BREWER – Theodore Armin “Ted” Symonds, 81, passed away December 22, 2013, at a Brewer health center. Ted was born Armin Gisler, on September 4, 1932, in Jonschwiel, Zurich, Switzerland, the son of Joseph and Katharine (Rolli) Gisler. Ted enjoyed a dual citizenship.
Ted was a very quiet man, a man of few words. He came to America with his parents who settled in New Hampshire back in the early 50s. He suffered from the polio curse over the last 75 years. Ted spent many an evening, with a long-time friend, Ed Armstrong, enjoying one of his most favored pastimes, the game of chess. He was a proud man and had many friends and always enjoyed visiting the Brewer Farmers Market. Often Ted would show up at the Brewer Rehab Center to enjoy the entertainment offered by the several local bands. Ted was a cabinet maker by profession and provided his services to hundreds of people through the decades. His creations and furniture repairs will live long after his years of service here on earth. Please pray for his soul.
Ted is survived by his brother, Franz Joseph Gisler; his sister, Margrith Dietiker-Gisler; sister-in-law, Hertha Huber-Ruedi; and nephews, Kurt-Rene Gisler, Heinz Gisler and Rolf Gisler, all of Switzerland. He missed dearly his late sister-in-law, Erika Ruedi Gisler. Ted had many friends, Christiany Knisley of New York, Ginger Penney of Orrington, Ed and Mary Armstrong and family of Hampden, Larry T. Doughty and Richard and Priscilla Gray, Mark Gray and crew at Owen Gray and Sons, all of Brewer. Friends of Ted gratefully thank the folks who took such good care of him at the Brewer Rehabilitation and Living Center where he has lived for the last 60 days.
Ted requested no services. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer.
Theodore Armin Symonds Armin Gisler
