Theodore A. Comini

Ted, 92, passed away May 11, his family by his side.  He was born September 19, 1930 to Louie Comini and Florence (Iams) Comini, in The Dalles, Oregon.  Ted graduated from The Dalles High School in 1950.  After graduating he became Wasco County Zone 2 Fire Chief until entering the US Army serving in Army Security, European Occupational Forces.  

Ted married Dale Walsh September 21, 1952 in The Dalles, they had 3 children.  He began his career with Oregon Department of Forestry in the summer of 1949, on Postage Stamp Lookout, in The Dalles, moving to Prineville, Oregon in 1965.  He was a fire management officer and then moved into to fire investigations.,  Many young crews learned their firefighting skills and how to use a shovel during his training sessions.  Ted also taught a number of wildfire investigation classes throughout the state. 

After retirement Ted put his investigative skills to work for the Minturn-VanVorhees-Larson-Dixon law firm, then served as a Crook County Commissioner.  One of the many projects he worked on that he was most proud of was the Crook County RV park. 

He was a long time member of BPOE 1814 where he served as an officer and a Grand Lodge auditor.  Ted was also a member of the Band of Brothers.  He participated in the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Councils, was a member of the Forest Industries Committee of the Central Oregon Council of Governments, and served as a juvenile judge.

Woodworking and volunteering were Ted’s hobbies, often combining those two by working on projects for the Soroptimists, the Neat Repeat, and the Senior Center.

Ted is survived by his three children, Deb (Woody), Salem, Lenna (Nicco), Beaverton, Jeff (Karen), Prineville; 3 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; brother Lynn (Bennita) John Day, and 8 nieces and nephews. All of whom loved him and are so proud of the all he gave to them, his community and country.  

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Dale, his twin brother, Jim, brother Cal, and parents. 

A celebration of life will be held July 15 at 1 pm at the Prineville Elks. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Prineville Senior Center, Prineville Elks, or History Center Oregon Department of Forestry.  

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