Edward "Ted" Lee Stephens

Edward Lee (Ted, Teddy) Stephens, beloved father, brother and friend unexpectedly passed from this world Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at age 56. Teddy lived and loved big - from his love of his two children and large extended family to love of all things fun and rock and roll, baby!!! He has gone far too soon after enduring the challenges that come with living larger than life. Full of unwavering aspirations and extraordinary ideas, Ted was proof that “the suburbs have no charms to soothe the restless dreams of youth.” We are heartbroken, as well as comforted, by knowing he is now at peace.

Teddy was born June 30, 1968 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Clifford Allen Stephens and Patricia Platt Stephens. He attended Olympus High School, University of Utah and University of Phoenix, where he earned a degree in Business Management. He loved sports and was very passionate about Ute Football, Ute Basketball and the Utah Jazz. He enjoyed snow skiing, golf, water sports, karaoke and more.

Teddy was married for a time to Nicole Dixon (Stephens). Together they had two beautiful kids that he adored. A son, Connor and daughter, Carsen. He was very proud of these two amazing, accomplished and talented kids. They were the greatest joy of his life. Ted was a playful dad who always wanted to have fun. He was most excited while cheering them on during martial arts competitions and dance recitals where he would have an incessant smile and a face beaming with love for Connor and Carsen.

Teddy, who often referred to himself as Teddy Budskins or T-Money, had a big sense of humor and was known for his multitude of sayings, aka Ted-isms, like “ain’t no thing, but a chicken wing.” Any reference to his kids was often followed with the exclamation that “Carsen is QUEEN and Connor is KING!”

Music was another love of Ted’s life. He had endless playlists and was often breaking out into his own rendition of “Another Rainy Night (Without You)”, “The Ripper”, and “Closer to the Heart”. The Ted-ism that embodied this love of music was “Listen while you work- and SING with the music…the LOUDER the BETTER!!!” When he wasn’t belting out a tune, Ted was always surrounding himself with music, going so far as to making a name for himself by throwing the “World’s Most Impressive Disco Parties (of the ‘90s).”

Teddy had a diverse career and work life. He worked at Fleet Foot Athletic Shoes and became General Manager of several stores. Of course, he made many friends and was well liked by all his customers and co-workers. He also spent some years in luxury Audio/Video installations and really knew how to set up a “beautiful” state-of-the-art sound system. In recent years he began painting homes and learned the best skills with one of his dear friends, Tim, in Idaho and thoroughly enjoyed the work. He returned to Salt Lake and began to pick up paint jobs on his own and became known for being an excellent painter. There wasn’t a job he wasn’t willing and capable of doing.

Teddy was the “baby” of seven kids in the Stephens family and made the family complete. He brought fun, joy and happiness to the Stephens clan. His siblings took every opportunity to play with and “tease” Teddy. It is the family's theory that this “teasing” contributed to his playful disposition. Teddy has many lifelong friends and found friends. People have always been drawn to his upbeat, positive personality. He always had a smile and a humorous quip for every occasion. Ted was very generous with his time and skills. Even in the face of his own life challenges, he would drop everything and go to great lengths to help anyone in need. Ted had great kindness, compassion, humor, always a peacemaker and endless hope and optimism about life. He has truly left his mark on this world and the lives of those who knew him.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Patricia who would be awaiting a loving reunion with him. He is survived by his children, Connor and Carsen, and their mother Nicole Stephens. Brothers and sisters, Allen (Kathy) Stephens, Julie (Lance) Jacob, April (Mike) Faldmo, Christopher Stephens, Tracy Kirschenbaum, and Bryan Stephens, honorary sister Denise Utley, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who adore him. His early departure from this world has left a large void in our hearts and words can’t convey how sorely he will be missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ted on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 5 - 9pm at Three Fountains West Clubhouse, 5038 S. 3 Fountains Circle (680 E.) Murray, UT, directional balloons on entrance.

If you would like to support the family in covering memorial expenses you can donate here:

https://bit.ly/TeddyStephensMemorial