Theodore (Ted) Riddle, age 90, passed away on September 23rd. He was a resident of Colorado Springs since 1979. He was a retired Master Chief Petty Officer (HMCM) in the United States Navy, having served his country as a Hospital Corpsman for 30 years. His second career after the Navy was working for the State of Colorado as a career counselor at the Pikes Peak Job Service Center for 10 years.
Ted was born on August 29th, 1936 to Snively and Ruth Riddle in Modesto, California. He joined the Navy in 1955, and served aboard 2 ships during his time in the Navy, the USS Saint Paul (CA-73) and the USS Mars (AFS-1). He served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars while in the Navy.
On December 2nd, 1959, he married Takako (June) in Yokosuka, Japan, and they were happily married for 47 years before she passed in 2006.
Ted had many hobbies and passions over his life, which included running, traveling, healthy & holistic living, Tai Chi, and helping others. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He attended the University of Maryland where he earned his Bachelor of Science, and later attended the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs where he earned a Masters Degree in Education. Ted grew up in Waterford, California, and attended Oakdale High School.
Ted is survived by his son, Eric.
A visitation will be held from 9 AM to 10 AM on Saturday, October 3rd at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home. Memorial Services will follow from 10 AM to 11 AM at the Shrine of Remembrance, immediately followed by military honors.
Memorials in Ted’s name may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.
Ted will always be remembered by his kindness, generosity, his love of telling stories & jokes, and his passion for healthy living.
I am saddened by the passing of my Uncle Ted. Of my three uncles, I was closest to Uncle Ted. We spent a lot of time together attending seminars in Las Vegas together. I have fond memories of the time I spent with Uncle Ted. He had a curious mind and was always studying life issues. He was certainly kind and generous. My times that I spent with him and my Aunt June in Japan were also memorable events for me. I will truly miss him. Eric, you were everything Uncle Ted and Aunt June hoped for in their son. They were both very proud of you and all that you accomplished and the man you had become. The Uncles and my mom are all back together now with Grandma and Grandpa.
The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for HMCM Riddle’s 30 years of distinguished service to our country in the Navy. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Mr. Riddle was a neighbor and good friend to my family and me for years. He was always very kind to me, and he wrote a beautiful referral for me when I applied to college. I am positive that referral helped allow me to go to that institution. Mr. Riddle was always pleasant and fun to be around and will be missed by many.
Our deepest condolences to Eric and his family for this loss. Mr. Riddle was a wonderful person. Eric is a fine man as well, and we know his Mom and Dad are so very proud of him.