Theodore Grandsen

Theodore (Ted) Michael Grandsen lost his battle for life on March 17, 2017, quietly with loving and devoted family by his side. He was born January 28, 1933 to parents Anthony and Mary Grandsen. His father was a blacksmith by trade and he moved here in 1923 with his wife and 3 kids, Mary (Mame), Pearl, and Donald, they lived in Minnesota. His brother in law August Egner, had told him there may be a job on the Robertson’s Ranch. As a side note, August Egner worked for the Strathern Ranch and is responsible for the cross up on Mt. McCoy at the west end of the valley. His mother worked for the Strathern’s as a housekeeper. Ted started out picking walnuts, grapes, and apricots on the ranch. Some may know it as the Sinaloa Ranch. Ted’s father Tony worked on the ranch for 20 years. He helped in the construction of Sinaloa Lake when the ranch owner, an avid fisherman, wanted his own fishing-hole.
Ted had a house built in the same area as the ranch that he grew up on. He lived there with his sister Betty and his best little friend, his dog “Sugar”. In 1956 he opened “Grandsen Nursery”. It was in business for 32 years. He along with his sisters Pearl and Betty, brother Don, and nephews Art and Terry sold landscape goods to Simi and surrounding areas. Some of those plants, no doubt are still growing around the valley. His love and devotion to this community and all his friends was only surpassed by that for all his family. He loved to have wonderful meals, usually cooked by his sister Betty, and have family and friends over. He had a big heart, every year at Christmas, he would buy little gifts for his nieces and nephews. Then his nephew Tony dressed like Santa and they would all sit on his lap and get a present. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from UCLA, he was a lifetime Bruin.
He went into local politics and in 1962 he won a seat on the Rancho Simi Park Board. He served until 1972 and was instrumental in creating the wonderful park system we have in Simi today. He also held the office of the second mayor of Simi Valley and supervisor of Ventura County, 4th district. He was President of Callagus Water Board and Director of the MWD Water Board, where he made many new friends, whom he often spoke of with love and admiration. I know that the friendship he had with all the people he had the joy to work with over the years was very important to him, he cared and cherished each of you.
He was preceded in death by his sister Mary and husband Gene, his sister Pearl, his brother Don and wife Ethel, his nephews Art and Doug, his great-great nephew Mathew. He is survived by his sister Betty, his nephews Terry (Darlene) and Tony (Jane), his nieces Maryann, Barbara (Jack), Kathy (Walter), and Doreen. His great nieces and nephews Candace, Karlie, Gabrielle, Jack, Josh, Elisabeth, Jessica, Jeff, Mike, Tracy, Tony, Art, Gary, and Jennifer. Many great-great nieces and nephews too. Ted loved Simi Valley, he served the area proudly with honor. He was a true pioneer of the area. His unbelievable knowledge of the area and ability to remember everything he read will be missed by all looking for a good, lively, conversation. His big smile, loving and compassionate ways, and devotion to friends and family will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He went by Theodore, most called him Ted, a few special people called him “Mr. G”, but all who loved and cherished him most just called him “Uncle Ted”.