Obituary: Ray T. (Ted) Samuelson

Ray T. (Ted) Samuelson 1924 ~ 2005 Ray T. (Ted) Samuelson passed away peacefully on May 28, 2005, from complications following surgery. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary Jayne Samuelson, on October 4, 2004. Ted was born Sept. 7, 1924 to Ray Samuelson and Edna Thomsen in Salt Lake City. He attended local schools and was a graduate of East High School. Ted is survived by one daughter, Kris, of Bailey, Colorado; granddaughters Jillian Fischer and Sara Fischer of Denver; sisters and brothers-in-law Lori and Richard Frandsen, Sandy; Judy and Jeff Tidwell, Holladay; brother Gary Samuelson, Sandy; nieces and nephews Andrea, Mike, Jeff, Suzie, Ellen, Lisa, and Mark along with their families. Ted was an avid skier and liked to recall when, as a young man attending East High School, times were tough and money was scarce. He and his friends would hike up the slopes at Alta to ski back down again. During World War II he worked at Treasure Island Naval Base in California, then for United Airlines, both jobs fostering his love of aviation. He designed, built and flew model airplanes for many years. Ted placed first at the National Model Airplane Championships in Dallas, Texas, in 1950. Later on, he raced boats and eventually sports cars. He also loved photography and had his own dark room for many years. He and Mary Jayne enjoyed travel and golf. Ted was a genuine handyman who could fix anything. With his father, Ray T. Samuelson Sr., he owned and operated Ray's Music Company in Salt Lake City, taking over the business upon Ray's death. Ted will be missed by the loyal and caring employees who became as close as family over the years. Ted was a kind and generous man with a unique sense of humor, and was loved by many. A viewing will be Thursday, June 2, at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary (2350 E. 1300 South) at 1:00 p.m., with services at 2:00. Cremation will follow. Friends are encouraged to attend and share their memories. Please join us in this celebration of his life. "Thank you Teddy, for your presence in our lives. Have a good flight home."