Edward "Ted" Selves

SELVES, Edward "Ted" Thomas - Age 84, of Flint Township, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 14, 2020 while surrounded by his family.  Private services and burial will take place at Flint Memorial Park, Mt. Morris.  A celebration of life is being planned for spring or summer when it is safe to have everyone that loved him together again. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to the charity of your choice.

Ted was born in Flint on August 27, 1936 to Alfred and Sarah (Drew) Selves.  He was the third youngest of 14 children.  He lived his entire life on the same street and always enjoyed the large family celebrations that took place at his mother’s home with all his siblings.  He worked with his brothers doing construction and at Fisher Body.

Ted married Donna (Bonney) on April 19, 1958 in Flint.  He loved her beyond words and often said, “I don’t know what I’d do without her.” They celebrated 62 years of marriage in April 2020 and were always an extraordinary example of true love.  He always kept an old black & white photo of them in his wallet from their first date at the roller rink.  Family was important to Ted.  He was so proud to be a loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and for the last three years Great-Grandpa.

Life completely changed when he was paralyzed in an accident in July of 1969.  He showed tremendous strength and determination and was able to walk with crutches for many years. With the love and support of family and friends he overcame so many obstacles.  He didn’t let much hold him back.  He could be found in the garage woodworking or just “puttering around,” and you could always hear him whistling.  If not in the garage you could surely find him on his John Deere.  He loved plowing snow, tilling up a garden, mowing, or his favorite, giving his granddaughters a ride on the tractor.  He spent years hanging out with the gang at Dyn-O-Bite Donuts and was a season ticket holder for the Flint Generals for many years.

Ted was a bow hunter and loved getting out into the woods with his bow and camera.  He loved spending time at Berg’s Bow Camp in Houghton Lake with the Berg’s, Bauer’s, and Weiss’.  Many summers were spent relaxing at the cottage on Myers Lake.  He loved running the bulldozer and fixing things with “Dad Berg.”

One of his all-time favorite things to do was hook up the travel trailer to his Suburban and head to the U.P. to go camping for two weeks at Brevoort Lake.  Being able to take the granddaughters along for the extra week was very special to him.  He would entertain everyone while “fishing” for chipmunks with a peanut strung to a stick.  You’d also find him webbing any lawn chair in need of repair or whittling away on a stick.  Our family made lifelong friends at the campground and he always looked forward to the U.P. trip and spending some time with the Mitchell’s.  He enjoyed riding along to get firewood or going to “The Little (or Big) Store” to have coffee with Ron.  He looked forward to at least one rainy day so the families could have our annual dinner at the Trading Post.  The annual Brevoort Lake camping trip is still a family tradition to this day.

He was so grateful for the help of so many caring nieces, nephews, friends, and special neighbors over the years.  He knew there were things he could not do and always appreciated having such kind and generous people to depend on.  The last several years were challenging and he was not able to get out of the house as much as he would have liked.  The visits and candy deliveries from his brother-in-law Doug were something he enjoyed and looked forward to.  He spent quite a bit of time doing word search puzzles and “watching the critters.”  He kept the squirrels and birds well fed.

Due to Covid-19 we are not able to gather to share the beautiful memories we all have.  Over the next few days, we ask you to take a few minutes and do something he enjoyed; listen to Against the Wind by Bob Seger and look out the window to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Dad, you were a generous, loving man and a true inspiration.  We will try our best to pass on everything you taught us.  We will “have a good time, be careful, and watch our speed,” and we will most definitely “take great care of Mom!”  You will be missed by so many and will be with us in our hearts forever.  We know that you are no longer in pain, walking tall in a much better place, and will be watching over us.

Ted is survived by his loving wife, Donna Selves; 3 children, Charles (Nancy) Selves, Randy (Dawn) Selves, and Deanna Selves; 2 granddaughters, Kristen Selves and Lindsey (Ryan) Strom; 2 great-granddaughters, Finley and Vivian Strom; and 2 sisters, Shirley Mulligan and Violet Porritt.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Sarah Selves and several brothers and sisters. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek.