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Theodore Laughlin Obituary
(Ted, Teddy) passed away peacefully May 20, 2009 in Scottsdale, AZ after a long courageous battle with metastatic colon cancer. He was the eldest of five siblings born to Dr. Theodore Daniel Laughlin, Sr. and Dr. Marjorie Ann Laughlin on June 18, 1959 in Washington, DC. The family was raised in Fort Walton Beach, FL where some of Ted's favorite things to do were playing basketball, water skiing, and learning the game a golf--a passion that would continue for the rest of his life. He attended St. Mary's Catholic parochial school, Max Bruner Jr., Junior High School, and Fort Walton Beach High School, graduating in 1977. He received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Florida, his medical degree from the University of South Florida Medical School, and completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He was married to Dr. Bernadette Arnecke from 1987 to 1997. In 1987, they relocated from Galveston to the Phoenix area. Ted worked for Cigna Healthcare of Arizona and served as Chief of Staff of the Mesa Stapley Office. In 1994, he assumed the role of Chief Medical Officer of managed care programs with Samaritan Health Systems. He transferred in 1996 to Banner Thunderbird Medical Center (formerly Thunderbird Samaritan Medical Center) and became their Chief Medical Officer. During this time, he facilitated the Hospitalist Program, provided leadership to Case and Quality Management, Pharmacy, and Research and supported many significant projects to move Banner Thunderbird forward clinically while maintaining an outstanding reputation in the community. He was the leader of the Service Excellence Initiatives and was an exceptional example for other patient care providers, staff, and physicians. He is survived by his parents, stepmother Marsha Rogers Laughlin; his 3 sons Colin Roy, 19, Brady Scott, 16, and Riley James, 16; his siblings Mary Kathleen Lessley of Birmingham, AL, Kevin Francis Laughlin of Alpharetta, GA, Erin Laughlin Gaither of Birmingham, AL, John Brian Laughlin of Biloxi, MS, and stepbrother Brandon Eugene Broxson of Stewartsville, NJ; his girlfriend Sandra Marie Stone; and close friends Tom and Vikki Noyes and John and Kathy Strasser. He was an avid golfer and traveler which included trips to Hawaii, Ireland, Scotland, London, and Paris. Ted was Innovative, Compassionate, and Generous and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the new Pediatric Activity Center to be named after him at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. Donations can be mailed to: Banner Health Foundation, Attn: Memorial Giving Program, 2025 N. 3rd St., Suite 250, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Checks should be made payable to Banner Health Foundation with the notation "In memory of Ted Laughlin." There will also be an annual golf tournament in his name to continue to help raise funds for the BTMC Children's Center pediatric programs. A visitation will be held Friday, May 22 from 5 to 8 PM, at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 23 at 10 AM in the main building of the Scottsdale Bible Church, 7601 E Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Laughlin
Sponsored by The Laughlin Family.
Ted + Sons
August 24, 2009
Laughlin Siblings - (7/28/2007)
June 15, 2009
Theodore D. Laughlin, MD - (9/22/2005)
June 14, 2009
The Water Club
June 14, 2009
The Famous Board
June 14, 2009
Ted & The Boys at Christmas - (12/21/2004)
June 14, 2009
Dad & Riley - (8/2/2006)
June 14, 2009
Sandy + Ted at the Lake - (8/7/2005)
June 14, 2009
Sandy + Ted
June 14, 2009
Jimmy Buffet Concert - (4/13/2005)
June 14, 2009
Friends in Chicago - (11/14/2004)
June 14, 2009
Colin & Dad 2
June 14, 2009
Colin & Dad
June 14, 2009
Baseball Game
June 14, 2009
Ted and the Twins - (10/13/2007) - The twins and their father went to Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana in October of 2007. They are standing in front of Touchdown Jesus. They went to see the Notre Dame-Boston College football game.
June 12, 2009
Miss ya Dad - (10/2007)
June 7, 2012
Ted's 20 yr HS reunion #2 - Lookin' happy!
September 28, 2009
Ted's 20 year HS reunion
September 28, 2009
Craig's Change of Command
July 17, 2009
Ted and the boys - (2006) - Taken at Teddy's house in Scottsdale when we visited and had Chinese Take-out for dinner.
July 1, 2009
Kath, Teddy, Erin - Picture taken at the laughlin Family gathering at Barbara's house in Winter Park
July 1, 2009
Disney Family Reunion - (4/2002)
June 23, 2009
June 18, 2009
June 18, 2009
June 18, 2009
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June 18, 2009
Ted & Kevin - Kevin's favorite picture
June 15, 2009
Orlando Reunion 2007
June 14, 2009
Orlando Reunion 2007
June 14, 2009
Chillin on the deck
June 14, 2009
Ted enjoying the Lake
June 14, 2009
Sandy and Ted at the Lake
June 14, 2009
Retirement with the Family - (7/2007)
June 14, 2009
Retirement with the Family - (7/2007)
June 14, 2009
Samuel Carranza, MD
May 20, 2021
I only learned about Ted's death today, which eerily is the 12th anniversary of his passing. Ted and I were classmates at USF medical school, and though we both went to UF as undergrads, I never ran into him there given the size of the place. Ted was a fun loving friend who would always take the time to talk. My sorrow in knowing this happened to him. I'm facing an uncertain future with my own renal cancer at the time, so knowing of the circumstances of his death hit very close to home. May Ted find peace in the cosmos.
February 28, 2020
Woke up this morning and you popped into my mind.
The Corona V is here. I thought about how you would be all over
this. Miss you buddy.
Patsy Colwell Goodyear AZ
Robin Leechin Gill
May 18, 2019
It's so hard to believe that it's been almost a decade since Teddy passed. He was a remarkable young man that I wish I'd have kept in contact with after high school. Each year, I am reminded of his passing and spend a little time looking at the impact he made on others by reading posts here and on his memorial FB page.
The world lost a great man way to soon.
James and Deanna Dunmyer
March 7, 2019
Almost a decade.
Remembering you, Ted.
Michael Timmel
April 2, 2015
To Ted's Family
I am very sorry to find that a FWB High classmate of mine has passed too soon. I remember Teddy being very popular but friendly to all. Always with a smile for everyone. Good qualities to have as a doctor.
The Dunmyer Family
May 19, 2014
Dear Laughlin Family,
At our mother's funeral last month, we reminisced about past happy times, many dear people and some exceptional ones: Ted.
We remember still. Also with love.
The Dunmyer Family, FWB
Aaron Fritz
April 16, 2014
An amazing champion for kids! We celebrate your unwavering committment at the Banner Children's Pro-Am next Friday.
April 2, 2012
Hey Dad,
Another Rumpshaker 5k in the books! Here's to you for still being a presence in my life!
Your Son,
Brady
Craig McCartney
January 24, 2012
Riley,
Trust me, he does and he's extremely proud...CAPT Craig
January 23, 2012
Miss ya. Wish you could see how far we've come.
Your son,
Riley
Kath
August 27, 2011
It’s a long flight to Phoenix
From southeastern lands
Traveling to see my brother
Hang out and lend a hand
Viewing the desert below me
I feel a sense of dread
Breathing deeply, I say a prayer
Wondering what may lie ahead
For every time I visit
More frailties do I find
Loss of muscle, loss of tone
Yet retaining strength of mind
I squelch emotions inside me
And reflect upon his life
This remarkable man of courage
Did not deserve such strife
December of two thousand-three
When Ted was forty-four
At the peak of his career
Cancer knocked upon his door
Post-op news was sobering
Prognosis then unsure
Results showed Stage 4 Cancer
Much chemo he’d endure
He chose to fight aggressively
With three young boys to raise
Treatments every two weeks
Often left him in a haze
Lake reunion, July o-four
Depending on his condition
Family, fun, food, and sun
It marked a new tradition
One year out from surgery
January, two-thousand five
Two spots on his liver
With resection he’d survive
Fearing another procedure
And what he’d have to endure
He reluctantly consented to surgery
Knowing this was for the cure
Two thousand-six, ‘The Golden Year’
Maui, England, France
Clean PETs and MRIs
Created a hopeful stance
Two thousand-seven, the tides were turned
Jaundice created much fear
With increasing levels of discomfort
He retired from his career
A reunion stay in Orlando
A trip to Notre Dame
A jaunt to see mom in Aruba
He seemed to be on his game
Five years from diagnosis
December, two-thousand eight
Insomnia, weakness, and pain
Declared war upon his fate
January o-nine was pivotal
Rakkar behind closed doors
Erin, Sandy and I present
He’d take chemo no more
Thursday morning, May fourteenth
With Erin in his care
He entered the Hospice Home
HIs pain too much to bear
I entered his room with reverence
He was sitting in a chair
Lifting his hand, he pursed his lips
And seemed to know I was there
One by one, the family came
He acknowledged each by voice
A last surge of redemption
Was ice cream outside by choice
Colin, Brady and Riley
Their dad’s trio of pride
Sandy, the giver of comfort
Remaining by his side
A twentieth eve in May
A quarter before midnight
With Brady and Sandy beside him
He traveled into the light
It was a long flight to Phoenix
From southeastern lands
I came to see my bother
Now he’s in our Father’s hands
…I love you Teddy
September 23, 2010
Hey Ted,
I have some of the cards from your Memorial service. I couldn't read them for the longest time. Now, I want to share some of what I found:
"Ted was a wonderful, caring colleague and physician. We will miss him. Our prayers are with you Sandra, the boys and all the family."-CN
"Ted's work and presence among his colleagues made a difference for many people. I consider it a privilege to have worked with him." -TB
"Thinking of all of you who loved Ted....I had the great opportunity to work with Ted for several years. From him, I learned many things about medicine, patients and organization. I had the pleasure of many discussions about life stuff, and I got to have him talk about his family and how he adored his boys! May he be blessed by the many memories you shared."-BE
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ted was a very special man and will be missed by many. -LLW
"You boys meant the world to your dad. He was well-respected and admired at our hospital. He was driven but always made time to have fun too. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you all. -DM (fcm)
And favorite memory comments;
"Ted was my friend first and my colleague second. He impacted my life both professionally and personally-how lucky can one person be!? His utter devotion to his three boys was a lesson to every parent-we knew about every event-the hole in one, getting a driver's license and success in school. To the boys, you need to know how much you were loved-so deeply. I cherish him. -CH
"Playing golf with Ted in Northern Ireland. We had such a wonderful time-MIss you! -SC
"He was a wonderful teacher-Always. -RH
"Having Ted on our Scotland golf trip and having him in my foursome at "The Old Course", St. Andrews-The Home of Golf. -PS
"Ted in videos at the hospital. He was so funny and talented." -LW
"Seeing Ted participate in all the crazy celebrations at T-bird and especially tail-gating before Buffett! -TB
"His phenomenal performance as Will Smith-'Men in Black' at T-Bird." - LN
"I have many... (memories), but working at the Sand Flea and slapping butter patties on each other's backs whilst we worked! -JD ha:)
"Teaching me how to 'text' him. Assisting by authorizing an ambulance to a take patient to her son's High School Graduation.- GC
"How patient and kind he was to everyone he encountered no matter who they were." -CR
"Ted sitting in my office and teaching me about how to handle situations--with tact! -KH
"Dr. Laughlin helped a little old man get home when that was what he wanted, more than anything, at the end of his life. He let this man retain his dignity and die at home. I will never forget that about him. -PC
"Such a very nice guy...very knowledgeable and talented person. Thanks for all you taught us both professionally and personally. -M
" The crazy skits @ T-Bird! Ted was terrific!"
"What a wonderful teacher!" -JK
P.S. I miss you... badly.
September 23, 2010
Hey Ted,
I have some of the cards from your Memorial service. I couldn't read them for the longest time. Now, I want to share some of what I found:
"Ted was a wonderful, caring colleague and physician. We will miss him. Our prayers are with you Sandra, the boys and all the family."-CN
"Ted's work and presence among his colleagues made a difference for many people. I consider it a privilege to have worked with him." -TB
"Thinking of all of you who loved Ted....I had the great opportunity to work with Ted for several years. From him, I learned many things about medicine, patients and organization. I had the pleasure of many discussions about life stuff, and I got to have him talk about his family and how he adored his boys! May he be blessed by the many memories you shared."-BE
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ted was a very special man and will be missed by many. -LLW
"You boys meant the world to your dad. He was well-respected and admired at our hospital. He was driven but always made time to have fun too. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you all. -DM (fcm)
And favorite memory comments;
"Ted was my friend first and my colleague second. He impacted my life both professionally and personally-how lucky can one person be!? His utter devotion to his three boys was a lesson to every parent-we knew about every event-the hole in one, getting a driver's license and success in school. To the boys, you need to know how much you were loved-so deeply. I cherish him. -CH
"Playing golf with Ted in Northern Ireland. We had such a wonderful time-MIss you! -SC
"He was a wonderful teacher-Always. -RH
"Having Ted on our Scotland golf trip and having him in my foursome at "The Old Course", St. Andrews-The Home of Golf. -PS
"Ted in videos at the hospital. He was so funny and talented." -LW
"Seeing Ted participate in all the crazy celebrations at T-bird and especially tail-gating before Buffett! -TB
"His phenomenal performance as Will Smith-'Men in Black' at T-Bird." - LN
"I have many... (memories), but working at the Sand Flea and slapping butter patties on each other's backs whilst we worked! -JD ha:)
"Teaching me how to 'text' him. Assisting by authorizing an ambulance to a take patient to her son's High School Graduation.- GC
"How patient and kind he was to everyone he encountered no matter who they were." -CR
"Ted sitting in my office and teaching me about how to handle situations--with tact! -KH
"Dr. Laughlin helped a little old man get home when that was what he wanted, more than anything, at the end of his life. He let this man retain his dignity and die at home. I will never forget that about him. -PC
"Such a very nice guy...very knowledgeable and talented person. Thanks for all you taught us both professionally and personally. -M
" The crazy skits @ T-Bird! Ted was terrific!"
"What a wonderful teacher!" -JK
P.S. I miss you badly.
July 9, 2010
Hey Dad,
I know everyone says that you were one special guy and until Aunt Kath and Sandy started telling me stories about you, it's hard because I feel as if I am getting to know you better and you are already gone. Time is flying by fast. We already had our Laughlin family reunion at the lake this year but it wasn't the same without you. And I am gonna be a senior in high school soon. I wish I had your support and guidance, but I know you are watching from above. I guess I am gonna go now. I love you, Dad. I can't wait to hear more stories about you.
Brady
Br. Avo
May 31, 2010
I thought about you, your life, and the closeness between you and your siblings on the 20th. Didn't know this was here, so I'm posting now!
May 26, 2010
Sometimes I just NEED you...and you're not there. Where are you, precious brother?
May 20, 2010
Well honey, it's been a year and I still miss you more than ever. Nothing is the same without you. My life is so different. And work is just not the same without your leadership - there isn't a day that goes by that someone doesn't say "I really need Dr. Laughlin today". I know how they feel. :)
I'll talk to you later...
Love you,
Sandy
May 20, 2010
To all the Laughlins and Sandy, Our heartfelt thoughts go out to you today.
It sure isn't easy is it? Thank God for your families to help get you through.
Love from the Heidrichs
March 9, 2010
Dad,
I know you are up there somewhere. I miss you so much and I love you. It frustrating knowing that you are not here and not knowing if I will ever see you again. I hope all is well and that you are looking down at all of us.
Riley
MARY JOHNSON
December 24, 2009
Ted was a wonderful friend. May god bring comfort and love
to your hearts. I went to ST MARYS grade school with him.
Joyce Volk Parker Alvarez
November 29, 2009
I did not know of Ted's passing, I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Just two days ago I was telling my husband about an analytical geometry class we took together, and Ted would put the final answer to the problems in his calculator and pass it to the other four of us who we had named the " Amen corner". I had tears in my eyes when I started this but a smile when I finished it, I hope this little tale will bring a smile to someone else's heart as well. May God bless all of you.
November 21, 2009
Hey Ted, what do you think Urban Meyer should do?! Your two fav teams! Should he stay or should he go? ( uh... The Clash, 1982!). I miss you....kath
Rose Atkins
July 28, 2009
I worked with Ted at Banner Thunderbird throughout his tenure there. He was always generous with his time and his knowledge, mentoring the nursing staff as he went about his duties. He was a kind and thoughtful man and a pleasure to work with. I will always remember him fondly and will keep him, his family and his beloved Sandy in my prayers.
dotti weaver
July 16, 2009
to the laughlin family--i knew your dad here at thunderbird for many years--my heart aches of his passing just remember he is with his our lord--my dad gave me this verse when i had heart surgery and i live by it now--god bless and be with you all. romans 8:28
Julie Barnhill
July 1, 2009
I think I only met you once but I was lucky enough to have all three of your sons in class. They are wonderful boys that you can be proud of now and I am certain in the future. I am terribly sorry they had to lose you while they are so young but I know they loved you dearly.
Kathy
June 25, 2009
Teddy,
Moonwalk with Michael J., your 'Thriller' role model.
I love you and thought about you like crazy today.
Kath
Kath
June 25, 2009
Hello brother,
I have been thinking about the wonderful times we have had together over the years. I’d love to take a stroll down memory lane with you, if you have time.
DO YOU REMEMBER…
…dressing up like Batman and Robin using paper, crayons, and tape to construct our masks, belts, and emblems when we were about 5 and 3 yrs. old?
…fishing on the bridge at Grammy and Grampu’s in Cordin, PA?
…playing cowboys and Indians with Kev at DeeDad and Grandmother’s Highland’s log cabin using the wooden rifles DeeDad carved for each of us with our names on them?
…walking to downtown Highlands with dad and Kevin to purchase a tent and then stopping in the woods for a weenie roast on the way back?
…intending to spend the night in the tent outside the cabin but only making it til 10pm?
…taking an after dinner stroll with Kevin and dad in Altamonte Springs and stopping to look inside an abandoned house, then running home crying and screaming when dad went upstairs, against our pleas, to see if there were any ghosts up there!?
…making Lori Greene cry while babysitting us at 217 Chateaugay because we wouldn’t go to bed and instead shot spit balls at her from behind the piano?
…having to drop our slushies and ice cream cones from Tastee Freeze while running across the field to catch the bus we were about to miss at St. Mary’s?
…trying raw oysters together for the first time during mom and dad’s house party and rushing to the bathroom, totally gagging, and then spitting them out in the toilet at the same time?
…moving to 315 Vaughn on your 10th birthday, June 18,1969, and staring in awe at the Spanish-themed décor, compliments of Ernie Beeber?
…evacuating from Hurricane Camille in Sept.1969 to Grandmother and DeeDad’s beach cottage in Melbourne where the infamous three-bean salad story took place?
…playing ‘Tim, Jim and Theresa’ with Kevin, especially the story where I’m the nun teacher and you and Kevin pretend to shoot an arrow during class that dislodges my headdress and you guys keep cracking up because I’m bald!?
…delivering the Christmas basket, full of fruit, wine, and cheese, to the nuns and getting to go inside the nunnery and see that that nuns did indeed have hair!!?
…constructing our hermit crab city out of sand on the Cinco bayou shore and naming each one of our many crustaceous pets? Your favorite was aptly named “Hermie.”
…fishing on the dock with Grammy using bacon as bait and catching choafers, croakers, flounder, and catfish for our housekeeper, Lily, and then for Pearlie Mae?
…seining for shrimp in the backyard then dropping our catch alive into boiling water and watching them jump out of the pot onto the floor of Grammy’s kitchen?
…going to Perri’s Italian Restaurant, all five of us, with Grammy and getting our cokes with the plastic monkeys with extra cherries? Wasn’t Grammy brave? ?
…spending the night on ”Miss Margie” with dad and Kev and having the anchor come loose and waking to find ourselves adrift in the Choctawhatchee Bay?
…going to sleep on those boat outings with dad telling us ghost stories like “Johnny I’m on the first step…” and “On a dark and stormy night…” then waking up to the aroma of dad’s famous scrambled egg and crumbled bacon breakfast cooking on the Coleman stove?
…sitting on the bow of the boat with Kev with the rails between our legs heading through the Destin Pass to go deep sea fishing and having the water splash all the way past our knees as we traversed the swells?
…playing touch football in the Nunnery’s yard when I was your front lineman and blocked Don Kelgard so hard that it broke his cheekbone? “I’m seeing double vision!” he cried, and we had to wear those red and blue helmets after that. ?
…playing football and baseball later in the Hood’s front yard or at the Sotir park with Poit, Greg Bryant, and Bob Kissam where you were always the star QB?
…laying sod, laying brick, mixing and pouring concrete, shoveling dirt, constructing a drainage trough from the driveway to the bayou, and building fences?
…playing Marco Polo, having swim and diving contests, chicken fighting and seeing who could stay at the bottom of the deep end the longest?
…playing Canasta, Bridge, Spite and Malice, Poker, Gin Rummy, and one of your favorites, Fifty Card Pick-up at Grammy’s then taking turns rubbing her feet with the puma stone? ?
…crabbing off the old Destin bridge using fish heads and tails from the Wharf tied to our drop nets and pulling up our loot as fast as we could so they wouldn’t escape?
…getting in a wreck in Mrs. Caruso’s bus where the bus flipped over and you, Kevin and I climbed out the back unscathed? You took charge and went to the nearest house to call mom. When you came out, Kevin was walking in circles in the street with his head in his hands saying, “Oh my god, Oh my god…” I was screaming and freaking out, “Where is Erin? Get my sister out!! Someone get my little sister out NOW!!!!! You put your hand on our shoulders saying, “Guys, guys, calm down. It’ll be okay. They’ll get her out. Mom’s on her way.”
…taking multiple trips to Winter Park to visit our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins where you would stay with Jerry, I, with Cam, Kev, with Kenneth, and Erin and Brian, I think, with Timmy and Marie?
…going to Disney World the first year it opened and you, Kevin, and I spinning our teapot the fastest and thinking “It’s a Small World” was so cool?
…going to the dog show at the FWB convention center with Prissy’s pups, Puff’n’Stuff, Cissy, Susie, and Tricia and you and Puff winning First Place?
…hanging out at “Tir-Na-Loc” in Navarre playing ping-pong and shuffleboard, fishing in the gulf, seeing the hammerhead shark, ‘alley-ooping’ over the big waves in our trusty blow-up raft, going to the campground for ice cream and candy, and playing in the HoliDome gameroom?
…playing our favorite games like Monopoly, Clue, Battleship, Chess, Checkers, Parcheesi, Operation, and Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots?
…going on canoe trips down the Blackwater or Coldwater Creek with the Henrys and Hoods and our bucketful of Church’s Chicken with the fixins?
…racing to see who would finish the creek run first and watching Erin scream and freak out whenever Kevin and I would pass you guys?
…driving to Montgomery with dad and Kev to catch the AmTrak train to Indianapolis to go see a Notre Dame game in South Bend, then going to see the house where dad grew up in Elwood, Indiana?
…going sand-crabbing at the Navarre Condo with Bill and Mary Rich Henry and dumping our bucketful off the 2nd floor to watch the ones that ‘made it’ scurry away?
…being Harry D., the radio host, recording interviews from Joe B., Willie W., and the ‘carpeted green’ kid? We barely got through Joe’s comment about how well he could bowl, after which he had another attack!!…”Right fellas?” (clap, clap, whistle, whistle)
…flying on a six-seater prop plane to Vail with mom and dad through a snowstorm over the Rockies, thinking we weren’t going to make it?
…practicing your Kennedy school speech over and over and over and over while at Vail?
…riding together in the mornings to FWBHS singing songs to WNUE then going home in the afternoon to watch Star Trek with Craig and Jenny?
…going to Sears to buy a 45 of “Massachusetts” by the BeeGees and declaring they would be big one day when they were basically unknown, then going to a BeeGees concert at Anaheim Stadium in LA years later?
…shucking oysters with Kevin at 315, sticking the oyster knife through your hand, and passing out on the kitchen floor?
…fainting at Chan’s when Lily D. told you about her brain tumor removal? It’s a wonder you could stomach medical school!
...putting things in the pieces of bread at the El Matador and feeding them to the seagulls from the balcony?
...coming home after working at the Sand Flea smelling of seafood, eating a midnight dinner of leftovers or Kath-grilled burgers, showering, and going out on the town? A late night breakfast at the infamous Joe and Eddie's was not at all uncommon.
Okay, that’s probably enough (or too much) for now, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing with you my precious brother. Let’s do it again sometime soon. I love you, Teddy, and miss you deeply. I can’t wait to chat with you again about the crazy things we’ve done over the years. Don’t ever leave me.
Sandy Stone
June 21, 2009
Hello my love,
I know I've been talking to you daily and that you are with me in my heart, but it's time for me to write in your guest book so, although difficult - here goes...
I miss you terribly and want to be with you and talk to you everyday. You were my soul mate, mentor, confidant and love of my life. You were the kindest, most honorable human being I ever met. I am still a little angry at God for taking you away from all of us, but the sign that you sent me did help ease my broken heart. Knowing that you are no longer in distress is very comforting.
Just know my love that you are thought of every day by so many people. Nothing is the same without you here. The lives you touched and affected during your short life are more than most will ever accomplish.
I will love you forever.
Sandy
June 21, 2009
Hey Dad,
Happy Father's Day. Hopefully Tiger can pull it out.
Riley
Brady Laughlin
June 18, 2009
Dear Dad,
I hope you are having a great birthday. Dad, there are no words to express the sadness that is in all of our hearts. It was so painful to watch you struggle and suffer. Although death gives us all grief and sadness, it gives you freedom and happiness. You have been graced with the opportunity to meet Jesus Christ. You are such a strong and selfless man. I remember you telling me that you were so sorry that this had to happen to you. You were so sorry that you were so weak. There are so many things I wish. I wished that I could have got to know you better. I wished that I could have done everything that I should have done to help you. Dad, you are so special. Even when you were breathing your last moments, your presence gave me a feeling of security. You are with me, and you will continue to always be. Dad, I am asking you for a sign telling me everything is okay. Have a wonderful birthday. I miss you, and I love you so much.
Your Son,
Brady Laughlin
Kathy Lessley
June 18, 2009
Hello brother!! Happy 50th Birthday!
Okay, I sent you an email and a text msg.... Hmm, no response!! What's up with that? You were so easy to kid with!
Truly, I wish you the finest birthday ever. You are now in a 'new birth' place. What could be cooler than that?
You and I had to look after our family's well-being in the earlier times of struggle. I think we managed it quite gracefully.
Kudos to you Big Bro!
I love the hell out of you and cannot stand that you're gone.
Forever love and friendship,
Kath
Erin Gaither
June 18, 2009
Happy Birthday, my sweet Big Brother...
In 1986, the family was gathered again for a wedding in FWB (we've done alot of those!) This one was for Kath and Mike. I vividly remember an evening when Ted and I were on the beach around dusk. It was just the two of us, and we were talking about relationships. He said something to me at the time that I thought was so profound, and I have always kept it in my heart. He said, "Never let anyone treat you less than special." What a wonderful thing for a brother to tell a sister! I will never forget that...
It's been a particularly rough time for me, second-guessing myself alot, wondering what I could have done differently in those last few days I spent with him before he went to hospice that could have perhaps gained him a few more days. I know any one of my siblings could have been there when the pain became too much to bear for him, and he could have made that decision to go to hospice with any of them. I still wonder. Should I have asked him to drink more fluids, did I give him too much cereal Wednesday morning, should I not have given him the increased dose of morphine they prescribed, etc, etc. I'll never know, but the one thing I do know is what he told me. On that Thursday morning when he decided to go to the hospice unit after enduring a very difficult night, we were waiting in the living room for the van to come get him to transport him to the Sherman Home. Kath forwarded a text to me sent to her from Marsha asking, "How is Erin?" I read this aloud, and Ted immediately said, "Erin's fantastic." That's what I need to remember.
I will love you forever, Teddy...
Robin Waché
June 18, 2009
Happy Birthday, Teddy! Here is the Tribute I gave at your funeral:
For Teddy…My Life Long Friend
Good Morning. My name is Robin Prestwood Waché. Thank you, Sandy and the entire Laughlin Family, for the honor and privilege to speak to you today. I am lifelong friend of Teddy’s. Yes, we all called him Teddy in our youth. At some point during high school, most of his friends began to call him Ted, but to me he was always Teddy.
I was in 8th grade, the first time I ever saw Teddy. I didn’t go to his school, St. Mary’s, but my younger siblings did. I was sitting in the audience at a school show. Teddy was on stage performing as Harold from the Music Man.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua1ess5Xq80 (A must to watch if you are too young to remember this Musical. This is exactly the scene I see in my mind with Teddy performing.)
I watched in awe as he half sang, half chanted - spinning, jumping and dancing across the stage in a building fervor that exploded throughout the auditorium as he chanted,
Trouble, oh we got trouble,
Right here in River City!
With a capital "T"
That rhymes with "P"
And that stands for Pool !
He brought the house down with a full, standing ovation…and I stand before you today, applauding still, for Teddy’s life held the same rhythm, pace and crescendo as that memorable performance.
We met formally the next year in school and became instant friends. Both of us fed off of each other’s ideas, and plans and schemes as we emerged as class officers in high school and continued to organize and lead activities, clubs and events throughout our high school years at Fort Walton Beach High School, home of the Vikings. In fact, it was a repeat of his Music Man performance that helped him win the impressive title of Mr. Striking Viking dancing on stage, with his fellow competitors, to FIRE by the Ohio Players. I can still see him singing “Fi – re, na na na, na na na” dressed as a shirtless firefighter.
Teddy was smart as a whip. We all envied him for his ability to read textbooks once, photographically memorize the content and then head out to the golf course after school as we, his classmates, sat in the library studying. He would ace every exam and it was no surprise that he was a Valedictorian of our class of 1977.
This gave Teddy something the rest of us didn’t have…more free time… which he spent creating the next fundraising activity or skit to perform at a party or simply building relationships among groups of friends. He was quite the social networker and instigator.
In addition to the school clubs that he participated in, he actually created new “clubs” to bond groups of friends together. The Circle Club and The Bones were two of his notable organizations and the members even wore special T-shirts which many have saved to this day.
Teddy was an avid basketball player, quick and accurate. He organized a City Basketball team called the NADS. So, there were the NADS and the NAD supporters. The cheer, of course, was Go NADS, Go ! The NADS won the City Championships in 1977 with Teddy playing point guard.
The net result of all of Teddy’s friendship cultivation was a group of classmates that bonded together and supported each other with strength of epic proportion. When Teddy was diagnosed with colon cancer, the NADS decided that a reunion was in order. Team members embraced him, rallied for him and organized a weekend retreat filled with parties, a basketball playoff, a golf outing, old photographs, stories and tears. We celebrated with so much passion for this man, who was our leader and close friend. More than one of us remarked that the movie, The Big Chill, was tame compared to the relationships that Teddy inspired with this group kids who each went on to become highly successful professionals.
Teddy was dubbed, “The Little Tax Collector” in high school because he was, let’s say frugal. He was recycling before recycling was trendy or mandatory. At the University of Florida, he would go out to the golf courses at night and troll the ponds for golf balls. He would actually submerge himself among the pond muck, snakes and ‘gators collecting these golf balls and then phone me at the University of South Florida with an estimate of what he had collected and how much this would have saved him. He finished his undergraduate degree in three years. When he started Med School at USF, he was forced to stop the practice of pond trolling because the size and number of alligators were too dangerous.
His first year in Medical School was my last year at USF. Both of us were busy but we managed to chat on the phone often. What’s funny is that his conversations were never about what one would expect from a first year Medical Student…workload, etc. it was usually what office he would try to be elected to next and what skit he had in mind for the Cadaver Ball , etc.
He was a trail blazer for his family and the ultimate big brother to his younger siblings.
He wanted everyone to get along with each other and he would get distraught when classmates would get annoyed with one another. He was the peace maker, the steady, reasonable calm in a sea of adolescent and teenaged angst. “Be nice” he would say to feuding friends. The way he lived his life set the bar high for both friends and family to emulate.
Teddy was passionate about his music. Not only would he break into song and belt out popular 70’s music as a kid, he kept belting out those same songs as an adult. He came to visit my family often in Philadelphia as was bothered by our low tech stereo system. He was an innovator technically speaking, and would connect his iPod to our speakers and blast the music during his entire visit. My kids loved him. Once he even opened the windows and set the speakers in the window so we could hear his 70’s music collection as we dined outdoors. He was always the first to try out new tech gadgets and even sold me on the Kindle when I visited him in February. He proudly explained each and every feature --and how it could be improved.
I believe that Teddy’s legacy is deep and enduring friendships. All of his friends, from each period of his life, have been touched by his unyielding kindness, forgiveness and patience. Teddy shared his friends, introducing them to one another, enjoying their visits. My Dad used to say, “Show me who your friends are and I’ll show you who you are.” This is who Teddy is (gesture to congregation)…a collection of friends, touched by his multitudes of passions.
Teddy taught us how to live. He taught us how to die...how to reach out and give to others.
As his body grew weaker, his heart, spirit and soul grew stronger. He exemplified his faith in his actions, his choice to surround himself with his family and friends and his communications via phone, texting and E-mail, with expressions of love and appreciation to those he cared most about and especially his sons and Sandy – the greatest love of his life.
To me, this was Teddy’s greatest gift. He got to tell everyone how he felt, and we got a chance to tell him back.
But still we wonder why. Why do bad things happen to good people? Scholars ponder this as their life’s work. Perhaps it happens for reasons we can’t clearly understand. Does it happen to bring families closer together? To strengthen a relationship? To bring attention to a certain disease or human condition?
While we celebrate Teddy’s life, we each feel our loss but I am optimistic that soon, we will understand how very much we’ve gained. Teddy’s life was brilliant. He was a shining example for all of us and I feel so honored and grateful to have been touched by it.
I want to thank Sandy Stone for her love and caring for Teddy and for his sons. In the coming weeks and months as you remember Teddy or are reminded of him, please reach out to support Sandy, Brady, Colin & Riley with an act of kindness or gesture of friendship.
Cass Garrett
June 18, 2009
Dear Laughlin Family,
It is exquisite irony that my fondest memory of Teddy was one he probably didn't remark and one I never had the chance to ask him about in later years. We were not close - we knew each other as friends of friends and were, "Hey, how's it going'?" kind of classmates. I always thought he was a great looking guy with fabulous hair, but way out of my league. I had to run and find my yearbook to look at his picture to be sure it was he I was thinking of when I got the email asking me to pray for him and his family when he became so ill.
But there was a particular time late in the evening during a big bonfire party at the Matterhorn over 30 years ago that I was sad and lost, sitting alone on the fringe of this huge crowd of friends when he veered off his chosen path and stopped by me. He stood there a minute and then said "You okay?" Of course I said something like, "Oh! Yeah! Sure! Nothin' wrong here!" (I was soooo tough.) He hesitated a split second and then said, "OK," and continued on. After just a few steps, he turned back again and said, "It can't be that bad - it's gonna be OK," and smiled. I finally looked up and smiled back and then he went on his way. I gained some courage from that and rejoined the crowd.
I don't know what it was that made him turn back and say it. He didn't know how much it meant to me for him to say it. All I do know is that he was kind to someone who really needed it when he didn't have to be and it showed his desire to help others even as a very young man.
We are all better people for having known Teddy. I gather from the notes and stories left about him that it was a genuine love and care for people that defined his life. I am so happy to know that I was not mistaken and even happier to know that one day, in a place where there are no more tears, I will see him again. I hope to solve the mystery of why he turned back and spoke to me that night so long ago.
Remember the promises of God, Teddy's family and friends. He will work all things out for good in your lives - and use even this sorrow to draw you close.
Peace and comfort
< Cass (James) Garrett
Marge Laughlin
June 18, 2009
I wanted you to know that one of the proudest days of my life was when I went to your dad's school at about the time he was establishing the close-knit basketball team, was president of his class, and many other things which distinguished him among his class-mates. As I was standing in the hall talking to someone, I heard one of the students whisper, "That's Teddy's mom." I was so filled with pride on hearing that simple statement that I have always carried it with me. I guess the simplest things are the most meaningful.
Love,
Mammaw
June 18, 2009
Hey Dad,
The first thing I want to say is Happy Birthday! What are you going to do today? Watch golf, play golf on a course, or play video game golf? I miss you so much and I wish you were still here physically, but I know you surround us as a spirit. I love you.
Riley Laughlin
Barbara Yergey
June 18, 2009
Dear Laughlin Family,
I'm sure Teddy is celebrating his 50th birthday today in Heaven with loved ones who have preceeded him.
I watched the memorial service online last night. Riley,you did a beautiful job, your Dad would be most proud of you!It brought back so many memories of our childhood and the fun we all had.
I vaguely remember when our cousins moved to Ft Walton Bch.,but each time they visited Winter Park we all were hoping they would stay at our house!We were all close in age and the visits were filled with swimming (sharks and minnows, Marco Polo...) Kickball,baseball,teasing and much fun.
One of the best times I remember was after our grandfather's (DeeDad) funeral, we all went to Farrell's Ice Cream and ordered the "Zoo" which was a huge bowl of ice cream. We all laughed and horsed around all night- good thing our parents were not there! After that, Teddy and I kept in touch by writing letters (things sure have changed)and visits.I learned alot about him, and enjoyed all the stories of life in Ft. Walton. I remember hearing about the "Nads" basketball team, Billy Bowlegs festival and all his accomplishments in high school. I was always impressed with his ability to be master everthing he attempted.
Teddy was always very caring,after losing contact for many years, I recieved a surprise birthday call on my 40th, and we caught up with each others lives. Since then, our families have reunited.We have become support systems with our cousins consoling us after the loss of my younger brother, and Teddy's courageous fight with his cancer. He set the standard high by showing us how strong and brave he was throughout his battle.
Teddy was a man blessed with many gifts-compassion,strength,humor intelligence,and perseverence to name a few. I was proud to see how these carried throughout his life and were used to the better the lives around him. I am sure his legacy will be continued on through his sons.
You all will coninue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love to all, Barbara Yergey
Kevin, Kristina & Family Laughlin
June 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Teddy!!!
June 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Teddy,
We miss you very much, but realize that after your long battle, you are in a better place. Please give Kenneth a hug for us and we love you both very much.
The Heidrich Girls
Margie Brannon
June 17, 2009
Dear Family,
I can only imagine the emptiness you must be feeling, while at the same time hopefully experiencing a kind of peace knowing that Ted (Teddy/Dad) suffers no longer. Of the many cousins I have, I felt a special closeness to Teddy. Way back in the early eighties, while he was in med school in Tampa, he used to come over and mow my lawn for me. I'd feed him breakfast or lunch and we'd hang out together. My husband Tracy was in Pensacola training for the Navy, so Teddy was my 'back up guy' who filled in for him. He was a lifesaver. Also during that time, I got an occasional invite to play poker with Teddy and a few of his med school buddies. My friend and I cleaned their clocks one night. That was especially fun, since they never saw it coming from two innocent females! He was an awesome friend to me in many ways.
We stayed in touch over the years, and for the last several years, saw each other every time I was in Scottsdale (usually atleast once a year). We always met for dinner or drinks. Infact just a little over a year ago, while we were getting together for dinner, he was carded when he ordered his beer. What a riot. We all had a great laugh on that one. That was right before he became sick this last time...which really blew my mind. He had looked and felt so damn good (and young).
I was able to see Teddy again just last summer, and I am so thankful for that. He was in good spirits, but so much pain. He never complained though as we talked and laughed over some delicious sushi. I could tell when we hugged good-bye, that he was truly struggling with the effects of this horrible disease. He was a brave, yet humble man, and I will always remember him that way. My trips to Arizona will never be the same.
I pray for you all every day, and I believe with all my heart, that we will all gather together one day. That will be the best reunion of all. One that will last for all eternity!!
Love to you all...
June 15, 2009
Dear Laughlin Family:
This is one of the hardest things to do, for words don't come easily and won't do justice to the feelings of Ted's passing away at such a young age.
I first met Ted nearly 20 years ago. Instantly, there was a mutual liking. I was involved in his becoming the Chief Medical Officer at Banner Thunderbird. For more than a decade, we worked very closely. We developed great admiration for each other, both professionaly and on a personal basis.
Throughout, we shared common interests about reading, politics, history, food, etc., etc. Ted and I shared what books to read and what not to. After Ted retired from Banner, we kept in constant touch. Always, he would inquire aout my well being first and never would he complain about what he was going through.
Several months before he passed away, Ted presented a Kindle to me to keep my interest in reading alive. I remember him very fondly for all those years of friendship.
The one thing I will never forget about Ted is his tenacity in getting things done and advising me one day, several years ago, to read Paris 1919, six months that changed the world. It most certainly changed mine.
I miss him dearly and forever will remain indebted to his kindness.
I am sorry for your loss and wish it were not so.
Best to all,
Rakesh Malhotra
Lisa Martin Norton
June 14, 2009
Dear Laughlin family:
Wow, I am not sure where to begin. In 1971 my family moved into a home that was right next door to the Laughlin family and we lived there until 1975. During that time my brother Scott and I became "family" to the Laughlin family. Miss Marge and my mother, Sara, became more than bestfriends they shared everything together. Our family spent many days and dinners together at the Laughlin home. I can remember long days of swimming in the pool and water skiing around the bayou. I learned to ski thanks to Kat and Teddy. Summers were the best along Cinco Bayou. Although the Laughlin kids attended St. Mary's for many of those years we were able to share our friends with each other so once we were in high school together we had a large circle of friends.
I think one of my most favorite memories of Teddy was while he was still at St. Mary's he had to deliver a speech for a school project and he asked me to come and listen to it and share my thoughts. I sat there in utter amazement as he delivered a speech orginally presented by President John F. Kennedy. Complete with Boston accent and mannerisms. If I had closed my eyes I would have sworn it was JFK speaking. I just could not believe it. I, of course, had nothing to tell him to improve upon. As I recall he got an A+ on that project....nothing new for Teddy. I remember I looked at Teddy in a whole different light after that. He had always appeared so serious and of course, he was so incredibly smart, but I really discovered a different side that day. I saw him evolve into such a role model as we progressed though high school together and his sense of humor really started to come out. I found he had an awful lot of his darling mother Marge's quick and dry sense of humor...something I loved the most about both of them.
As I write this I am just overwhelmed with emotion remembering the wonderful friendships our two families shared and although we did not stay in constant contact my love and respect for him never waivered.
To Teddy's children I want you to know that your father was an awesome role model and wonderful friend. Having lost my mother when I was twenty to cancer as well I certainly understand how difficult this time is for you all. I hope having this website will give you comfort and help you to know your father even better. Cherish the memories as they will carry you through this time and give you great joy in time.
Teddy...I know you are in a far better place...probably sharing laughs with my mom! Until we meet again you will remain in my heart.
May God Bless,
Lisa Martin Norton
Craig McCartney
June 13, 2009
I first met Ted in fall of 1973. A very good friend of ours, Steve 'Moose' Bauman was playing on Ted's basketball team and I was on a different one. I knew Ted indirectly from his reputation at our Jr. High School (Max Bruner) as being an extremely intelligent kid. When I first met him in person, I thought to myself "Who is this kind of nerdy guy?". Ted's team beat my team handily after we had met & I never thought of him the same way from that day to the present. He was an incredibly good ball player and a great athlete overall.
Ted & I have been a part of each others lives throughout our 36 year friendship. We've been team mates, room mates, class mates; were in each others weddings. I think he knew me better than anyone.
There are many traits of friendship: being able to confide in each other, being able to trust each other, being able to rely on each other; just having a great time together. A trait that not all great friendships have is does that person make you a better person. I can say sincerely, Ted made me a better person. He is sorely missed but I know I'll see him again someday.
Ted w/ Colin on a Ski Trip we took together in 2001
June 13, 2009
Flew in to See Ted & His Kids
June 13, 2009
At our 20th High School Reunion Weekend.
June 13, 2009
Penny Walker
June 9, 2009
I worked with Ted for over five years when working at Banner Thunderbird in Glendale, Az. We were part of an administrative team that ran one of Banner's most successful hospitals. We were a fun loving raucous team and if reading this, you all know who you are with Ted right in the middle if not instigating some of our escapades. We would take an annual holiday bus day trip that became an urban legend and gave us all memories we still speak of today.
As I grew to know Ted better as we worked day to day on tough issues - was that underneath that quick wit and wry humor was an incredible intelligence, deep love for his sons and his beloved Sandy, close friends Vikki and Tom and compassion for his fellow man. He did'nt simply "work" as a doctor, he was a doctor and always put the patient first.
I know this may be lengthy, but I want to tell you one story on how extraordinary individuals like Ted do live on in their work. Ted started one of the first palliative care programs in a hospital setting with a small team that included our chaplain at that time Sat Katar Khalsa-Ramey, Sandy was involved and several others. Palliative care is not hospice care but is treatment that relieves symptoms, such as pain, but is not expected to cure the disease. The main purpose is to improve the patient's quality of life. He started this program before he knew he too some day might be in need of such a program.
Fast forward now to just a few weeks ago. I've been gone from Thunderbird five years and now work at a large downtown Phoenix hospital/trauma center/cancer center that treats the sickest of the sick with a faith based approach.
I sit on a board sub committee of community members and the Sisters that sponsor the hospital. Monthly like clockwork we review all of the hospital quality indicators. I can say proudly we do exceptionally well - except in one area - palliative care. With great consternation over the past year we have not been able to meet the key measurements and get the program really off the ground.
A new medical director for the program was recruited and invited to the meeting to report out his findings to this board. He took a few minutes to compose himself and said that only a handful of hospitals had truly embraced palliative care - Banner Thunderbird under their medical director at the time, Dr. Ted Laughlin, was one of them.
And so I was sitting there again listening to Ted's words. He went on to say that Dr. Laughlin said first you had to gain the trust of the physician caring for the patient - oftentimes for years they care for these patients trying to cure a cancer or other devastating disease and become very close. He shared that successful palliative care programs need to focus on doctors;gain their trust and help them understand that not curing the patient was not their own failure - but by turning to palliative care and offering a quality life and good death was truly the most compassionate next step for both the physician and their patient. Ted's words.
Can you believe that - just days after Ted passed, his program was being discussed at a board quality committee in one of Phoenix's largest hospitals as a best practice.
And so his work continues - a doctor putting his patients first.
It was an honor to know him.
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