Theodore Joseph Nilssen

Theodore Joseph Nilssen 1947 - 2011 Theodore Joseph Nilssen was born in Bay Shore, New York, to Haakon and Mary Nilssen on September 28, 1947. Preceded in death by his firstborn son Mark, both parents and by his sister Marion, Ted died suddenly on April 25, 2011 at Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Jean Lourie Nilssen, and his children and their spouses: Anthony and CeCilia Dyer, April Nilssen, Geoffrey and Robyn Dyer, and Andrew Nilssen-all of Bakersfield except April who lives in Wales, UK. He also leaves behind many beloved in-laws, including Janice Lorigan, George and Christie Finley, James Finley and their children. Ted entered Northeastern University in Boston upon a full-ride scholarship, having graduated from high school with Honors in Science and top marks on his SAT tests. He was also a New York State Regents Scholarship winner with Commendation from the National Merit Program. However, Ted voluntarily interrupted his higher education to enlist in the United States Army, feeling a strong calling to serve his country in the Vietnam War. He then served in the Army's Special Operations Unit, participating in the 281st Helicopter Assault Unit, for which he received a Presidential Air Medal for participating in more than twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory in support of operations against communist aggression. After two years of military service in Vietnam, he subsequently received his BS Degree from Stony Brook University in New York. Ultimately, Ted completed his MA at the South Dakota School of Mines. In 1971, Ted married his first wife, Ellen Marie Tobin, who bore his birth children Mark, April, and Andrew Nilssen. Sadly, Mark lived only a few hours after his birth and was buried in Lafayette, LA. Ted embarked upon his professional career as a mining engineer in Lafayette, Louisiana but later accepted a job in Las Vegas. About 1982, Ted began working in the oil industry and accepted a position as a petroleum engineer in Ventura. In the late 1980's, he began working in Bakersfield, later working as a consultant in Santa Maria and various other areas. Ted ended his professional career as the Drilling Manager for E and B Natural Resources in Bakersfield, where he had enjoyed working for the last several years. In 1999, Ted married his second wife, Jean Finley Dyer, who had two children of her own, Anthony and Geoffrey Dyer, from her first marriage to Robert Virgil Dyer. Ted and Jean were happily married for just over twelve years when Ted's life was interrupted by serious health issues which ultimately claimed him. He had struggled with chronic conditions probably related to Agent Orange , and as his system became more and more compromised, a final struggle with an acute illness and heart issues took their toll. Nevertheless, Ted, a high-achiever still monitoring the company oil rigs and the family's children up to a few short days before his death, remained positive and goal-driven to his last few days. When he was asked when he planned to retire, he would reply that he would be working until the day he died, which proved to be true. Ted was a man's man, well-known and well-liked in the oilfield industry, who was most in his element in his professional life. He enjoyed working with his colleagues and associates, many of whom were lifelong friends in the oil industry, such as Gordon Isbell, Jim Joslyn, Lee Harmon, and the late Bill Melcher-as well as many friends and associates at E and B Natural Resources. Ted's generous and gentle nature was most evidenced in his private life. When his wife taught at East High, he would frequently send treats and surprises to her students and often asked about them by name just from hearing about them. Always the rescuer and hero, he filled the home with stranded animals and thus began a long-standing relationship with Stockdale Veterinarian Hospital. He couldn't go to the grocery without returning with an armful of flowers, and the counters were covered with treats and gifts during the holidays. He was a father-figure to many and a helpmate to all he loved, happiest when he was doing something for others and seldom asking much for himself. An excellent role-model of strength and courage to his four adult children, he also loved his step-sons as if they were his own and welcomed his two new daughter-in-laws with open arms. Humorous and bright, he was a man of few words, but when he did speak, he was always either brilliant or else funny, usually both. Ted's military experiences were central to his self-concept and value system; he focused solely on the positive and was a self-starter from beginning to end, a highly independent and self-actualized man. Attending the Special Operations and 281st Reunions highlighted his life as these vets constituted his closest friends and a special sense of family. As Agent Orange ultimately cut short his lifespan, he was a fallen hero who sacrificed his golden years for his country. A true hero, Ted was always a modest and unaffected dynamo. He died as he lived-with his courage and dignity intact. His loss is profoundly felt, but the good that he did will long survive him. The family wishes to thank his doctors: Dr. Chang, Dr. Baer, Dr. Catania, and Dr. Wen. In addition, special thanks are extended to E and B Natural Resources. Services are scheduled for May 6th at 2:00 at Greenlawn Mortuary on River Blvd. www.bakersfield.com/obits