Obituaries : * Theodore Morris; Theater Owner and Operator
Theater owner and operator Theodore “Ted” Morris died at his Ventura home March 22. He was 81.
Morris was born Aug. 12, 1914, in Denver. He was a 20-year resident of Santa Barbara before moving to Ventura two years ago.
Morris started his career working at MGM as a messenger boy for Hollywood studio mogul Louis B. Mayer, before moving into that company’s accounting department. While working for MGM, Morris met Ruth, his wife of 56 years.
Morris moved from working with the film studio to managing local theaters in Culver City. During that time he and his family lived in Westwood Village, where they raised four children. While there, Morris also worked for the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency’s Bunker Hill Project. Former Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty recognized him for his service during that time.
After moving from Los Angeles, Morris took over the operation of theaters in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Some of the theaters he owned and operated included the Los Robles Theater and the Ojai Playhouse in Ojai, as well as the Fox Theater in Santa Paula.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Ventura; son Brent Morris of Ojai; daughters Deborah Shultz of Encinitas, and Melinda Stephens of Los Angeles; and two grandsons.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura with the Rev. Jim Wells officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.
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