Ted Wilson passed away in Maui, Hawaii, last month.
To hundreds of San Diegans who knew him, Teddy was your basic, friendly, next-door neighbor who would laugh at your jokes, no matter how corny, and be Johnny-on-the-Spot in times of need.
Wilson, 70, was an outstanding athlete who came from a family of athletes.
Teddy was a two-year lettermen as a fullback and linebacker in football at Hoover in 1958 and 1959, played two seasons at San Diego City College, and was a linebacker at New Mexico University for two years.
He also had a four-year tour in the Marine Corps and played baseball and football for the San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot Devildogs and while stationed on the island of Okinawa.
Teddy’s younger brother, Gary, was a standout running back on Hoover’s 1963 Eastern League champions. Gary rushed for than 270 yards in only one half of a game for San Diego State against Mexico Poly in 1966.
The brothers’ father, Ted, Sr., guided thousand of athletes as a recreation director at playgrounds throughout San Diego, El Cajon, and Coronado for more than 40 years.
The senior Wilson played football at San Diego State and starred in the same backfield with future all-America Irvine (Cotton) Warburton at San Diego High.
Teddy’s wife, Ann, had a simple request on behalf of his family:
“Please take someone you love to dinner in Ted’s memory.”
As catcher on the 1966 MCRD baseball team, Ted was tough as nails. He caught many games with an injured, perhaps broken left hand, for which he developed special protective devices. Nice man, good Marine and heck of good ball player.
May the Lord’s peace be with him
I apologize for getting back to you so late. I was out of state for several days. You hit the nail on the head with Teddy Wilson. I remember him fondly.
I just learned about Ted’s death. I was his roommate and teammate at the University of New Mexico years ago. We lost touch years ago but I think of him often.
Rick-great job for Teddy. He was a good guy. Remember when he wore a football helmet at Teri and I’s wedding. Good player and great teammate.
The football helmet was typical of this fun-loving guy. He left us too soon.
Good job Rick I’m sure Ted would have approved.
Thanks, Gary. Best to you.