Ted Beedy with his wife, Susan Sanders, receiving the Conservation Award at the 2024 Central Valley Bird Symposium. Photo: Keith Hansen.

Edward C. Beedy, a 40+ year WFO member, passed away suddenly on March 28, 2025 at the age of 75. Ted, as he was universally known, was a highly respected, dedicated, and visionary wildlife biologist, ornithologist, environmental consultant, conservationist, and birder who lived nearly his whole life in Northern California. 

Ted’s professional and volunteer work produced many important and long-lasting benefits for birds and their habitats in California. More information is in a commendation in support of Ted’s and his spouse Susan Sanders’ receipt of the Central Valley Bird Club’s 2024 Conservation Award (Central Valley Birds 27:120-122). A more detailed obituary will be published in the next issue of Western Birds. 

Ted was a respected leader within the Central Valley Bird Club. For many years, he served on the Editorial Board and co-authored many papers published in Central Valley Birds on Tricolored Blackbirds. He regularly attended the club’s annual symposium, where he led field trips. 

Ted is remembered for key roles in conserving the Tricolored Blackbird, saving Mono Lake, creating the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, and developing conservation plans for wildlife in Placer and Nevada Counties. 

Ted was a collaborator, a natural and skilled teacher and mentor, and a caring and supportive friend. He was also fun-loving and had a great sense of humor. His legacy will continue in our memories, the places he saved and helped create, and in those he taught and inspired. 

Ted is survived by his wife, Susan Sanders, children Josiah (Abby) and Katrina Beedy, and grandchildren Lacey and Leo, to whom he was dedicated. 

May 2025 | Daniel A. Airola