Edward Carl Axel Wachtmeister died on April 26, 2018. He passed away as a result of Inclusion Body Myositis and pneumonia, at home, in the presence of family. Teddy was born on May 21, 1947 in Washington, DC to parents Frederik H. C. Wachtmeister and Anne Marie Von Krusenstierna Lawrence, who preceded him in death.
He was raised in Warrenton, VA and attended Highland School, before leaving home to attend the Harvey School, the Salisbury School, and the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1971, earning the rank of Second Lieutenant. He served as a pilot supporting the Military Airlift Command, including being stationed at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he met his wife of 42 years, Karen Weir Wachtmeister.
Following his service, Teddy returned to Warrenton as a hands on owner/ operator of Whitehall Farm, raising beef cattle, from 1975 to present. He was a strong advocate of educational institutions, especially of Highland School (trustee), Salisbury School (trustee), Virginia Military Institute, St. Lawrence University, and Texas Christian University. He was an active member of the VMI Foundation (trustee) and VMI Keydet Club (trustee).
He was a life founding member of Great Meadow Foundation, and longtime local bank director. As a conservation advocate, he placed Whitehall Farm in a conservation easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. His devotion to Fauquier County as well as the organizations that contribute to it were lifelong.
He supported the Warrenton Volunteer Rescue Squad, the New Baltimore Fire and Rescue Company, the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Fauquier Hospital, the Fauquier Free Clinic, SPCA, the Fauquier County Public Library, the Fauquier Education Farm, the Path Foundation, and many other local organizations. Teddy enjoyed the art of speed, whether that was piloting aircraft, downhill skiing, driving sports cars but especially Ferraris, and later, even wheelchairs. Despite his 15 year struggle with IBM, Teddy was able to spend much of the last 20 years pursuing his love of Colorado and passion for skiing, supporting and skiing with the Challenge Aspen adaptive ski program.
His big personality cannot be forgotten, but he will be remembered by all who loved him as a generous and devoted friend, father, husband, and grandfather. His positive impact on the community he loved, and the people he loved, will be felt for years to come. He is survived by his wife, Karen Weir Wachtmeister; sons, Erik Wachtmeister and his wife Christie Wachtmeister of Warrenton, Carl Wachtmeister of Warrenton; sisters, Linda Wachtmeister and her husband Robert Strini of Scottsville, Virginia, Marianne Adair of London, England; brother, Hans Wachtmeister and his wife Anne Marie Wachtmeister of Warrenton; granddaughters, Elina Wachtmeister, Sylvie Wachtmeister, and Anna Wachtmeister; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to everyone who cared for and loved Ted, especially: Norma Breeden; the employees of Whitehall Farm: Michael Holloran, David Simpkins, Samuel Butler, Calvin Cook; Brett Heverly; the dedicated care providers from Cleansing Waters and Home Instead. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Highland School, to Salisbury School (Salisbury, CT), or to the Virginia Military Institute. A visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Friday, May 4, 2018 at Moser Funeral Home.
A private memorial service celebrating his life is to be held at a later date.
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