It is with Unimaginable Sadness that we have lost our Dear Ted Zanidakis

akleinb611 · #1 01-09-2024, 01:15 PM

Damn

DAMN

damn.

This hurts. I've reached the magical stage in life when losing someone you know and cherish is, alas, not an unusual event. But losing Ted hurts big time.

I never met him (although I'm sure we brushed up against one another at some point). But his hobby expertise, his grasp of the history, and most of all, his kindness and generosity came through every time he posted - and every time someone else posted about him.

My closest hobby friend was the late Bobby Bostoff (may his memory be a blessing). I've continued to collect since his death, but I'd be lying if I denied that a lot of the fun went out of the hobby when he died.

The lesson - the cards are fun, but they're just cards. The people you meet along the way - they're truly what matters.

Alan Kleinberger

danmckee · #2 01-09-2024, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akleinb611

Damn

DAMN

damn.

This hurts. I've reached the magical stage in life when losing someone you know and cherish is, alas, not an unusual event. But losing Ted hurts big time.

I never met him (although I'm sure we brushed up against one another at some point). But his hobby expertise, his grasp of the history, and most of all, his kindness and generosity came through every time he posted - and every time someone else posted about him.

My closest hobby friend was the late Bobby Bostoff (may his memory be a blessing). I've continued to collect since his death, but I'd be lying if I denied that a lot of the fun went out of the hobby when he died.

The lesson - the cards are fun, but they're just cards. The people you meet along the way - they're truly what matters.

Alan Kleinberger

OMG Alan! Bobby Bostoff of Empire State Sports was the BEST! Bobby found the Original first R337 Strip with the advertising on it stating the issuer as The Eclipse Import Company! The top card on the strip had the Ad back! KILLER! I used to watch Bob and Joe Bosley riding the stationary bikes at the Hotel at the National. Great Memories there!

danmckee · #3 01-09-2024, 03:46 PM

As my Heart hurts, I would like to share my very first meeting with Dear Ted in the very early 1980's at Willow Grove.

My Dad told me the George C Miller Set was very tough and Rare and only issued in the NE area so I started walking the show and found a small stash of them. It was Ted's table. I was maybe 22 years old and Ted was seasoned. We negotiated for awhile and agreed and then I pulled out my check book.

Ted said "No Checks, Cash only" I am like OMG, I don't have that kind of cash on me.... What can I do I am thinking. So I go back to our table and Dad and Alan Rosen are there bull shitting and saw me moping. They ask what's wrong and I told them and Alan jumped up and said "Come on son"

We walked over to Ted's table and Alan said "Ted, take the kid's God Damn Check, I will cover it" Well that was the end of it, and Ted and I became excellent friends ever since. We shared a love of Rare oddball old cards.

Having someone who pulled 1949 Bowmans and 1949 Leafs from Packs was just a gift to talk to. We would discuss, argue, and laugh.... I must say, I do not remember winning a single card argument but was very happy to be corrected by 1 of the best ever!

1 Final note, Thanks so much to all of you for all of the wonderful statements and thoughts and prayers. This board is special and very well run, and though it has been wounded here, it will continue to grow and be a great place for great folks.

Dan Mckee

icollectDCsports · #4 01-09-2024, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danmckee

As my Heart hurts, I would like to share my very first meeting with Dear Ted in the very early 1980's at Willow Grove.

My Dad told me the George C Miller Set was very tough and Rare and only issued in the NE area so I started walking the show and found a small stash of them. It was Ted's table. I was maybe 22 years old and Ted was seasoned. We negotiated for awhile and agreed and then I pulled out my check book.

Ted said "No Checks, Cash only" I am like OMG, I don't have that kind of cash on me.... What can I do I am thinking. So I go back to our table and Dad and Alan Rosen are there bull shitting and saw me moping. They ask what's wrong and I told them and Alan jumped up and said "Come on son"

We walked over to Ted's table and Alan said "Ted, take the kid's God Damn Check, I will cover it" Well that was the end of it, and Ted and I became excellent friends ever since. We shared a love of Rare oddball old cards.

Having someone who pulled 1949 Bowmans and 1949 Leafs from Packs was just a gift to talk to. We would discuss, argue, and laugh.... I must say, I do not remember winning a single card argument but was very happy to be corrected by 1 of the best ever!

1 Final note, Thanks so much to all of you for all of the wonderful statements and thoughts and prayers. This board is special and very well run, and though it has been wounded here, it will continue to grow and be a great place for great folks.

Dan Mckee

Thanks for sharing that story. It�s so sad that he�s passed.

Bigdaddy · #5 01-09-2024, 09:38 PM

I only knew Ted through his posts here which were always informative and gracious. Like many have said, not only his knowledge, but his willingness to freely share that knowledge, will be missed greatly.

Rest easy, brother.

robw1959 · #6 01-09-2024, 09:54 PM

I think maybe my favorite post from Ted Z was the one in which he recounted how he had located the exact building that once housed the American Tobacco Company that printed all of those T206 cards with the assortment of backs. He politely asked a security guy if he could have a self-guided tour of the place, but the guy looked at him like he was a lunatic and told him to move along. It just shows the passion Ted had for the hobby.

Tim Kindler · #7 01-09-2024, 03:50 PM

Truly a great loss for mankind in general. He was so full of knowledge, but more importantly, such a kind and considerate human to humbly share with you that knowledge. I will miss talking to him and asking him questions at the Nationals. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. His contributions to our hobby and society will always live on.

Thank you Ted.

Tim Kindler

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