Theodore Charles DuVander

Theodore Charles "Ted" DuVander, 80, was born on April 6, 1945, in Santa Rosa, California, to Don Elsbree DuVander and Irene Horvath DuVander. He passed away Monday morning at his home in Windsor, California, surrounded by family. Ted lived a life rooted in hard work, creativity, and deep devotion to family.

A lifelong farmer, contractor, and viticulturist, Ted found purpose and joy in working the land. His vineyard was both his pride and his sanctuary-a place where his patience, craftsmanship, and love for the earth came together. Whether building, planting, or repairing, Ted had a gift for making things with his hands and making them last.

Ted proudly served his country as a Vietnam veteran in the United States Navy. His service, work ethic, and commitment to family were central to the life he lived and the example he set.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia "Patti" DuVander, who was the greatest pride of his life; his children, Salley Ann DuVander (Daniel), Iva Lee Harrison (Neil), (preceeded by his baby boy Levi Patrick DuVander 1979-1980), Darin Daniel DuVander (Renee), and Robyn Lynn Robertson (Mitch); his grandchildren, Alexis, Samantha (Nicole), Michael, Kyle, Tricia, Taylor, Joey, Levi "Sammy", Sydney, Mason, and Harley; and his great-grandchildren, Kryssia, Kaleb, Malakai, Autumn, Iris, and Atreyu. He is also survived by his brother, Jim (Paula), and his sisters, Marilyn and Margie, as well as innumerable friends-because Ted truly made friends everywhere he went.

His hobbies included woodworking, small-batch home winemaking, cooking and eating well, aviation, camping with loved ones, and, in his younger years, working with horses. He also practiced taekwondo and earned his black belt shortly after his cancer diagnosis.

Ted was creative, honorable, stubborn in the best ways, caring, practical, honest, and deeply trustworthy. Those who knew him will never forget his steady presence, his wisdom, and his incredible blue eyes. His faith was uniquely his own, blending elements of Christianity, Buddhism, and Native American beliefs, reflecting a spirit that was thoughtful, open, and grounded.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 23rd, at the DuVander Ranch, 320 Pleasant Avenue, Santa Rosa, California, following a 2:00 p.m. burial service at Santa Rosa Memorial Park Shiloh Annex, 1750 Shiloh Rd, Windsor, CA 95492.

Ted's legacy lives on in the land he cultivated, the skills he passed down, the friendships he forged, and the family he loved so completely who will carry his values of hard work, service, and kindness forward.