Theodore “Ted” Richard Cheesman

07/26/1927 – 11/21/2010

Theodore (Ted) Richard Cheesman, 83, passed away on November 21, 2010, following complications of a major stroke. He is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law Kerry (Maryann), Kevin (Ann), Kendal, and four grandsons (Ian Cheesman, Nathan Cheesman, Brendan Vallier and Kristopher Cheesman), as well as his long-term companion Lavonne Sanchez. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Kim Cheesman.

Ted spent his professional career working for the City of Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara County as a property assessor. He was an avid railroader, a founding member of the Goleta Valley Railroad Club, and was active in building and displaying 1-½” scale trains that children and adults could ride. His beautifully-crafted Circus Train was featured may times at the South Coast Railroad Museum in Goleta. He served as a volunteer docent on the Amtrak between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo.

Ted was a vital part of the Santa Barbara theater scene, serving intermission coffee service at the Lobero Theater for more than 20 years, and serving as House Manager for the past 40 years at the Santa Barbara City College Theaters and the Arlington Theater. He was active in Scouting as the father of three Eagle Scouts and the grandfather of three Eagle Scouts, and served in various capacities in the troop and the district. In retirement he spent many years as the coordinator and chief craftsman for Services Aimed at Independent Living (SAIL), building wheelchair ramps and other features on homes to help elderly and handicapped residents.

Services will be held on December 18 at 10:00 at the Arlington Theater, 1317 State Street, Santa Barbara. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Ted Cheesman Memorial fund at the Foundation for Santa Barbara City College, 721 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93109.