Theodore E Kimpel Jr.

Theodore E (Ted) Kimpel, Jr, "Teddy" age 78, passed away peacefully in his Johnstown CO home on Wednesday, December 27 after a 7-month battle from the effects of a stroke and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Ted was born on September 18, 1945 to Theodore "Big Ted" and Dollie Kimpel in Denver, CO.
He graduated from North High School in 1963 and spent most of his life in the carnival business, following in his parent's footsteps. As a young man, he established Kimpel Concessions and Amusements working local events and festivals with his kiddie carnival, where "he sold fun". In the winter he was an assistant Commercial Exhibitor manager at the National Western Stock Show, selling saddle blankets and running a train in Kiddie Land. He was very proud when his own son, Dean, followed in his footsteps and took over the family business. Ted then continued to work for his son in the business that he loved. He also was a journeyman meat cutter and later drove a shuttle bus for Seniors.
After high school, Ted moved his family to California and became the youngest store manager in TG&Y history.
Ted was a collector and a haggler. He enjoyed yard sales and flea markets and worked the original Bonanza flea market for years.
Ted had a passion for the outdoors and wildlife, hunting, fishing, camping, travel, playing games and exploring new places. As chairman of the travel committee for the Lakewood Elks, he spent hours finding the right destination, at the right price. He traveled to over 34 countries and almost every state. Morraine Park in Rocky Mountain National Park was the place he wanted to visit most often. Whenever he saw an elk, he would get so excited. It was as though he had never seen one before, let alone thousands.
He got great satisfaction in playing Santa Claus. Whether going to a needy part of town on Christmas Eve with a bag full of toys; arriving in a helicopter or on a Clydesdale to take children's requests at the indoor flea market or coming to his grandchildren's holiday party on a fire truck, his love for children was unconditional.
Ted loved being entertained and entertaining at his house in Johnstown with the beautiful view of Long's Peak, cooking and family. Above all else, he loved his grandchildren, Connor and Cali and was heartbroken that he was not able to see them more often.
Ted is survived by his wife; Annette. Two grandchildren; Connor Kimpel and Cali Kimpel. Four nieces; Anita Armstrong, Leeann Dye (Steve), Normajean Werley, Loni Akers (Scott) and one nephew; Josh Fisher (Angela). Six great nieces; Madison Moreland, Daisy Dye, Ryleigh Akers, Julie Akers, Amelia Akers and Lois Fisher. Two great nephews; Cody Moreland and Dallas Dye; Sister-in-law: Janet Fisher (Craig); and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his son: Dean; parents: Ted and Dollie Kimpel; sisters: Venita Hedberg and Dolly Davis; brother-in-law's: Bill Hedberg, Randy Armstrong and Bill Davis; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to:
St Jude's Children's Research Hospital; St Jude Pl; Memphis TN 38105
Vitalant Foundation (formerly Bonfils Blood Donation Center); Dept #880519; PO Box 29650; Phoenix AX 85038-9650