Theodore H. Heidrich, Sr.

OXFORD - Theodore H. Heidrich, Sr., 79, of Main St., Oxford died Thursday, August 12, 2010 at Maine Medical Center in Portland with his family at his side. Mr. Heidrich and his wife Eleanor were long-time residents of Oxford.
     He was born December 18, 1930 in Bronx, NY, the eldest of six children. He graduated from Lawrence High School and served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He left the Marine Corps a corporal and returned to his employer, Arthur Copeland Dry Cleaners. He started working at Copeland’s at the age of 13, sweeping the floors, and became the owner at age 43. Copeland’s went on to become one of the most successful and respected businesses in the industry.
     Retiring at age 55, and becoming a fulltime resident of Oxford, he threw his incredible energy and passion for life into serving his community. He organized the summer concert series at the Oxford American Legion, began the Western Maine contingent of the Marine Corps League, a Marine Corps, and served three terms in the Maine Legislature from 1999-2004 representing Otisfield, Oxford, Mechanic Falls, and parts of Hebron. He was a tireless advocate for veterans.
     He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Norway, First Congregational Church of South Paris, VFW #18, South Paris and American Legion Post 112, Oxford, and Marine Corps League Western Maine Detachment.
     The only thing that he was prouder of than being a Marine veteran and serving his country was his family. He loved to work in his garden, attend his Christmas tree farm, read, and spend time with his family and grandchildren and fellow Marines. He was loved and respected by everyone in his community.
     Mr. Heidrich leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Eleanor; children, Norma Crowell and her husband Steve of Oxford, Ted Heidrich, Jr. and his wife Carrie of Scarborough, David Heidrich of Oxford and Fred Heidrich and wife Nancy of Saco; grandchildren, David, Scott and Leanne Heidrich, George, Christy and Jacob Gardner, Sonya Walker, Kevin Crowell, Jennifer and Christopher Heidrich, Angela Jorday, Michele and David Harvey and Landon and Collin Heidrich and great-grandsons, Brandon and Liam and his dog, Peter.
     Family and friends attended a visitation on Monday, August 16 at Oxford Hills Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Rte. 26, Oxford. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, August 17 at their residence, 434 Main St. (Welchville), Oxford. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Heidrich’s memory may be sent to the Marine Corp. Heritage Foundation, 3800 Feggler Drive, Suite 104, Dumfries, VA 22025. On-line condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.