SCARBOROUGH — Theodore “Ted” Walther, professor emeritus of economics, of Lewiston, died Saturday, June 2, after a period of declining health. The son of Ann Petrie and Francis T. Walther, he was born in Atlantic City, N.J., Aug. 23, 1929.

He was a member of the United States Navy, working primarily on the USS Kula Gulf, an aircraft carrier during the Korean War, for six years. Ted graduated with a B.A. from Mexico City College, where he married the love of his life, Joan Mirandon Walther. The newly married couple returned to New York City, where he earned his M.A., Ph.D., from the New School for Social Justice. In 1958, he and his beloved bride moved to Lewiston, where he accepted a position of professor of economics at Bates College until his retirement in 2002. Ted created a legacy for himself, striving to make his classes lively, cracking jokes and interacting with students. He was fondly known as “Terrible Ted, the Bobcat’s Buddy.”

The highlights of Ted’s life included being with his bride, Joan, for more than 58 years, his children Pamela Walther Felber of Exeter, N.H., and Susan Walther of Lewiston. As a family, they traveled extensively in Europe three times, always traveling by ocean liner and visiting many cathedrals and zoos. He believed that by having some degree of economic success it gave him the ability to create unforgettable experiences for his family. Ted was also the biggest fan of Pam and Sue’s competitive swimming career.

Joan and Ted traveled extensively in their later years. There is no doubt that their favorite destination was Bath, England. They spent a combined time of more than two years living in the city, where they met great people who became fast friends.

Ted loved being a grandfather and is survived by grandchildren Kimberly Plummer, Samantha Howaniec, Zachary Felber, Jessica Felber, Andrea Bonin and grandson-by-marriage, Andrew Plummer. He was fondly called “Great Beepa” by his four great-grandsons, Travis, Bentley, Shane and Levi Plummer. Ted enjoyed being a big buddy to all of them and was incredibly proud of their achievements.

Ted was predeceased by his parents and his bride, Joan. He leaves his daughters Susan Walther and Pamela W. Felber; son-in-law, Michael Felber, of Exeter, N.H.; his sister, Gretchen Walther Dumlerm, of NYC; brother, Chris Walther, and wife, Leanne Walther, of Boulder, Colo.; and a special niece, Johnna Dumler Liddle, of Washington, D.C.; and nephew, Matt Dumler, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The family would like to thank the caregivers of Scarborough Terrace Assisted Living in Scarborough, Compassus Hospice in Scarborough and Schooner Estates in Auburn for their kindness and care while Ted was in their charge.

To view Ted’s guest book or leave the family an online condolence please visit www.athutchins.com.

Theodore “Ted” Walther