Theodore H.
Heidrich Sr., 79
PORTLAND -- Theodore H. Heidrich Sr., 79, of Main Street, Oxford, died on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010, at Maine Medical Center with his family at his side. Ted and his wife Eleanor were long time residents of Oxford.
He was born on Dec. 18, 1930, in Bronx, N.Y., the eldest of six children. He graduated from Lawrence High School and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He left the Marine Corps a corporal and returned to his employer, Arthur Copeland Dry Cleaners. Ted started working at Copeland's at the age of 13 sweeping the floors and became the owner at age 43. Copeland's went on to become one of the most successful and respected businesses in the industry.
Retiring at age 55, and becoming a full-time resident of Oxford, he threw his incredible energy and passion for life into serving his community. Ted organized the summer concert series at the Oxford American Legion, began the Western Maine contingent of the Marine Corps League, a Marine Corps, and served three terms in the Maine Legislature from 1999-2004 representing Otisfield, Oxford, Mechanic Falls, and parts of Hebron. He was a tireless advocate for our veterans. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Norway, First Congregational Church of South Paris, VFW #18, South Paris and American Legion Post 112, Oxford, and Marine Corps League Western Maine Detachment.
The only thing that he was prouder of than being a Marine veteran and serving his country was his family. He loved to work in his garden, attend his Christmas tree farm, read, and spend time with his family and grandchildren and fellow Marines. He was loved and respected by everyone in his community.
He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Eleanor; children, Norma Crowell and her husband Steve of Oxford, Ted Heidrich Jr. and his wife Carrie of Scarborough, David Heidrich of Oxford, and Fred Heidrich and wife Nancy of Saco; grandchildren, David, Scott and Leanne Heidrich, George, Christy and Jacob Gardner, Sonya Walker, and Kevin Crowell, Jennifer and Christopher Heidrich, Angela Jorday, Michele and David Harvey and Landon and Collin Heidrich; great-grandsons, Brandon and Liam; and his dog, Peter.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, Aug. 16, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m., at Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main St. Rte. 26, Oxford. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m., at their residence, 434 Main St. (Welchville), Oxford. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at
www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in
Ted's memory may be sent to:
The Marine Corp.
Heritage Foundation
3800 Feggler Drive Suite 104
Dumfries, Virginia 22025
Theodore H.
Heidrich Sr.
Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on Aug. 14, 2010.