Obituary of Ted Hermach

Our beloved son, Ted Hermach, passed away on July 14th from severe pneumonia. He was born in Eugene in 1952, attended Santa Clara grade school, Madison Jr. High and North Eugene High. A natural athlete, he excelled in all school team sports winning many personal awards. But he also enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout Oregon with his three older brothers and many friends. A three year move to Virginia in his sophomore year brought additional awards in track, football, basketball and baseball. He was awarded a football scholarship at Emery and Henry University, attending until a move back to Oregon in 1971. After a variety of work experiences in the Eugene area and attending Lane Community College, in 1981 he visited his brother Terry in Whittier, Alaska. He decided to remain in Alaska, fishing in Prince William Sound for a number of years. He began work as a longshoreman, as a member of the Inland Boatman’s Union and International Longshore and Warehouse Union, servicing large ocean-going railroad barges, and then cruise ships. After over 30 years of arduous work in all kinds of weather, his health deteriorated. For several years, he spent winters at his parent’s home in Eugene until he was no longer able to work. So in 2010 he made a permanent move and shared the family home in Eugene.He benefited from the excellent medical care available in Eugene, requiring treatment for multiple conditions. He gives thanks to the many doctors and staffs who have helped him so much this past five years. Pain management allowed him to experience many good days to compensate for the bad. He enjoyed salmon fishing on the Yachats River with yellow lab in his small RV and took occasional trips with his parents. Watching TV sports on his TV have him much pleasure when bed ridden.He is remembered for his kind and gentle character, never complaining, his generosity, love of nature and backyard gardening. He is survived by his parents, George and Ruth, his three brothers, Tim and his wife Deborah, Tom, and Terry and many nieces and nephews. A private memorial will be held for family and his friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Food for Lane County. He will be missed and was the sweetest man ever.