Theodore Lautze Garland

Theodore Lautze Garland

THE EXTRAORDINARY

LIFE OF

THEODORE ("TED")

LAUTZE GARLAND

JUNE 2, 1974 -

DECEMBER 1, 2019

The first grandchild to arrive on both sides of his family, Ted carved a special niche for himself from birth. Arriving early and weighing in at a mere three pounds, it was hard to imagine what a strong individual he would become!

Cerebral palsy and its attendant physical disabilities met their match in Ted's relentless spirit. Ted accepted the limits he faced, but also had the will and imagination to dream of what might be.

Ted grew up at Garland's Oak Creek Lodge, surrounded by family, friends, employees and guests. His network of support expanded his world and provided countless opportunities. His younger brother, Will was his constant companion and an invaluable friend.

Ted's teachers, aides and school administrators worked tirelessly to develop his potential by including Ted in every activity and field trip, including Cub Scouts. A favorite "Ted Story" recalls the day he played hooky in high school, running, actually wheeling, away from high school in his wheelchair, heading north on Hwy 180 towards the Grand Canyon. Two Flagstaff friends spotted him and called Flag High, thwarting his rebellion. Ted was "suspended" in the principal's office for the rest of the day, which delighted him to no end.

Technology opened many doors for Ted. Facebook and Email kept Ted in touch with family and friends, and voice recognition software allowed him to dictate editorials and letters on issues that were important to him.

Ted's had many audacious adventures, including inclusive river trips with Environmental Traveling Companions, without his parents, and assisted by his cousin and several friends. On these trips he met inspirational people from the Independent Living Center at UC Berkeley. Though challenging at times, he enjoyed travel to Italy and Costa Rica, which helped Ted to appreciate superior disability access in the US, but also reinforced the necessity for continued implementation of the Americans with Disability Act, also known as the ADA.

Ted attended leadership conferences for young people with disabilities in Washington D.C., as well as a training program sponsored by Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona to develop the next generation of disability advocates. Inspired by his granddad, Bill Garland, Ted joined a local Toastmaster Club to hone his speaking skills.

At the urging of his long-serving counselor, Ted applied and was selected to be the first person with a disability to participate in the Americorps program at NAU. A year later he landed a job, working at the Institute for Human Development on campus to insure access and inclusion in the greater Flagstaff community.

Ted had a passion for politics, on both local and national levels. He was a patriot and a huge fan of John McCain, and liked to think he was emulating his hero, "the Maverick". Ted served on an Independent Oversight Committee for over 10 years, tasked with reviewing and attempting to rectify abuse of people with disabilities. One of his colleagues noted that "Ted was absolutely fearless about speaking truth to power."

All of these accomplishments aside, most people remember Ted for his genuine interest in other people, his sweet disposition, and his sense of humor. He had a legion of helpers over the years, facilitated by INSPIRE, Human Services in Flagstaff, who became good friends and made it possible for him to live such a full life. Quality Connections provided essential employment supports. Mountain Lift public transportation was another invaluable service in his life. Flagstaff is truly a disability friendly community.

We would like to give special acknowledgement to his "second family" John, Macy, and Ysa Kiim, who lived with and assisted Ted at his home in Flagstaff for the last 10 years.

Ted passed away peacefully at his parents' home in Sedona on Sunday, December 1.

Ted's life was shorter than many but very full. Please carry Ted's spirit forward by taking action on something you care deeply about.

Any donations honoring Ted's life should be directed to Inspire Inc, https://inspirehomecare.org (who provided Ted's caregivers), and Quality Connections, (an excellent Flagstaff organization that provides employment and supports for individuals with disabilities), https://qualityconnections.org.

Friends and associates are invited to join together for A TOAST TO TED at the Orpheum Theatre on Wednesday evening, December 18, at 5:30 PM.