Ted O'Bey

Ted Joseph (TJ) O'Bey

Ted Joseph (TJ) O'Bey came into the world on October 4, 1963, and passed away February 14, 2024. Born in Dearborn, Michigan, his early years were spent in Livonia. He attended and graduated from Orchard Lake St. Mary's School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Shortly after graduation, TJ joined the Army serving a three-year enlistment from 1982-85 in Germany. After his release from the Army, TJ moved to Seattle, Washington in 1986. In 1995 he bought his house in South Seattle where he lived the rest of his life.

Those who knew TJ were amazed by his versatility and talent. He attended the Art Institute of Seattle for four years and became a sought-after artist creating pencil drawing portraits that captured the essence of the images he worked with. His graphics adorn several businesses in Seattle for which he created logos and designs.

TJ became an apprentice and assistant for a house painting company and quickly learned the business. In 2001 he started his own business, Versatile Painting Company which he successfully ran for 23 years.

TJ had a variety of interests. His sister motivated him to begin rowing and it wasn't long before he became passionate about the sport. He became adept at rowing and was awarded several trophies for his prowess. TJ joined several rowing clubs, most recently the Duwamish River Rowing Club. Some of his favorite rowing events were the Otter Island Regatta and Opening Day of the Boating Season

Yoga at Tukwila Community Center also became a passion of TJ's. He attended yoga classes faithfully for many years and tried to encourage his many friends to take up the exercise. He felt yoga was a way to practice physical, mental and spiritual healing.

Roller coasters thrilled TJ. He would research roller coasters throughout the country to find the biggest and best. He dreamed of riding as many as possible in his lifetime.

TJ liked to cook and when time permitted, he would invite friends over to sample his homemade meals. He loved having friends over to his house, especially to celebrate holidays and special events. He enjoyed decorating for Halloween, Christmas and other holidays and had a talent for home design.

TJ's home was a reflection of him; unique, comfortable and welcoming. He loved working on his house, recently rebuilding a deck, building a fence, painting, adding stairs and landscaping. His home was an oasis in the middle of the city where he and his friends could gather and relax.

TJ met his life partner William Benn in 2015. Together they traveled to places TJ dreamed about: China, Carnival in Brazil and cities throughout the country. They loved to spend time together doing their favorite things; listening to music, meals at their favorite restaurants, watching movies and just being with each other. They had plans to marry in the Fall.

TJ's other great love was his dog Tori. Tori was his forever companion and they spent days walking the neighborhood, at the dog park, cuddling up on the couch and playing catch.

It was impossible to resist TJ's smile and kind ways, He was very social and made friends wherever he went. Neighbors, his workers, rowing club members, customers and others he met all wound up becoming friends of TJ's. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. TJ was well respected and much loved. He will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to have had him in their lives.

TJ was preceded in death by his father, Ted O'Bey. TJ is survived by his life partner William Benn, mother Sandra Joan O'Bey, sisters Kimberly O'Bey Galt and Tammy O'Bey Barnes, brothers-in-law Michael Galt and Stephen Barnes, niece Cristine Galt Mori, her husband Mark and their children Charlotte and James, nephew Ryan Galt, and his wife Erin, and nephew Bram Barnes, his wife Alexa and their children Penelope and Amos.

Memorial services will be held at Columbia Funeral Home, 4567 Rainier Ave. So., Seattle on Friday, March 1, 2024. Viewing at 11:00 a.m. with service to follow. Remembrances may be made to Duwamish Rowing Club, 9234 Spear Pl. S. Seattle, WA 98118 Attn: TJ's memorial, or directly to https://square.link/u/A30jvwHZ.