Theodore Robert “Ted” Harrison
Age 45, died at home in Dewitt on April 26, 2023 with his loving family at his side, after a short battle with cancer.
Ted was born in Charlotte, Michigan on August 7, 1977 to parents Robert “Bob” and Kay Harrison. Ted grew up in Holt, and was raised with a love for the outdoors, hunting and working on cars with his dad. Ted knew from a young age he wanted to become a police officer. This was influenced by his dad’s friends, who were officers and frequently visited their family home on Maple Street. Ted graduated from Holt High School in 1995. He attended Lansing Community College, and completed his education at Ferris State University, where he graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. After graduation, Ted began his career at the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. He was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff, badge 5368, on May 13, 2001, achieving his dream of becoming a police officer.
Ted married Annie on May 22, 2004, beginning their lifelong commitment to each other. They welcomed two children, Gaby, in 2010 and, Audrey, in 2015. Ted’s greatest joy in life was being a father to his two daughters. His love for his wife and children was perhaps the greatest impression he left on us all. Among Ted’s favorite things were family holidays, travel with his family, hunting trips with his friends, taking his daughters hunting, reading his daughters Berenstain Bears books, gun collecting and the great outdoors.
Lt. Ted Harrison was extremely dedicated to the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, his work family, and the residents of Ingham County. He served in Corrections, County Patrol, Delhi Township, and the Traffic Unit as an accident reconstructionist before being promoted to Detective in 2012. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2013 where he served Delhi Township, and as the Traffic Sergeant. He was promoted to Lieutenant on May 22, 2021 where he led County Patrol.
Lt. Ted Harrison had a huge heart and was loved by everyone that met him. He brought fun and laughter to the office on a daily basis. He excelled in policing as a brave, common sense and compassionate leader who embodied “service with pride and excellence.”
Ted was incredibly hard-working, always honest, kind, and loyal. Ted will remain in our hearts as a devoted father, husband, son, brother, uncle, jokester, singer, avid hunter and a man with the ability to fix anything. His impact is beyond measure, his legacy will carry on in all our hearts, especially in the hearts of his wife and children.
Ted is survived by his dear wife Annie and their two beautiful children Gabrielle and Audrey; his mother Kay Harrison; his sister Tracy (Tony) Casali and their children, Tony II and Dominic. His wife’s family including mother-in-law Lauri Mendelsohn (Dan Dunn); Aunt Nancy (Robert) Fodor; mother-in-law Vicki Ball. Many more aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, close and extended family members. Ted was preceded in death by his father, Robert F. Harrison, father-in-law Brian Ball, and grandparents.
A special message from Lt. Ted Harrison for his Sheriff’s Office family: “I was proud to serve with the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. I truly admired the relationships I built with my blue family. It was like no other.”
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. His family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and again on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow at Buddies Grill, 2040 Aurelius Rd. in Holt.
The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed by clicking the following link: Livestream
Memorial contributions may be made to: “Lieutenant Ted Harrison Memorial Scholarship”
An account (with EIN obtained) specifically dedicated for this purpose only has been created at MSUFCU. The scholarship will be awarded annually at the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office awards ceremony to a qualifying student.
Options to donate:
1-Venmo @Lt_Harrison_Scholarship
2-Envelopes will be available at the memorial service and visitation
3-Mail to: Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, ATTN: Scholarship Fund, 630 N. Cedar St, Mason MI 48854
Make all checks payable to: “Lt Ted Harrison Memorial Scholarship”
29 Messages to “Theodore Robert “Ted” Harrison”
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Dan Dunn
April 27, 2023 at 10:10 amTed, a man of good humor, bright eyes and infectious smile . A family man and a protector of the people. It was an honor and our good luck to have you part of our family. You will be truly missed. Save travels my friend.
Eric Trojanowicz
April 27, 2023 at 11:59 amTed was a good man and is going to be missed. We had some good times together at the Sheriff’s Office. My condolences to Annie and the kids.
Kellie-Jo Smith
April 27, 2023 at 12:15 pmBlessed to know Ted and Annie on a professional and personal level. Ted was a wonderful officer and and even better human. Prayers to the family, work family and friends of Ted.
Retired Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth and Sandy
April 27, 2023 at 2:08 pmWhat a loss for Annie and the girls and for the Sheriffs Office. Ted was a go-to worker and highly respected by all who knew him. May the memories of those who knew him be of some comfort at this life ended way too soon. Ted was in our lives long before he came to the sheriffs office as our paperboy! Years later it was my pleasure to hire him and see his career flourish as he was promoted to lieutenant. He will me missed by all!
Debbie Hayhoe
April 27, 2023 at 4:40 pmTeddy. What can I say about him? Teddy loved his job, his friends and his family. He always had a smile on his face and if he had a bad day you wouldn’t know it, because of his upbeat personality. Teddy loved a good joke, especially when it involved one of his brothers or sisters in blue. I felt blessed to have worked with Teddy and get to know him as the beautiful soul that he was. Teddy was taken way too soon, but his memory will remain in our hearts.
Missy Williams (Homan)
April 27, 2023 at 6:42 pmTed was the best of the best! An amazing friend, loving husband and father, and his passion for living was something to be admired. His smile and laugh were contagious, don’t even get me started on his sense of humor, lol. Ted worked hard so he could play harder and enjoy the gifts bestowed upon him. To Annie and their young ladies, my heart breaks for you guys! I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through, but I will be praying for strength, comfort, and peace. I got good advice when I my mother passed away, cry, scream, thrown baby fits, and laugh whenever you need to. Lean on your support system because this next journey is hard to do alone. Ted, you were one of a kind and I am going to miss our conversations.
THMAS K. KOENIG
April 27, 2023 at 7:22 pmAre deer camp will never be the same without our hunting buddy Teddy – I have had the gift to have know this wonderful young man – I will miss our little talks about anything and everything –
Teddy you are with the angels and I will keep my eyes to the sky partner!!!
Till we meet again may GOD have mercy on your SOUL and grant you PEACE!
The OLD Man of the CAMP – TOMMY
Chelsea
April 27, 2023 at 11:06 pmTed my heart breaks today. You were a mentor, friend, brother, and the most reliable person I knew. When I was young you took me under your wing to teach me the right way to be a police officer. Once we broke the ice, we couldn’t help but make each other laugh. You were there through some of my toughest times, but I always knew I had your support. You could always make me laugh about the littlest things and I loved making you laugh in return. Like the time I asked you to search my elderly arrest because she had poison ivy, you never quit reminding me about her walker. Ted the world lost a great one in ways no one can explain.
Gary Malcangi (Aurelius' township trustee)
April 28, 2023 at 9:25 amI always looked forward to Teds monthly sheriff reports at the township hall.
His great sense of humor that he brought along with his report kept us all laughing.
I feel lucky to have known him.
My prayers go out to his family and to all that knew him.
Kim Gardner
April 28, 2023 at 11:26 amAn amazing young, civil servant. My first engagement with Lt. Harrison was in 2015, my first callout as a victim advocate trainee. He was always so authentically compassionate about the families and victims he served. Prayers of comfort and peace to his family, colleagues and friends.
Joe Thom
April 28, 2023 at 5:09 pmI feel very privileged to have spent time with Ted, and to have known him in the way that I did over the years. As his brother-in-law he always made me feel like a younger brother instead of an in-law. If Ted was messing with you, that’s how you knew he liked you, but in truth, I swear the man could get along with anyone. It was an honor to have spent our few fishing trips together where he used to fish with his dad and grandpa. I wish we cold have had more. Good times, cold beers, and good talks. I’ll miss you buddy.
Sue (Holben) and John Vanator
April 28, 2023 at 11:20 pmAnnie, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We will be lifting you and the girls up in prayer during the difficult days ahead. May God give you comfort and strength.
Rick Royston
April 29, 2023 at 2:57 amSo sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. Knew him on a more informal level as a kind, outgoing teen hanging out with my son, and then professionally when he became a police officer. Always nice to see him and exchange a few words. Condolences to Annie and his family. My thoughts and prayer during this difficult time.
Cecelia (Church) Sterling
April 29, 2023 at 11:40 amSending love n light to ease this transformation. Annie, huge hugs for you n the girls, May you feel the love n support of this beautiful community you and Ted have cultivated. I Love you!
Terry (Bursley) Nevins
April 29, 2023 at 7:02 pmKay & Family…
I am deeply sorry to hear of another loss to your family.
Sounds like he was living life his way and that you should feel very proud mom…
His memory will live on.
Jody Michels
April 30, 2023 at 10:32 amI remember working with Ted when he came to the road patrol. He was a great guy and a great cop. Prayers to his family.
Dale and Debora Morse
April 30, 2023 at 3:56 pmTracy, and the Harrison and Casali family, we are so sorry to hear of Ted’s passing at a too young age. I don’t think we ever met Ted, but after reading his obituary we can see he was deeply loved and a great man, husband, father, brother and uncle. God Bless.
Clint Allen
May 1, 2023 at 7:26 amTruly saddened by this loss. Though we fell out of touch during college, we were good friends in High School, I will miss him. Ted’s family are in my thoughts and I wish you well during this difficult time. He was a good person, and I have no doubt, a loving husband and father.
Beth Greer Cafagna
May 1, 2023 at 11:23 amFor Annie, I am sending condolences, prayers & live to you & you daughters. I hope to see you on Wed. As Nancy’s oldest friend, I know a lot about your family & how much they have enjoyed spending time with your girls, you & Ted. Lean on your close friends & family and remember to reach out for support or help whenever you need it. So many friends of Ted will be there for you. I know the pain of unexpected young loss in my family. You will get through this dark tunnel. Love, Beth
Emmie Vickers
May 1, 2023 at 10:16 pmIt’s been an honor and a joy to be part of Ted and the family’s life. He effortlessly portrayed great fatherly care, love for his wife and just wonderful kindness all around. Turns out that was just one angle to his mazing person.
Ted will surely be missed by the countless lives he touched and that in itself speaks volumes. Annie we are all here when you’re ready, all at your pace. We love you, Gabby and Audrey.
Vickers family
Richard Middaugh
May 2, 2023 at 3:28 pmThanks for keeping us safe Ted.
Kevin Tinsley
May 2, 2023 at 6:33 pmTeddy Bear as my wife called him made THE BEST Michigan Mules! His other life was a wedding DJ! Blessed with the super power to help others realize better versions of themselves! Rest in power brother!
Bill Stewart
May 2, 2023 at 9:44 pmI was heartbroken when my daughter (who went to school with Gaby) shared this tragic news last weekend.
Ted was my Camp Miniwanca Dad buddy…hilarious and otherwise awesome dude who made that chaperone trip 3 years ago an absolute blast. He was one of those few who somehow made made your life better just because you were blessed that God put him in your path.
Annie, Gaby, Audrey and family as well as Ted’s friends and fellow officers (who I also salute for your service) – I’m so very sorry for your incredible loss, you are in our family’s prayers.
Bill Stewart
May 3, 2023 at 5:44 amCorrection since time flies and math gets harder when kids grow up so fast…I got fact-checked and realized somehow it was actually 6-7 years ago I was blessed (and highly entertained!) to be a Camp Miniwanca Dad with Ted…(avoiding) climbing sand dunes and whatnot between being almost doubled-over laughing at his commentary while chasing kids around…I can also picture him on the grill in the garage/driveway (being the ultimate Dad host, of course) at a birthday party I was fortunate enough to attend with my daughter, I remember not wanting to leave! I’m truly sorry life took you & your girls out of our path, but you are remembered and missed, Brother.
Bill Stewart
May 3, 2023 at 12:19 pm“There are three types of people in this world: sheep, wolves and sheepdogs.
There are those who are blessed with the overpowering need to protect the flock. These men are the rare breed that live to confront the wolf. They are the sheepdog.”
Ted was the sheepdog.
Josh Newton
May 3, 2023 at 1:55 pmTo the family of Ted Harrison,
In times like this, I find comfort in words shared by the Reverend Billy Graham, and I hope you will too:
“Some day you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I’ve changed my address. I’ve gone into the presence of God.”
Melissa Janes
May 5, 2023 at 6:01 pmTeddy, you were always one of my favorite friends in high school. You will never be forgotten. Praying for your family, wife and children, who you loved so very much. Keep smiling in heaven my friend.
Mark Chojnowski
May 6, 2023 at 12:22 amIt was an honor and a privilege to have known Teddy. Someone who could find humor in a situation and make people feel better while you were all there. Always had positive things to say, and could make anyone laugh.
My sincere condolences
Jason
May 9, 2023 at 1:10 pmI didn’t know Ted, but my condolences to you all. He seemed to make a great impact on this world, and that’s something to be very proud of. May his legacy endure. Prayers to you and your family.