Theodore Wesley Zelio

Ted Zelio 1941-2015 Ted Zelio was a native Californian but considered himself a Montanan forever. The only child of Tom and Helen Zelio, he grew up in Butte, Montana, surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved to camp and fish. He graduated from Butte High School, where he played trumpet in the band. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the Navy, attended the Naval Music School in Norfolk, Virginia, and served in the admiral†™s band in the Mediterranean. He liked to reminisce about the wonderful food in Naples. He served on the carrier Forrestal, among other ships. Following his time in the Navy, Ted returned to the University of Montana, where he earned a B.A. in liberal arts and did two years of graduate work in economics. He married Judy Syverson in 1968 and went to work for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in San Francisco, where son David was born. When HUD opened a new regional office, the family moved to Denver in 1970. They found wonderful friends (like the Hankies) in Colorado, with whom Ted skied, river rafted, played golf and pool, rode motorcycles and dirt bikes with Jerry, and, of course, played trumpet in several bands. Son Wes was born in 1977, and the family enjoyed camping, hiking and fishing around the west from Montana to New Mexico, and many places in between. Ted was one of the first Washington Park youth soccer coaches, and he coached teams for both sons. Ted and Judy enjoyed frequent social times with her sister Jean and husband David Nieto. Upon retirement from HUD, Ted began a new career as a †œvery, very amazing ski instructor†� as one of his young students at Winter Park wrote in her thank-you note. When Ted was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2014, he barely missed a step, thanks to skillful care by Dr. Matt Eadens, his oncologist, the Kaiser oncology nurses, and eventually Denver Hospice. Dennis, the Kaiser social worker, recommended a fishing retreat sponsored by Reel Recovery in Grand County, and Ted went with his buddy Bruce for an unforgettable experience. Throughout the year, Ted and Judy continued to travel. They visited Wes in Los Angeles and friends and family in Butte. They drove to Oak Park, Illinois, to spend Christmas with David and his wife Maya, and grandchildren Katy and Ben. Back in Denver, Ted played golf and pool with Hal, Andy and Mike. He taught ski classes at Winter Park in December and skied with Wes and David in February. His final band rehearsal was on March 17. When he finally couldn†™t do what he loved any longer, even read his well-worn philosophy books, he asked for David and Wes to come for goodbyes. On March 30, two weeks after their 47th wedding anniversary, Ted passed away quietly at home with Judy and dog Buddy beside him, completing a life well lived. Ted†™s remains will be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Monday, April 20, at 2:30 pm. Friends are invited to the Zelio home after the ceremony.