Sometimes, people land in a place by chance, yet leave a lasting imprint. Such was the case with Ted Walker.
In late 2013, Ted discovered Cortona. Like so many others, after reading or seeing Under the Tuscan Sun, he found a rental online, booked it, and set his course – never imagining the impact on his life or others.
Over the next several years, Ted became a familiar face to many, and even an important extended family member to some. He also learned to speak Italian quite well.
Ted had hoped to put several health problems behind him and return to Cortona this spring, but it was not to be. His absence has left quite a void in the hearts of his Cortona “family” and friends, who placed a tribute in the local paper L’ETRURIA, dated April 15:
Gli Amici di Cortona ti Salutano
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With apologies for a non-exact translation, it reads in part:
“To our great friend Ted, who arrived in Cortona like many, filled with curiosity to discover what brings people here from all over the world.
“We are convinced he discovered it right away because he never got away from us until the last moment when his watch stopped.”
The article pays tribute to Ted for reminding locals of what a privilege it is to live in a place like Cortona, and describes him as a generous and kind man. It ends with this wonderful thought:
“If there is life after death, we will meet again to laugh and joke like we started here in this world you loved so much.”
The following are of some of my favorite memories shared with Ted in Cortona.
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Rest in peace, Ted. Riposare in Pace.
©Blogginginitaly.com
And yes, we raise a Prosecco to you!
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 
He looked as though he really enjoyed life. Sorry for your loss.
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He sure did, and made others feel the same. Thanks.
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Such a sweet blog.
Sent from my iPad
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For a nice man.
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He looks like such a nice man. Sad he didn’t make it back again this year but wonderful he got to experience the joy of Cortona and its wonderful people!
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He took to Cortona so quickly – it became a second home for him like so many of us.
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I am so very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and Len.
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Thanks, Julia and hugs back to you and Mike. Hope to see you here one day as well!
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It is a perfect description of a nice memory
Thanks for sharing
________________________________
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A very nice memory indeed!
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Buona Pasqua! Grazie for your continuing blog. Every photo and your every story makes me want to take the next plane to Rome and the next train to Cortona. I have not been there since I lived with the Capuchin Friars at Le Celle for one week in 1974. Enjoy your days and weeks and months in Tuscany. One day I may surprise you with a knock on the door. Saluti Santa Margarita per me! Ciao! Ciao! Pace e Bene!
P. Carlo Faso OFM
(I have preaching a retreat to six Poor Clare Sisters this week in Omaha NE. Tomorrow, I return to Chicago.)
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Hmmm, 1974, doesn’t that tell you something??? Time to put Cortona back on the itinerary. How happy we’d be to answer the door and find you! Pace e bene, e, Santa Margherita non sta parlando troppo in questi giorni!!
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Thank you for the reminder that we have to live in the moment. It looks like that was Ted’s philosophy.
Give Len a big hug. See you both in October.
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How right you are and how easy it is to live in the moment soaking in the Tuscan vistas while sipping Prosecco!
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What a lovely tribute. I remember seeing him around town–
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Yes, that was easy to do! And thanks.
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In every photo he looked so joyful
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and he was – he so loved Cortona
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We miss you Ted so much. We had so many plans with Jim & Donna Mayfield… you will always be in our hearts. Remember ” It is always nice to be in the room with ya”🇺🇸
Love to you in heaven –
Jim & Donna Mayfield- St. Louis- MO
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And in the hearts of many in Cortona…we still expect to see him sitting in his favorite Cortona spots.
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