1930 – 2013

WILTON — Travis “Ted” Dyke, 83, died Saturday, Sept. 14, at his home in Wilton, after a long illness.

He was born in Wilton on June 13, 1930, the son of Guy F. And Stella (Davenport) Dyke. He attended schools in Wilton and Jay, and graduated from New Sharon High School in 1951. He was recognized throughout the county as an outstanding basketball player during his high school years.

He married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Mason of New Sharon, on June 21, 1953. They had three children and spent much enjoyable time with their children’s various activities, including football games, horse shows, skiing and many years of summer camping. Jeanne died in 2001. Ted continued the tradition of spectator sports by attending his grandchildren’s events.

He was a SAD 9 bus driver for 23 years. He worked as a volunteer at Franklin Memorial Hospital for many years. In his late years, he greatly enjoyed his job as a ticket seller at the Farmington Fair, retiring from that position in 2011. He was a faithful member for 20 years and trustee of Mt. Blue Assembly of God Church. He was a member of Franklin Lodge 123 AF & AM in New Sharon.

In 2006, he married Sandra Starbird and moved to Wilton. Together, they enjoyed trying to keep up with their grandchildren’s activities and time away at camp. Ted enjoyed fishing, especially the annual fishing trip to Rock Pond. Having morning coffee at McDonald’s with the town “mayors” was part of his daily routine, then he would return home to manicure the lawn, which he took great pride in.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra of Wilton; a daughter, Sally Coles of Exeter, N.H.; two sons, Jeffrey Dyke and wife, Gilda, of Lewiston and Gerry Dyke and wife, Mary-Jane, of Truth or Consequences, N.M.; a sister, Doreen Watson of Gray; a brother, Wallace “Skip” Dyke and wife, Erlane, of Farmington; two sisters-in-law, Ginny of Gray and Ginger of Skowhegan; two brothers-in-law, Roger Mason of Natick, Mass., and Robert Mason and wife, Shirley, of Farmington; three stepchildren, Deborah Anderson and husband, Dan, of Salem, N.H., Earl Young and wife, Cindy, of Livermore and Cathy Smith and husband, Kyle, of St. Peters, Mo; and a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ted was predeceased by three brothers, Guy Dyke Jr., of North Anson, Wayne Dyke of Gray and Roy “Joe” Dyke of Wilton; a sister, Caroleta of Gray ; and a great-grandson, Cody Brackett of Exeter, N.H.