; his aunt, Dutch Hopf of Port Angeles; and many cousins, friends and extended family members.
Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by parents and by his sister, Ellen.
A Memorial to Ted honoring "A Life Well Lived" will be held at the Nile Center of the Shrine in Mountlake Terrace on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
Ted requested that contributions be made to The Royal Arch Children's Heart Foundation or to The Shriner Children's Hospital.
Arrangements are under the care of Beck's Funeral Home, Edmonds, WA (425-771-1234).
Please share your memories with the family at becksfuneralhome.com.