A graduate of Iowa State University in Ames, he worked in landscape architecture for over a half century, beginning in 1946. He was widely recognized as a leading designer and advocate for rooftop spaces.

Early on, Mr. Osmundson promoted the profession by actively participating in state and national organizations. He served as president of the California Association of Landscape Architects in the early 1950s, spearheading passage of the first state licensing law for landscape architects in the U.S.

He was president of the American Society of Landscape Architects (1967-1969). The ASLA elected him to its Class of Fellows in 1963 and recognized his body of work with the ASLA Medal in 1983. He also served as president of the International Federation of Landscape Architects (1991-1992).

Theodore Osmundson was an avid photographer, loved classical music, the opera and ballet. He was a student of history, particularly the Civil War. He enjoyed regaling family and friends with stories from his early days in Portsmouth. He enjoyed reading and travel, visiting nearly every state and 35 countries with his wife, Lorraine.

In 1988, Mr. Osmundson received the Christian Petersen Design Award, the highest award presented by the Iowa State University College of Design. The award recognizes alumni, staff and friends of the university for ?EUR??,,????'??contributions to the advancement of design through personal aesthetic achievement, exceptional support or extraordinary encouragement and service.?EUR??,,????'??

The university noted: ?EUR??,,????'??Mr. Osmundson has been called the premier living landscape architect in the world today. He is quite likely the most articulate advocate for the benefit of comprehensive planning and design that this century has produced in any field. His work in all aspects of the exterior environment is of a level achieved by only a few of the great landscape architects in the history of the profession. Mr. Osmundson’s illustrious career has brought great credit to Iowa State University.?EUR??,,????'??

Ted and his wife, Lorraine, lived in the same Kensington home since 1959. The couple was married for 65 years. Lorraine has been active in real estate for 43 years and has degrees in mathematics from Iowa State University and in architecture from the University of California at Berkeley.

Their son, Gordon, is a landscape architect and a fine arts photographer. As a landscape architect he worked with his father for over 30 years and is now continuing the practice as Osmundson & Associates of San Francisco.

Ted Osmundson also leaves behind sons Richard and Douglas; two daughters-in-law, Denna and Barbara; and three grandchildren: Leif, Raina and Alicia.