Theodore Reyhner

1940 - 2025

Theodore "Ted" Alison Reyhner passed away peacefully on the morning of October 3, 2025 with his wife, Margaret, by his side.

Ted was born in Paterson, New Jersey on November 17, 1940 to Theodore O. and Alice Cornish Reyhner. Ted's childhood was filled with adventure as they moved to Wisconsin, North Dakota, Oregon, Colorado, and Michigan following his father's academic career. He graduated from Chico High School in Chico, California in 1958.

Ted attended Stanford University. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering in 1962 and his Master's degree the following year. In 1967, he was awarded his PhD in Computational Fluid Dynamics from what was at the time the Department of Engineering Mechanics. He was recognized for his academic excellence through membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi.

After completing his doctorate, Ted moved to Seattle and joined the Boeing Company as a research engineer. His specialty was fluid dynamics, and he designed computer programs to predict the airflow around the inlets of engines. Ted worked at Boeing until his retirement in 2006.

Ted married Margaret in 1968 after meeting her on a blind date arranged by her twin sister. They were married 57 years and had one son, Marc. Ted was a wonderful father. He gave a lot of time and energy as an adult leader and as Scout Master to Marc's Boy Scout Troop. As a family, they skied every winter and hiked in the summers.

Ted was an avid hiker and skier. Even as rheumatoid arthritis and later congestive heart failure slowed him, he continued to hike and ski. After retirement Ted and Margaret traveled the world by train, small ships, and plane. They had adventures on all seven continents. They enjoyed many summers traveling on their boat to the San Juan Islands and the Canadian waters.

Ted belonged to many organizations throughout the years. He was a member of the Seattle Mountaineers for several years and led the ski touring committee at one time. He was currently a member of the Tacoma Yacht Club and the Seattle Yacht Club. Ted supported many outdoor and conservation organizations.

Ted is survived by his wife, Margaret; his son, Marc; daughter-in-law, Mandy Fretts; and two cherished grandchildren, Nathaniel (5) and Gabriel (8). He is also survived by his brother, Jon Reyhner, and family, along with five cousins.



A celebration of Ted's life will be at the Tacoma Yacht Club on Thursday, November 20th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Washington Trails Association or the Nature Conservancy.