Edward R. Lynch

Edward (Ted) R. Lynch — a fun-loving, caring and inspirational Cockney lad from South London — died peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at Sensations Memory Care with his wife, Nancy, by his side and his son, Tony, present on a video call. Ted fought a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Ted was born on January 31, 1946, in South London where he grew up. Ted was a lifelong supporter of Millwall Football Club (soccer to you Yanks). Life was not easy in South London after the war, and Ted learned what he called his “siege mentality.” While growing up, Ted loved getting into mischief with his brothers and cousins and had many stories to tell of those days. He cared deeply about people but didn’t tolerate wankers. He didn’t pretend to be anything else than what he was. Ted could talk (and did he ever love to talk!) to everyone and anyone. Everyone who met him felt comfortable.
After leaving school, Ted went to work in the London film industry with his dad as a scenic painter and grip. He worked on many films including “Star Wars,” “James Bond” and “Indiana Jones.” He had so many stories from those days; for example, the trees in Yoda’s swamp were full of beer cans. He met many big stars but treated them like any other people, and they liked coming to the carpentry shop on set to talk to him and the other guys.
After moving to the United States in 1987, Ted lived in East Lansing with his second wife and became a fixture in Mid-Michigan soccer during the 1990’s — coaching club, high school, ODP and even becoming the state director of coaching in 1996.
Most everyone loved being around Ted, and if they didn’t, they certainly remembered him! His naturally colorful language shocked and bemused, and his humor, smile, mischievous winks and positive spirit made players and friends feel invincible.
Ted went to work at the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids in 2002. While working there, he inspired innumerable kids and parents with his sunshine personality, wit and love of life. He never talked down to the kids, and they loved him for it. He always told them that you can’t control some situations, but you can control how you react to them. Ted became involved in the Eaton County 4-H program and came to love working with the swine program. He often said that, before he became a 4-H leader, the closest he came to a pig was a bacon sandwich. He was very impressed with 4-H and how everyone in the county came together at fair time to make everything run smoothly.
Ted loved the American people; always commenting on how nice they are. He became a United States citizen in 2004 and led activities at the National Home encouraging patriotism and community service. He loved taking the teens on trips to Washington, D.C. and to visit veterans at VA hospitals. He often said that America saved the world in WWII and that we gave Britain the baked bean.
Ted met his third wife, Nancy Bowers, at the National Home, and the two of them married in 2013. They purchased a home in Vermontville and a deciding factor in buying the house was that it was close to MOO-ville. The girls there knew when they saw Ted to make a chocolate-dipped waffle cone with Almond Joy ice cream.
Ted loved making people laugh, working, playing with children, traveling to London and Mexico, the Mexican people, Millwall Football and most of all his wife and family. His passing leaves a void in hundreds of people’s lives. He never lost his personality in spite of the dementia. Even though he was only at Sensations for two months, he made a giant impression on the staff and did his best to make them laugh. Ted would want us to remember to always have fun, have a laugh and always treat each other well. Always expect the ball and D.G.C.
Ted is survived by his wife, Nancy Bowers; sons: Tony (Naomi) Lynch, Danny Lynch; grandchildren: Harry, Billy, Alice, Lacey; his mother, Mary; four sisters; and loads of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Donations can be made in Ted’s name to Sensations Memory Care or Eaton County 4-H.