Obituaries

BROMLEY, Theodore Norbert

June 29, 1946 to April 19, 2022

Died peacefully in his Ashton Creek home on Tuesday, April 19th

Born in Grande Prairie Alberta Theodore was the oldest of five siblings, Margie (Bill) Dimmer, Christine Bromley, HelenMary (James) Bennett, Albert (Rhae Ann) Bromley. His father, Albert Rae Bromley, was a Telecommunications Officer with the Department of Transport and along with his wife, Hilaria Elutria (nee: Sokoloski) moved their family a few times when he was promoted and re assigned throughout his career.

Theo is survived by his life partner, Patricia Smith, his daughter Willow Burton (Sterling Dickie), grandson Anthony Kennedy, 3 of his siblings, honorary brother, Will (Colina) Taylor, stepson Robert (Karen) Henry, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Hilaria Bromley, nephew Geoffrey Dimmer, his life partner of 25 years, Lee Bromley (nee Henry) and his sister Margie Dimmer.

He attended schools in Grande Prairie AB, Yellowknife NWT, and Edmonton, AB. He graduated High School from Holy Redeemer College where he had considered becoming a Roman Catholic priest. It turned out not to be his path.

Following graduation, he attended the University of Alberta where he discovered like-minded people and embraced exploring all that life had to offer….sex, drugs and rock and roll!!!! He became very involved in the Hippie movement and that really is, where his journey of discovery began. Remarkably, he returned to U of A in his 40’s and completed his degree.

His fascination with crystals and the energy they held began at a very young age. In the 1950’s he and his family transferred to Yellowknife NWT where Theodore (called Teddy then) spent hours amidst the hills and rocks. The garage shelves bowed from the weight of his stones, treasures brought home in lard pails. Those hills were also where he first felt their power. Around the age of eight his pick found a large quartz crystal and the shock from it left him sitting on the ground bewildered and inspired by the wonderment of that experience. In Book One of his book The White Rose, the protagonist, Stanley, had that very experience.

Theo was The Crystal Man and spent a great deal of his life developing the business along with his wife Lee. His work with crystals took him across western Canada finding customers and presenting crystal shows. He developed many strong relationships with people across the west and around the world. Travel to Brazil and South Africa were some of the highlights of his crystal purchasing journey.

Theo embarked on a spiritual journey throughout his life, the highlight of which was conducting Huna healing circles in many locations.

He was a published author of The White Rose, The Day the World looked up. This book was an inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to read it.

Theodore loved music and especially The Blues. Living near Lorenzo’s was the icing on the cake when he moved to Ashton Creek. Live music anywhere was something he truly loved and enjoyed sharing with family and friends. No gathering was complete without music but if it was LIVE it was a PARTY. Another remarkable thing about Theodore is that he learned to play the organ in his 40’s. Another one of those things he checked off the bucket list.

He was a bridge player nearly his entire life, learning from his parents at a very young age. He continued his fondness for the game and made many friends through the Bridge Clubs along the way.

It was so painful for all of us who loved him when he lost his partner Lee. He was positively lost for some time and really did not know which direction to go. With so many loving him, the strength and support came from all over the world and he found the courage to move forward.

Almost four years ago his life turned around again when long time friend Patricia Smith, and he began their long-distance courtship. Lengthy conversations on the telephone, she in Saskatoon, he in Ashton Creek. Within months, both realized this was something very special and they wanted to continue this journey together. Patricia moved to be with him and become his life partner. She showered him with love and kindness. She admired him, appreciated him and made him very VERY happy. His last years were ones of true love and understanding with much laughter and, of course, music.

During that time Theodore also turned The Crystal Man business over to his daughter Willow and was so very proud of all she did but especially when she guided it safely through the pandemic. He boasted of her beauty, intelligence, work ethic and compassion for all living things. He felt comfort and confidence with her at the helm. Her son, his grandson, Anthony is someone who brought out the best in Theodore and being his Grandpa was the source of much happiness over the years, for both.

Theodore was a loving man with a big heart and so much light to share. His compassion, kindness, passion and perseverance served to help heal many who knew him through his lifetime. He was also an exceptional grill chef, singer, dancer and had a unique sense of humour. He remained a terrible joke teller right to the end!

And yet, he was an extraordinary and loving human being. We'll miss you very much, Teddy. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, July 2, 2022.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.MyAlternatives.ca.