Ted Douglas Alder

Salt Lake City, UT- Ted Douglas Alder died September 21, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He came into this world on March 23, 1955, as the third son of Jack and Katherine Alder. As a baby he was a plump, rosy-cheeked, blond-haired, happy boy with eyes so sky-blue they'd grab you. As he grew it became apparent that some things would be harder for Ted, but he had two amazing offsetting advantages: his quick and infectious smile and cheerful, optimistic nature; and his parents who were able and determined to provide every opportunity for a life of success and happiness.

With Kay's dogged-determination and Jack's capable support, Ted soon began school with Agi Plenk who was encouraged to begin a new approach to Ted's education that grew into what became the Children's Center. Jack and Kay later helped Camp Kostopulos and other organizations provide a place of growth for Ted and others. Ted attended Irvine Junior High and Columbus Community Center.

Ted was always loved and supported by his family who worked with him and celebrated with him as he attained his goals including getting a food handler's permit, starting his first job, taking on the lawn mowing and snow removal jobs for family, and especially when he obtained his driver's license and became "Truck Driver Ted". With his big truck he proudly made deliveries and cared for properties for Alder Construction Company for over 37 years. While at Alder, Ted formed many friendships that he valued. He was loved by the office staff and the guys in the field and formed special relationships with too many to name. He liked to flirt with the women in the front office at Alder and with the waitresses at his usual morning or lunch stops. He was not one to miss a birthday greeting with a card or chocolates.

In his opinion, Ted was a superstar in many sports: his basketball long shots, his football throws, his skeet shooting, and his horseshoe playing (where the family reunion trophy was a badge of great honor). And in truth he was a real superstar bowler having once achieved a high game of 247 - a number he never forgot. He was proud to have participated in The Special Olympics. He loved the competition but mostly he loved the camaraderie of being with the teams and friends. Ted was a big University of Utah sports fan - especially the football team, and he always made (outrageous) predictions of Utah's winning score. Ted also cheered for the Cowboys. He kept track of his teams' schedules and looked forward to sharing their successes with co-workers and fellow fans.

Ted was lucky throughout his life to be surrounded by loving family and friends. His aunt Barbara and the Rasmussen aunts and uncles were always his enthusiastic supporters and pals. His O'Bagy and Rasmussen cousins were his best friends. He loved to be with them at Lake Powell, Bear Lake or an annual reunion. Children of family friends also became Ted's buddies. As Ted got older his nieces and nephews (Kelly, Scott, Anne, Mark, and Jane; Lindsay and Eric; and Tyler, Carter and Leah) and their children became the recipients of his greetings and interest. So many individuals embraced Ted with kindness and were buoyed up in return by his big smile and excited greetings that might be a fake handshake, two-handed "finger-guns", a fist-bump or a BIG HUG that you knew was sincere. Ted would look forward to birthdays which he could always remember, and he would always ask about your kids or spouse and ask you to tell them hi.

Ted was lucky in a way to live at home his whole life. He was able to accompany Jack to the ranch or on a flight to check a job. He was able to help with the chores and often got a good night kiss (even when he was fifty). As Jack and Kay became less able, he became a real help with trips to the store, taking out the garbage and much more. After Jack's passing Ted was blessed to have Sue and Greg provide him with a loving home where he constantly protected Leah from Tyler and Carter's teasing. Sue's service and care have continued beyond any expectation or bounds of love. Sue truly was Ted's number one buddy, and she never let him down.

Ted absorbed the love and camaraderie of the many family trips and reunions, and especially the times spent sitting around a campfire singing old songs. In his older years he loved to recall those feelings by crooning with Jeff Proctor at music fests, or at any family gathering singing his favorites such as "White Christmas" (anytime of year), "Country Roads", "Happy Trails" and "Ring of Fire". He loved Maggie's visits to Neighborhood House and The Ridge, and he looked forward to singing with her as she performed for those assembled.

Ted was guileless. He was never envious, never jealous, never angry, and seldom sad (except when he'd remember his parents on their birthdays). He was always thankful and would tell you so, whether it was for lunch, just a diet-coke, or a visit. Ted accepted his challenges and never complained. His worst epitaph when he had a bad fall was "you should have heard me cuss". Which he never did. He would be the first to apologize when he took a fall or spilled something. He accepted everyone without judgment. As Ted's health declined, he remained grateful, optimistic, and never complained. His worst traits were his determination and routines. If you were on his telephone call list, you would get a call even if it were 7:00 in the morning and he'd already made seven ignored calls.

The family is grateful for the many who continued to reach out to support Ted throughout his life and as his health declined and he was unable to get out. The family would like to especially thank Mike Fenton and all those at Beehive Home and Canyon Hospice for their love and care for Ted over the past several months. We are very grateful to you!

Ted is survived by his brothers Steve (Sue Ann) and Bruce (Coralie), his sister Sue (Greg Robinson), and the nieces and nephews mentioned above.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life to be held October 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pioneer Center in This Is the Place Heritage Park, 2601 East Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah.