Obit: Ted Scourtis - Newburyport, MA 1945-2013

Subject: Obit: Ted Scourtis - Newburyport, MA 1945-2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 01:39 PM

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.

(several paragraphs more)"

Subject: RE: Obit: Ted Scourtis - Newburyport, MA 1945-2013
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 06:04 PM

I heard about this on Facebook, and wondered what had happened. I enjoyed hearing him on Friday nights. He was a great guy, and lately I'd wondered if he still showed up at the Press Room once in a while. My condolences.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ted Scourtis - Newburyport, MA 1945-2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 06:33 PM

He was down to the Friday session in, I think September or October. Price of gas from Solon, Maine to Portsmouth kept him away. Saw a lot more of him back in the old days when he lived in Newburyport. I just came across a Bob Nilson drawing of the Friday session that included him, I think it was dated in the '90s. I'll have to check the year again.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Ted Scourtis - Newburyport, MA 1945-2013
From: GUEST,Kristina Olsen Tynes
Date: 26 Mar 13 - 10:45 PM

We were so sad to hear about our dear friend Ted.
We had lost touch with him since he stopped doing Yankee Homecoming
several years ago. But we have so many joyful memories of Ted, his
gift as an emcee and his support of all of us with our music.
My husband and I remembered that Ted was with us when we met for the
first time 27 years ago at the open mic at the Press Room...We will miss him so much.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ted Scourtis - Newburyport, MA 1945-2013
From: GUEST,Mj
Date: 19 Dec 13 - 07:01 PM

I'm so very sorry for the loss of this man who was so obviously loved and appreciated. I met Ted in Newburyport in 1990 ish. We stayed in touch off and on, then life intervened. I have often thought of him, and found this doing a search to see if I could find a number just to call and say hello after so many years. Blessings to his friends and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ted Scourtis - Newburyport, MA 1945-2013
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Dec 19 - 08:55 AM

Grew up across the driveway from the Scourtis's on Amory St. in Brookline. Ted was a childhood friend and an adult friend as well. We were friends through child hood and beyond. We had countless adventures as you might imagine. We went to Woodstock together. I knew the whole family; Phillip, Daphne, Edith, Telemacus. A flood of memories. All good. He was a big brother and a close friend to me. 5 years older than me but included me in everything. Many nights at the Tea Party. He kept me in fender basses and other cool musical items. I still have and play the Fenders. A gentle soul who loved the world.

Ted Parkins