Ted Hobbs died suddenly and peacefully on February 20, 2013, after a brief illness.

Ted was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 45. He was in the process of completing his Masters Degree and the diagnosis didn’t stop him. He became involved with the BC Parkinson’s Disease Association (BCPDA), including counselling others who were newly diagnosed and representing the Association on CBC’s Morningside program.

In 1989, Ted was hired by the BCCPD, first as the Coordinator of Coalition Enterprises, then as a disability rights advocate with Advocacy Access. Ted delivered workshops and helped develop many of BCCPD’s advocacy manuals and resources.

He was very proud of his advocacy work and grateful to both the Parkinson’s Association and BCCPD for allowing him to serve the community. He once told his wife, Karen, about a client who said, “I have Parkinson’s. You have no idea what I am going through.” Ted decided not to correct the man and said, “Why don’t you tell me about it.” Ted felt his job was not to share his difficulties, but to allow the client to tell their story.

Ted is survived by his wife Karen, his children Clayton and Julie, their mother Leah, Ted’s mother Edna, his brother Robert and sister Mary Lou. Ted has two nieces, one nephew and two great nieces.