Theodore Kik

As family and friends gather to reflect on the life and legacy of Theodore Kik, it is easy to celebrate a man who lived each day with so much enthusiasm and incomparable joy. He was fiercely independent and never backed down from a challenge. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his friends and family, and he was a people person through and through. His insatiable zest for life was contagious to all those near. Deeply cherished, Ted will be forever missed by those who knew him best.

The late 1960s were some tumultuous years of great change for the United States and the rest of the world. The Vietnam War raged overseas, calling countless servicemen away from home. Though Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in April of 1968, his death did not put an end to his call for civil rights. It was during this time that Theodore David made his entrance into the world, born on May 22, 1968, in Portage, Michigan.

Ted defied the odds from the very beginning. He was born with Down Syndrome and spent the first few years of his formative years living in foster care. Meanwhile, John and Sonia Kik of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were looking for the perfect addition to their family. When the Kid family met Ted, it quickly became clear that he was meant to be a part of their lives. He was officially adopted at the age of four, joining his two older brothers, John Jr. and David, in the Kik family.

Growing up, Ted was raised in the family home on Prospect on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids. He was a boy with many names—usually Ted; Teddy if he was in an especially good mood; or Theodore if he was in trouble. From a young age, Ted’s personality shone bright. He was a ham in front of the camera and loved attention. Ted attended the Lincoln School. He participated in the Special Olympics, though he tended to like talking to his friend, Kenny, more than the actual competitions. Ted pursued further education at Kent Vocational Options, receiving his diploma in 1994.

By the age of 18, Ted’s independence had grown, and he was ready to spread his wings and move out on his own. He found himself settling down at the Newton House, where he would spend the next 18 years of his life. When the time came, Ted moved on to another home in Forest Hills. At each home, he found close companionship and family. Ted loved the people he met with all his heart. He enjoyed the activities and looked forward to swimming and dancing at Indian Trails Camp every summer, and he had cleaning duties of his own around the home.

In his free time, Ted had many hobbies to keep him busy. He stayed active by playing all kinds of sports, including shooting baskets and bowling. The Kik family were members of St. James Lutheran Church, and Ted loved to go and sing along. He also loved his music, especially Elvis and Michael Jackson. When asked where he wanted to eat, McDonald’s was Ted’s usual response. He loved his coffee and enjoyed cutting coupons.

All who were blessed enough to know and love Theodore Kik will truly agree that he lived each day to the very fullest. He faced every obstacle that came his way with determination, and once he put his mind to something, there was no stopping him. A beloved son, brother, cousin, uncle, and great-uncle, Ted took every chance to hold his loved ones close. His vivacious personality and fun-loving spirit brightened every room. Although life will never be the same without Ted here, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his friends and family members will forever keep close to their hearts.

Theodore Kik, age 57, passed away February 5, 2026. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sonia Kik.

Ted is survived by his father, John Kik; siblings: John Kik Jr, David (Ronda) Kik, Cathy (Brad) Hayward and Kenny Thiel; nieces and nephews: Megan Marsman (Jeff Schnelker), Pierce Kik (Ellie Peters) and Andrea Thiel; grand nieces, grand nephews; aunts: Rachel Sturrus and Joyce Kik; and many cousins.

His funeral service times will be announced soon.