Ted Boots was remembered by his family, friends and the Indianapolis community on February 20, 2008. Ted’s family shared him with Merrill Lynch for over 42 years. I had the honor of speaking on behalf of Merrill Lynch at his Memorial Service. These are the things I didn’t get to say. Ted was extremely competitive yet very generous and helpful to all his associates. Ted gave very generously to Purdue University in the form of golf scholarships which will live on after him. Ted was innovative and very proud of the results he achieved for his clients at Merrill lynch. He was an early supporter of managed money, particularly Mutual Funds before they were well known by the public. Ted made people money. He transitioned comfortably to separate managed accounts as well as financial planning. Most FA’s as they age in the business get stuck in their favorite products, and services. Not Ted. He was anxious to learn and grow. Ted was particularly proud of the team he built to help transition his business to the next generation. His was generous with his time, knowledge and finances as this team matured. His team was as loyal as he was generous. I had the pleasure of coaching this team as they grew and matured. Ted had a right to be extremely proud of them. The transition went without a problem as Ted retired in December. Ted was an optimist that believed in free market capitalism and the equity markets. He was however careful to maintain diversified portfolios with proper asset allocations. He reminded clients that life is short and has its bumps. Therefore proper estate planning is essential to any overall plan. Ted was more diligent about this than any FA I ever had the pleasure of working with. I have heard it said that our job as parents, coaches, teachers and Advisors is to help our clients grow up and make better choices. Ted certainly understood this and did it in a very caring way.
I had a chance to spend some special time with Ted at his retirement party, at his home in Florida in December and at the hospital. Ted was always so optimist, full of energy and great stories. He was very proud of his family and career. We didn’t believe the cancer would take Ted, but we was wrong. We will miss him and always keep him in our hearts. It was said at the service Ted was probably too busy to hear any of us because he was on his 17th birdie.
Ted, save a spot in that foursome up in heaven for me when it is my time.
Throughout his life Ted chose love and trust over fear and doubt. In the end Ted put his trust in God and gave his spirit up to the Lord.