Theodore James Hackworth, Jr.

Theodore James Hackworth, Jr., (T.J. ""Ted"" Hackworth), 83, died at his home in Denver on Monday, November 9, 2009. Ted was a life-long Denver native. He was born on November 7, 1926, to Theodore and Thelma Hackworth. Ted graduated from East High School in 1945 and Denver University in 1955 with a Bachelor Degree in Business. He was married 61 years to Doris Larson of Denver, Colorado, and raised three children. Ted was a canteen and sales manager for Wonder Bread, a salesman for Sigman Meat Company and Vice President of Pierce Packing before beginning his political career on the Denver School Board from 1971-1977. Prior to finishing his term on the Denver School Board, he was elected District 2 Denver City Councilman, where he served the district well for 26 years. He was highly respected throughout Denver and known for speaking his mind and not backing down. He served on various boards during his tenure as City Councilman, including Denver Regional Councils of Government, National Association of Regional Councils and Denver Regional Transportation District. Until his death, he continued as an Executive Committee Board member of Metro Wastewater Reclamation District. Ted served in the Army Air Force during World War II with an honorable discharge. Ted served as a Cub Master, Scout Master, Explorer Advisor and District Commissioner for the Boy Scouts of America. One of his proudest achievements was choosing the final design concept for the DIA Terminal building complex. Ted felt strongly that it was his calling to serve public interests. He was a strong supporter of the Denver Police and Fire Departments. He served his fellow citizens as President and Board member of Harvey Park Improvement Association. Political action committees were his passion. Equally important to his public side was his private dedication to his family and friends. Ted was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Doris; children, Jim Hackworth (Linda) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Joan Grady (Lenard) of Caldwell, Idaho; and Linda Hoffman (Rob) of Fort Collins, Colorado. Ted is also survived by eight grandchildren – Doug Hackworth (Heather) of Berryville, Virginia; Robert Hackworth (Natalie) of Leesburg, Virginia; Scott Grady and Erick Grady of Phoenix, Arizona; Kelly Grady of Caldwell, Idaho; Alyssa, Adam and Alec Hoffman of Fort Collins, Colorado; and three great grandchildren – Cody, Kristin, and Laura Hackworth. He is also survived by his sister, Jo Kliewer, of Aurora, Nebraska; and his brother, Robert Hackworth, of Dunedin, Florida. He was preceded in death by one sister, Betty. Memorial Services honoring Ted's life will be held Monday, November 16, 2009 at 3:00 P.M., at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 East County Line Road (just one block to the west of Holly Street), in Centennial, Colorado 80122. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ted's name are suggested to: - American Heart Association 1280 South Parker Road Denver, Colorado 80231-2100 - American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, Virginia 22312 - Boy Scouts of America, Denver Area Council 10455 West 6th Avenue, Suite 100 Denver, Colorado 80215 Please share your memories of Ted and your condolences with his family by selecting the ""sign guestbook"" button below.