Theodore Roosevelt Lyles' Obituary
Theodore “Ted/Teddy” Roosevelt Lyles Jr was born March 30, 1948, to his loving parents Emma Virginia Lyles and Theodore Roosevelt Lyles in Oakland, California. He was the second child of their union, giving the title of older brother by 18 months to Ozzie Samuel Lyles. The family lived on 86th Ave in Oakland and the home has remained in the family ever since.
Ted attended St. Lous Bertrand elementary school through the 8th grade, graduating in 1962. He moved to public school in 9th grade at Havenscourt Middle School and Castlemont High School the following year. His parents’ divorce moved Ted, with his mother and brother, to North Oakland where he attended Oakland Technical High School, graduating in 1966. After his parents’ divorce, Ted, Ozzie and Emma became a tight-knit family unit. As they got older, they remained in close touch, talking every day.
In 1968 Ted married Lela “Kathy” Norman and had his only daughter Tiffany Raquel in 1969. Although their relationship ended, Ted and Kathy remained friends. Through another relationship came the birth of his son Theodore Roosevelt III in 1976. He started dating the love of his life, Suzanne “Suzy” Washington, in 1980 and they got married in 1984. Together they had two sons, Christopher Marc in 1983 and Nicholas Maurice in 1986. Ted and Suzy created a loving home for all the children.
Camping was another of Ted’s joys. Early trips were to the beach and Russian River; later, annual Memorial Day camping at East Park Reservoir became a tradition that grew into a go-to event for family and friends. Boats, jet skis, campers, and trailers were added toys throughout the years. Ted’s mother’s purchase of property in Mariposa provided additional rustic getaways which always include fishing in the pond and trips to Yosemite.
In 2004, Ted was diagnosed with stage 3 multiple myeloma. He underwent treatment including a successful stem cell transplant which gave him a prognosis of a 5-year remission. It was 17 years before cancer returned. Unfortunately, the new cancer was different and more aggressive. He fought a good fight. Whenever he felt even a little better, he would go back to his routines of gardening, house projects, and cooking.
Ted is survived by wife Suzanne, his brother Ozzie, children Tiffany Lyles-Hill and husband Donald Hill, Theodore Lyles III and partner Sylvia Molina, Christopher Lyles and partner Shonda Ward, Nicholas Lyles and partner Christine Pham, Grandchildren Kaitlyn Melonson and husband Rhionell Melonson, Hailey Hill, Marlo Hill, Malory Hill, Donovan Hill, Marley Lyles, Samara Lyles, Calista Lyles, Christopher Lyles Jr., Nathaniel Lyles, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
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