Obituary of Edward Dennis Lott
The family of Edward Dennis (Ted) Lott is deeply saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at The Meadows of Dorchester in Niagara Falls, Ontario in his 88th year. Ted will be forever missed by his loving daughters, Melissa Lott (Chris Berstling) of Thorold, Ontario, and Sarah Noble (Steve Noble) of Mississauga, Ontario, by his adored granddaughter Marissa and cherished grandcats Avalon, Autumn and Buddy, by his beloved cousin Barb Thomas (Stu Thomas) of Ancaster and his nieces and nephews, and by the many other friends, family and community members whose lives he touched. Ted is predeceased by his father Dennis Lott, his mother Alice Smythe (nee Sadler), his sister Barbara Slack and, most notably, by his “queen” and wife of almost 63 years, Marian Lott (nee Akey), the love of his life, who passed away in October 2022.
Ted was a lifelong resident of the Niagara Peninsula. He grew up in St. Catharines, playing minor lacrosse and hockey during his youth for many of the championship St. Catharines teams. An avid car-racing and boating enthusiast, Ted raced hydroplanes and enjoyed sailing with his dad and friends before settling down to a career at The St. Catharines Standard that spanned close to 40 years. Ted liked to say that he was a lifelong newspaper guy, since he started delivering papers when he was about 10. His work at The Standard saw him win several awards and move up through the ranks from advertising sales to copywriting, layout and finally management. During those years, he was a handball enthusiast and greatly enjoyed working out with his buddies at the old downtown “Y”, located just down Queen Street from The Standard’s offices.
Much as he loved his colleagues and his work at The Standard, he felt very fortunate to be able to retire early and spend his time pursuing his passions. Anyone who knew Ted knew that he adored cars of all kinds as well as a good hustle, so he was truly in his element shuttling vehicles for local dealerships and getting in on the wheeling and dealing at the car auctions in Oshawa, Toronto, Brampton, Milton, Hamilton and Kitchener. A people-person by nature, he also got a kick out of driving a commuter mini-bus from the town of Thorold through Beaverdams Island to Thorold South and back, relishing the opportunity it gave him to chat up the locals. In retirement, he and Marian moved to Niagara Falls, lucking into a neighbourhood full of caring and kind-hearted neighbours. Eventually, the polio he suffered as a child caught up with him and mobility issues forced him to slow down. Yet despite sometimes disabling pain, Ted soldiered on, never complaining. In later years, he got involved with the Salvation Army and took great pleasure in volunteering to deliver food to the homeless and “work the kettles” to support their annual Red Shield Appeal. He was proud to be able to contribute and loved the opportunity it gave him to be out and about, rubbing shoulders with people.
Ted was a kind, genuine and unassuming man with a heart of gold. Beneath his quiet demeanor lay an inimitable sense of humour: He was famous for his deadpan delivery of “zingers” and “Lottie-isms” that could completely confound the uninitiated. He was creative, funny and fun to be around, and he was completely devoted to the people and things that mattered to him. We will miss him dearly but are so thankful for the many, many years of wonderful memories we were able to make with him.
Ted’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines, and cremation has taken place as per Ted’s wishes. The family will host a visitation on Tuesday, August 15 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a celebration of Ted’s life to follow.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible medical and caregiving staff at The Meadows of Dorchester in Niagara Falls, who did their utmost to ensure that Ted’s every need was met and that he lived his final days feeling comfortable and cared for.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Prostate Cancer Canada or the Salvation Army would be greatly appreciated by Ted’s family.