Ted, Farmer and Friend

Anna Hoekstra
Zeeland, Michigan
King's University College

In the 24 hours since I have learned of Ted's passing, I continue to remember my many encounters with him. One of my first reactions to writing for this was- I don't know anything about him- he was always listening to ME when we talked! I do know Ted was a kind listener, a minister to people and to the earth. I knew Ted from environmental studies and psychology classes at King's College and hiking with the outdoors club. We were both involved with King's hands - a group that went to a juvenile detention center to have devotions with the teens and of course we were involved with the environmental group on campus.
Ted was the head of this group one year and suggested I evaluate the need and location for recycle bins around campus. I also would see Ted at the farmer's market selling organic vegetables from Vreind's farm- I eventually worked there too. Our mutual interest and common experiences in politics, third world issues, spirituality, church, sustainability, farming, Quakers kept bringing us together. I remember he came with me to a Quaker potluck in Grand Rapids and by the end of the potluck he knew more people's names than I did, even though I had been attending for much longer! Ted was so honest about what he knew and didn't know! I have a few friends who are agnostic and I would relate to Ted my conversations with them and how I would find my beliefs by talking to someone who believed differently. Ted contacted me later, interested in hearing more from my friends for a seminary paper. I might be able to get a copy if anyone is interested. But he met them and interviewed them in my kitchen about their beliefs--

More recently Ted has been a support as a friend to my farm. He came out to see our small production the first year and the second year. He was interested in everything, even my horrible, amateur plumbing job! We sat under a tent and ate pie with my parents. Another interesting story - Ted I think really like potatoes- He asked if he could come out to the farm and pick some potatoes, and I said yes, of course we have plenty! I showed him where to look - potatoes were hard to find at that time because the plant had died and all that were left were huge weeds, well he dug and dug up 90 lbs of potatoes- We talked a few
months later- I am still eating your potatoes!! -- he said. What an encouraging and supportive friend. I really can't wait to spend more time with him!!