Ted Myatt
Today, words fail me. My friend Ted Myatt unexpectedly died this past Saturday. I have very little information except that after a snow storm Ted was cleaning off his car and had a fatal heart attack.
Goodby My Friend Edward (Ted) Myatt
Ted has been around in knitting circles for as long as I can remember. He has long been a constant for the last 20 or so years. His death leaves me struggling to find words.
In addition to be an incredibly talented knitter, spinner and designer, he was brilliant at coalescing community. It was Ted who first thought of having the Men’s Knitting Retreats. He is personally responsible for all of the most amazing retreats have have occurred over the last 15 years. Everyone of them began as a result of Ted’s original idea in 2007.
Here is a short montage of photos of Ted.
Working with Ted on the retreats, or seeking out his help in editing a pattern will both be treasured memories. His generosity of knowledge is how I will most remember him.
We have lost a number of friends I have gotten to know through fiber-arts. Doug, Marilyn, Leo, Barry, Lou…and it always hurts.
Mostly, I truly hope that Ted is resting in well-deserved peace.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Though I never met him, I see his face whenever I look at the history book we have made for GLMKR. He was at our first retreat back in 2009. It is sad when we lose friends. He will be missed by our knitting community. RIP my friend.
I first encountered Ted on the GLBT-Knit list, and remember him as key to the sense of community that formed there. His blog post about the ways sock construction should be altered to better accommodate men’s feet was an important catalyst in my personal explorations and design. We finally met one gray, winter day when he was attending a spinning retreat in Lebanon, Ohio. I cherish the memory of that cozy lunch and chat.
Judging by the slide show he will be mourned by many. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Losing Ted hurts more than most. I’ll miss his letters and his kind heart. Your words pierce my heart.
I’m so sorry to hear this (from JoVE). What a really lovely member of our knitting community he was.
You, and those of the Men’s Retreats, are in my thoughts with the loss of your dear friend.
I’m so sorry, Joe. I always found him to be so very kind.
Oh, my, Joe. Ted and I never met in person, but we connected on many topics over the years. He was so generous: I have a lovely handspun shawl he made and sent me for no reason at all. I’m gutted, as I’m sure are the many folks who knew Ted in any context. <3
I’m so sorry to hear of you losing a valuable friend and knitting companion. Sending hugs your way!
Joe, I’m so saddened to hear this news. You and Ted had such an impact on many knitting communities and my own life. I’m so grateful to have spent time with him on both sides of the continent. Hugs from San Francisco.
Thanks for this post Joe. It is very sad, and I appreciated your tribute and the photo montage was lovely. I spotted Marilyn in there too. Xx
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s always harder when it’s so sudden, Sending hugs
I’m sorry for your loss. I find that losing a knitting friend (and I’ve lost many) is like losing a family member. ❤️
What a huge loss. Ted was funny, smart and kind and made some of the most beautiful shawls. He also generously shared his knowledge, even with those of us who are not as talented.
Ted had a wonderful, unique soul. He’s made a difference in the lives of many.
I met Ted with the Canadian knitters on Saturday mornings via zoom. If anyone didn’t know the answer to something all we had to do is ask Ted. If he didn’t know he knew exactly where to get that answer. He had the best sense of classical music as well. We had some great talks too. I was very forward and didn’t mix words which I have always loved about him. He seemed to always know our politics in the US better than I could ever know. I am shocked beyond words and boy I will miss him!
I’m in shock and heartbroken. Such a kind and dear soul. So generous with his knowledge and affection. Rest in peace, Ted, we will miss you.
I can just picture Ted and Marilyn laughing together up there somewhere. He always had a way of teaching me how to slow life down in order to enjoy the present, whether by sending me handwritten letters about the weather or YouTube videos of obscure organ composers and baroque chamber orchestras. Very few people are fortunate enough to have ever had as selfless and compassionate a friend as Ted. I will miss him terribly.
Thanks Lars…you reminded me of one of Ted’s best qualities that I had forgotten entirely…slowing down life to enjoy it. Just the mention of this quality reminded me to step back from the little whirlwind that is my life at the moment and just be mindful of how truly fortunate I am.