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Theodore Cantrell Obituary

Theodore "Theo" Louis Cantrell

Nov. 3, 1939 - May 17, 2011

Theodore Louis Cantrell, 71 years old, passed away unexpectedly on May 17, 2011 in Everett, Washington.
Theo was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Maxine Shelton, of 20 years.
Theo was born in Pueblo, CO on November 3, 1939 to Marvin Lee Cantrell Sr. and Frances Virginia Cantrell.
Theo left behind four daughters, Catarina Maria Noah, of Somerset, CA, Charlotte Frances Nelson, of El Paso, TX, Michele Anita Cantrell, of Fremont, CA and Melody Renee Cantrell, of Oakland, CA. Theo also has a surviving brother, Marvin Lee Cantrell, Jr., of Klamath Falls, OR. Theo leaves behind nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and six nieces and nephews.
Theodore's occupations include jeweler, clock and watch repair, mechanic and inventor. Theo's enjoyed sailing, motorcycles, photography, nature and traveling. Theo had plans to sail to the South Pacific this spring. Theo served our country honorably for four years in the US Navy as sonar-man.
Theo's friends will fondly remember him as a unique character who was always helpful to those in need. Theo's family will remember him with great sorrow.
His family would love to hear from those who knew him and hear stories about their father's adventures. Please feel free to share your memories of Theo at [email protected]



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald (Everett) from May 24 to May 25, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Cantrell

Not sure what to say?





Greg Reid

March 3, 2022

Sorry to hear this, he was a Master of his Profession.

Gary and Jane "Dawntreader"

June 6, 2011

We knew Theo through our love of sailing. He was a warm,kind neighbor just steps away from us on F dock. Theo always had a smile. Rest in peace, fellow laughing rover. Gary

Michele Cantrell

May 29, 2011

We will not stop searching for an answer or forget you Dad.

erick kempa

May 27, 2011

We'll sure miss him
Erick , Richard and Steve

Patty Cheek

May 25, 2011

Theo was a wonderful friend. I met him when Maxine was receiving treatment for her cancer. Although they were going through a difficult time, they were so loving together. He always had a smile on his face. He gave her such tender, loving care. That was the way he was - tender, loving, kind, and as Larry said, impetuous and adventurous. I remember sailing one day with him on his San Juan. He had always sailed alone. He couldn't believe I knew what to do to help him. When I took over driving the boat, he loved it when I had her on her ear, so to speak. We had a great afternoon together. He told me he had never reefed. I told him that to sail the South Pacific, he would need to reef. He just laughed and laughed. That was pure joy. I, too, will miss him greatly.

Dad and Catarina for her 8th grade graduation

Melody Cantrell

May 24, 2011

Larry Cheek,

May 24, 2011

Theo was delightfully open, impetuous, adventurous, kind, and above all generous—the kind of friend who was always sharing himself with you. When we were boatless in Seattle, he made an extra key for his San Juan 24 and presented it to us, inviting us to use his boat any time we wanted. A meaningful life is not one of fame or recognizably "important" work, but rather one that spreads the gift of joy around the people you come into contact with. Theo did that, constantly and unselfishly. A good man. We will miss him.

Ken & Karen The "REEL FUN" F Dock

May 24, 2011

Although we didn't get to know Theo for any length of time, he welcomed us to "F" dock the first day in. A kind heart and wonderful person. Stories of his upcoming adventure in the Pacific were a dream coming true for him and I know he is sailing in the warm breeze and sunshine as we speak.......

Happy days shared with Maxine

Michele Cantrell

May 24, 2011

Theo getting ready to sail on the Frogs Leap

Michele Cantrell

May 24, 2011

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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