Ted G. Symes

Ted enjoyed nearly 86 years of a generous and kind-hearted life. He was born in Salt Lake City and grew up as the youngest of five brothers.  His mother remarried when he was six years old bringing three step-siblings into the family.  He was particularly close to his step-brother, Billy, who was 10 days younger than Ted.  He and his brothers loved hunting and spent many happy times camping in the Utah wilderness.  He was also an excellent horseman, raising and showing Arabian horses.

He married Marilyn V. Butcher on February 12, 1958, and together they raised four children.  He served in the U.S. Navy and retired from Mountain Bell after 38 years of service.  In retirement, he and Marilyn traveled extensively, including trips to Ireland to trace their ancestry, as well as cruises and vacations with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, four children, two grandchildren, several step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.  His family extends their appreciation to Myrna Hennefer as well as the Central Utah Veterans Home for their excellent care in his later years. 

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 28 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, where the service will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by hors d’oeuvres and reminiscences.  Complimentary valet parking will be provided on the north side of the building.  Private burial will be at Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Dad often told his children that the most important thing in life was to be kind to others, and he demonstrated this daily by his selfless acts and loving generosity to all.