Theodore (Ted) Robert Capener

On August 17th, with his children around him and the presence of loved ones, Theodore (Ted) Robert Capener, peacefully slipped from this life and returned home. His 94 years were blessed by fascinating interactions with a variety of people from the famous to the infamous. As well as life experiences with family, friends and coworkers that brought great joy and notable hardships. He did it all with an inquisitive mind, a desire to be helpful, and the stubbornness of a mule.

From an early age, Ted possessed a singular ambition: to be a journalist. That passion led him to the “U” where he studied journalism; was sports editor for The Daily Chronicle; pledged Phi Kappa Alpha, and served on several committees. He loved the U so much that he jumped at the chance to be an Administrative Vice President when the opportunity was presented in 1985. For 15 years, he helped shape the U through oversight of public and government relations, athletics, PBS affiliates, and a long list of other areas, all of which he greatly enjoyed.

At his core though, he was a journalist. He started his career writing the newsletter for the Utah Wool Growers. With this experience, he would land a position at KSL radio’s Farm Bureau. It didn’t take long for him to rise through the ranks and become the News Director for both KSL television and radio. As Bonneville International Corporation expanded beyond its ownership of KSL, they needed a strong leader to run a fledgling news bureau in Washington D.C. Ted saw the opportunity to do something special and really cut his teeth on the challenging journalistic beat of U.S. government. He took the job and moved his family east, where he covered many compelling stories - from the Watergate scandal to the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Returning to Utah and ultimately to the U allowed him to continue with his passion of asking questions and learning the stories of others through his hosting duties on Civic Dialogue and later Utah Conversations with Ted Capener on KUED. He love these interactions so much, he continued hosting until he was 88. Throughout his professional journey, Ted looked to help and mentor those he worked with, and in doing so he forged many lifelong friendships. He also loved the American West, especially Yellowstone Park and his cherished cabin, where he spent many happy days fly fishing. Ted was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed teaching the High Priests Group and the Priest Quorum for many, many years.

Ted is now reunited with his much loved wife, Judy; his son, Teddy; his parents Daniel and Christine; his brother, Buzz; his sister, Barbra; and many other relatives and dear friends who have passed before. His daughter Amanda Rasmussen (Mark) and son Andy (Jenny) will miss him during this temporary separation, and always remember the safe, happy childhood he helped provide. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, brother Danny, dear in-laws David, Doug and KC, along with many loved nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Eunice Garley for her care of both parents in their later years, as well as Michael Gwehn, Fatima Bradshaw, Wendy Peterson, Jordan Capener and others who cared for Ted. Aspen Ridge Hospice provided caring and expert guidance that was greatly appreciated.

Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2625 E. Milo Way, Holladay, UT 84117) at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26th. A visitation time will proceed the services at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Utah Food Bank or The Nature Conservancy.