For those of you who didn't know, Tom and I lost the physical presence of a great friend this past weekend. But Ted Scourtis's voice -- singing, joking or arguing, I mean, discussing life, the universe, everything (and quoting Mark Twain, H.L. Mencken and others) -- will ring loud and loving in my head for the rest of my life. In Tom, too.

Linn

Newburyport News

Here's the short version...

"Solon, Maine — Theodore "Ted" Scourtis passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. ...

He grew up in Brookline, Mass. and graduated from Brookline High School. His father emigrated from Greece and became a successful restaurateur, sparking Teddy's lifelong love of the American diner and the culinary arts. His mother instilled in him an insatiable thirst for knowledge that fostered his passion for science, history and literature.

A "child of the 60's", Ted took a nontraditional path following graduation, in which the breadth of his experiences included broadcasting school, falling in love, rock journalism, and Woodstock. His expansive musical knowledge in all genres did not go unnoticed by those in the business. He was a natural salesperson at E.U. Wurlitzer Music and Sound in Boston. Two of his "coolest" recollections were interviewing Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin as they emerged onto the music scene. Though he became a chef by trade he was always a musician at heart.

He eventually settled in Newburyport with his family in 1977 and considered it his home until the day he died. Over the years, he worked at many of the local restaurant establishments including the original Fowle's, Taffy's, Scandia and The Mall. However, his fondest memories would be those working and performing at The Grog, where he met many life-long friends. His ease in front of a crowd and ability to think on his feet made him a natural emcee. Ted's recognizable voice could be heard during many local music events, such as Yankee Homecoming, as he announced performances and encouraged budding artists.

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