In loving memory of Theodore Lane:

Theodore Lane, known to family and friends as Ted, departed this world peacefully on November 22, 2023 surrounded by loved ones in Mount Vernon, WA.

Ted was born July 17, 1934, in New York City the second son of Russian emigres, Simon Harry and Gussie Lane who met and married in New York on the lower Eastside. The family, including brother Norman, later moved to Chester, Pennsylvania where Ted was raised and attended school. As an undergraduate at Temple University, Ted was a debater on the championship Temple debate team and graduated with a BS in economics. He later attended the University of Illinois for his Masters and the University of Washington for his PhD. 

Ted became an Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. But he enjoyed consulting and left the University faculty to found Human Resources Planning Institute (HRPI) an economic and social planning firm providing consulting services in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.  Later he was a consultant with the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) at the University of Alaska. He was appointed a White House Fellow in the late 70's and later, in association with Cheryl Thomas, the two formed Thomas/Lane Consultants.

For the past five decades Ted called the Seattle area home where he embraced a life full of richness and meaning. He became an accomplished boater and owner of the classic wooden boat Victoria, a "Lake Washington Dream Boat". Always sharing, Ted often took his sons and family and friends on boating adventures to the San Juan Islands and to Blake Island for Fourth of July celebrations complete with fireworks.

Ted's journey was deeply intertwined with his second wife Cheryl Thomas who predeceased him in November 2016. Together they shared a profound love and appreciation for economics, politics, literature, travel and the arts. As accomplished economists, their successful partnership found them living for extended periods in both Puerto Rico and Alaska. Their travels weren't just destinations but immersive adventures that enriched their shared experiences.

Ted found joy in his routine, particularly in his weekly breakfast gatherings on Capitol Hill with cherished friends where debate of politics, economics and the design of new and "improved" freeway infrastructure could be renewed with every sip of coffee.

Ted's voracious appetite for reading was legendary. He often recalled details from books long after the last page was turned. An avid news enthusiast and lover of stimulating debate, Ted's keen interest in world affairs and economics was just one facet of his personality. His love for sports, particularly tennis and baseball, often played out on his TV screen. No subject was off-limits for Ted and his inquisitive mind fostered many an engaging discussion.

Ted is survived by his son Joshua Edward Lane, daughter in law Petra Lane and his granddaughter Margaret Isabella Lane. He was predeceased by his son Geoffrey Martin Lane who died in 2017.

In his final weeks, Ted found solace and affection surrounded by his stepdaughter and her husband, Carol Thomas and Allen Rozema in Mount Vernon. Extended visits from Cheryl's other children, Greg, Brian, David, and Todd, provided additional comfort and support.

Ted will be deeply missed by his friends and family. His life was one of fulfillment and impact. As we remember Ted, let us celebrate the richness he brought to our lives and the enduring legacy of friendship and intellectual curiosity that he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Ted's memory to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 30th at the Fremont Foundry, 154 N. 35th St. Seattle from 1-4pm. Refreshments and appetizers will be served. Bring photos to share. Speakers encouraged.

You may post messages or photos for family & friends to see at the memorial website located at https://everloved.com/life-of/theodore-lane/.