Theodore "Ted" Hariu

Lafayette - Theodore “Ted” Hariu was born in Hurley, Wisconsin on May 5, 1931 to Onni and Ethel Hariu. He died peacefully at home on in Lafayette, LA surrounded by loved ones. Ted joined the U.S. Army as a young man and served from 1949 – 1952 and was deployed during the Korean War. After the Army, he was a driver for Greyhound Bus lines for over 30 years. He never met a stranger and thoroughly enjoyed meeting and interacting with the passengers he met over the years. He was frequently requested for charters and made life-long friends from many of those trips. He had many interests and was a self-taught jack of all trades. He could build anything he put his mind to with just a sketch on a napkin. He was also a talented self-taught artist. He painted numerous scenes of Louisiana and other landscapes that now adorn the walls of family and friends. In addition to painting, he loved music and taught himself the guitar. He regularly entertained family with his favorite tunes and loved to listen to classic country music. He enjoyed games of every sort and played poker every week with a group of friends. He was never without a pet and loved the company of his furry companions. Ted had a tremendous sense of humor that was intact until the end. He could burst out with a quip that would make a room explode in laughter or just raise an eyebrow and show a sideways grin that would make you laugh out loud after something you said. He smiled constantly and it was contagious. Ted is survived by the love of his life for the past 15 years, Daryl Starr; his sister, Patricia Hardy; his 4 children; Steve (Beckie) of Scott, LA, Karen Leger of Sugar Land, TX, Susan Young (“Skip”) of Youngsville, LA, and Michael “Todd” Hariu (Shelia) of Lafayette, LA; his six grandchildren; Crystal Damore (Pete), Lana Thibodeaux (Lance), Cody Kelley, Onni Thibodeaux (Emily), James Kelley, Jack Thibodeaux (Lexi); as well as several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Cindy Hariu Thibodeaux; the mothers of his children, Frankie Patrick Romero and Betty Parker Hariu; his brother, Lane Hariu; as well as his great-great granddaughter, Ahni Helen Thibodeaux. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Acadiana. “A long life may not be good enough, but a good life is long enough. We love you, Dad!” "There is a bridge of memories From earth to the heavens above It keeps our dear ones near us It’s the bridge that we call love" Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555, (337) 740-3123, is in charge of arrangements.

Theodore "Ted" Hariu

May 5, 1931 - January 13, 2024