A.T. “Ted” Lindquist, Jr., 84, of Farmington, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 24th, surrounded by his loving family at The Residence at Brookside in Avon, CT.
He was the widower of Audrey Arnold Lindquist. Born in New Britain, CT on October 5, 1931, Ted was the son of the late A.T. Lindquist, Sr., and Marion Viall Lindquist.
He graduated from New Britain High School in 1949 and attended Williston Academy of Easthampton, MA before entering Bates College in 1951.
During his sophomore year, Ted fell “head over heels” over his “future bride” after seeing Audrey perform at a Bates College dance recital. They were married on August 14, 1954. Ted enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954, serving until 1956 when he was honorably discharged. Returning to Bates College to complete his degree, he graduated with a B.A. Degree in Economics in 1958.
After graduation, they moved to New Britain in 1958, when Ted joined his father, A.T. Lindquist, Sr. to begin a career as an independent insurance agent in the business started by his father in 1936. They moved to Farmington in 1961. Ted attended Aetna Insurance School in 1962 and became a dedicated student to the insurance profession and beginning a long career in the family business, eventually taking over as President of Lindquist Insurance Associates, Inc. from 1978 to 1998. He not only expanded the insurance agency through many acquisitions, he also took his keen business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit and helped start and eventually co-owned Connecticut Travel Services of New Britain from 1969 to 1993, a very successful commercial and personal travel agency which was eventually sold to U.S.T.S.
As a long-time season ticket holder of the beloved New England Hartford Whalers, Ted routinely offered NHL Referees his direction and his opinion for their personal professional improvement. He was the founder and owner of ERA Lindquist Realty of New Britain and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the relationship between his insurance business and real estate business intertwine successfully. He was a co-founder and Director of First City Bank, one of the first small commercial banks to serve businesses of New Britain. Eventually, First City Bank expanded into many surrounding communities.
Ted was a past director of the Connecticut Chapter of the Professional Insurance Agents and a past director of the Connecticut Independent Insurance Agents of America. In 1996, Ted moved to Palm Coast, Florida and split time in Farmington, CT. Ted was active with many civic groups in his community, often offering his time and support. He was past president of the YMCA Men’s Club of New Britain and served as a past District Director of the Boys Club of America. He was a past membership director of the Lions Club of New Britain and a member of the Elks Club an co-founder of the United Way of New Britain Golf Tournament. He was also past president of the Greater Hartford Bates Alumni and a past member of Trinity Methodist Church.
Anyone who knew Ted, knew his love and passion for the game of golf. He loved fishing, particularly salmon fishing and of course, was one of the best card players around, especially at CCF. He enjoyed all sports but more than anything else, he just loved the spirit of competition and being with new and old friends who enjoyed it as much. He proudly served as President of the Country Club of Farmington in 1983 of which he was a beloved member for more than 30 years.
Last but not least, Ted had been a devoted and cherished son & loving and faithful husband; he has been a wonderful father and fun loving grandfather. He will be dearly missed by his family but will remain in their hearts and minds forever. Surviving are his daughter, Kristin Lindquist Koos and her husband Ken; his son, Eric Theodore Lindquist and his wife Kelly; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn; and six grandchildren Tony, Alex & Ericka Koos, Andrew Lindquist and Ethan & Audrey Lindquist. In addition to his parents and wife Audrey (died in 1984), he was predeceased by his first-born son, Kurt A. Lindquist, who he tragically lost in 2001.