An appreciation Union Mission's Ted Bashford

In his 89 years on this Earth, the Rev. Theodore "Ted" Bashford ministered to the total person: He provided shelter to the homeless. He offered drug-free living for the addicted. He showed a path to Christianity for those seeking it.

Bashford, who died Saturday of heart failure, was one of Hampton Roads' strongest supporters of the downtrodden, the poor, the lost. In his 52 years as head of the Union Mission Ministries, the Portsmouth native ministered to thousands of people in need.

With a jaunty optimism, Bashford served up soup and Scriptures, and he ultimately improved the lives of many who came into contact with the mission's numerous social service initiatives.

"My hair is combed, my face is washed," is how one former substance abuser described the help he got from the downtown Norfolk mission headquarters. "And I'm closer to God. For the first time, I'm sitting down, reading the Bible."

The huge landmark shelter on Brooke Avenue in downtown Norfolk is the most recognizable site of Union Mission Ministries. But it also operated a summer camp for inner-city children, an assisted living facility for senior citizens, a children's home and a radio and television ministry among its services. Bashford was at the helm of this nonprofit, one that has 60 employees and a $4.5 million annual operating budget.

His time there was not without controversy or public embarrassment, however. During the 1980s, he barred racial integration at the Hope Haven children's home before changing the policy. In 1992, the mission forced a man with HIV to leave the shelter, before being informed that the position violated the federal Fair Housing Act. The search for an alternative headquarters outside of downtown, urged by Norfolk city officials, took years and faced opposition. The mission will soon move to a commercial location on Virginia Beach Boulevard.

Through it all, Bashford kept a sunny hopefulness, proclaimed his faith, and looked out for those who needed it most.

"There will always be homeless [individuals]," he told The Pilot in 2006. "Some people just can't make it. Some can't take care of themselves."

That's where Rev. Ted stepped in. And even though he's gone, his legacy of service and ministry will continue to shine.