Bedford, MA & Pine Bush, NY

Ted Siegel, owner of Greenwich Orchids and breeder of award winning Scottish Highland cattle, died November 10, 2008, after a full and vibrant life.

A resident of both Bedford and Pine Bush NY, he is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Wendy. Together they founded Greenwich Orchids, known for its outstanding quality in floral design, orchid plants and fine furniture.

Ted was born in Brooklyn, NY, on March 11, 1942. He attended St. Paul’s in Garden City and graduated from Stony Brook Boys School on Long Island. He furthered his education at Colorado State University as a Pre-Vet major. He proudly served in the U.S. Army 212 TLMP Co. as a sentry dog handler in the Military Police and was stationed in Vietnam for 18 months. All who knew Ted understood his great affection for all animals.

Early on, his passion was managing racehorse farms in Ocala, FL and White Birch Farm in Greenwich, CT. For nearly half his life, Ted was an expert at breaking yearlings while taking great pride in creating and maintaining pristine farms.

One of Ted’s favorite places to be was Pine Bush, NY. This is where he grew orchids for the business and raised Scottish Highland cattle. His herd quickly rose to prominence breeding and exhibiting several national champions and hosting several record setting sales at the farm. He prided himself as the director of the North East Highland Cattle Association. In addition to the farm in Pine Bush, he also loved of his farm in Earlville, NY. Here, with the help of his neighbors, he grew and baled organic hay.

Ted’s love of flowers was evident in the varied and vast selections he hand picked on his sojourns to the New York City flower market where he was well known for his critical eye. His sense of design was rewarded annually with ribbons for his thoughtful and creative Christmas windows. He took great pride in setting up the many weddings, parties and holiday decorations which were so appreciated by the clients of Greenwich Orchids. Throughout his career, he maintained a loyal staff and was well loved by all who worked with him, some of who have been with him for over 20 years.

Ted combined sensitivity to all things beautiful as well as hands on approach to the daily rigors of life on a farm and running a thriving flower business. He was never happier than when he was telling a story about a new calf being born or discovering a new hybrid rose in the flower market. Ted loved sharing his varied interests with his wife and partner Wendy.

In addition to his wife, Ted is survived by his 94 year old mother, Emmy Siegel; his two sons, Ted and Jon; his brother, Bill Siegel; sister-in-law, Gail; daughter-in-law, Christine and four grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father, Theodore Paul.

Burial will be today, Monday, November 17, at 11:30 a.m. in the Long Ridge Union Cemetery in Stamford, CT.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Greenwich Hospital Bendheim Cancer Center, 5 Perry Ridge Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830.