Edward Linford Blood

Edward (Ted) Linford Blood (“Teddy” to his mother) was born on September 17, 1945, and passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 31, 2025.

A life, when lived fully, is not measured by accolades or possessions, but by presence, love, and care. In so many ways, Ted embodied this truth. His quiet strength and steady integrity shone most clearly in the way he showed up for his family, his friends, and anyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Ted was born in Logan, Utah, and as an infant his family moved to Ogden, later settling in Salt Lake City. He attended Highland High School and went on to the University of Utah, where he earned both a degree in finance and an MBA. Before finishing college, he served a mission in Finland for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return he joined the Army National Guard at Fort Douglas, serving in their linguistics unit. His training took him to Fort Holabird, Maryland, where he became an intelligence interrogator, before returning home to Salt Lake City.

It was there that he met and married Martha Hughes in the Salt Lake City Temple on December 18, 1969. His professional career carried him across the country — from New York City, where he worked at Smith Barney, to Minneapolis, where he spent nearly two decades at General Mills. He later played a key role in taking General Mills’ restaurant division public as Darden Restaurants on the New York Stock Exchange. His path then led to Los Angeles, where he worked for Times Mirror, and later to Phoenix, where he continued his career after Times Mirror was sold. Through it all, Ted remained steady in his devotion to his family and true to his values.

He was a father whose eyes lit up when his children were near. A devoted husband whose heart beat so fast the night he asked his bride to be his girl that she was sure he was having a heart attack! A grandfather who found joy and wonder in the laughter of the next generation. A man who taught his family to love nature, from glassy mornings on the lake to snowy days in Big Cottonwood Canyon. He found as much awe in a summer thunderstorm as in the small wonders of everyday life.

Ted’s gift was simple yet rare: he lived in the present. Around him, each of us felt uniquely known, loved, and special. He didn’t teach through words (unless it was helping us muddle through math homework), but through action — showing us, again and again, that success is measured by how deeply you love and how faithfully you show up. This was the lesson he lived out every day.

He was the one who slalomed across the water at dawn, raked leaves into towering piles for children to leap into, plowed through snowdrifts in the cul-de-sac, hiked canyon trails, tended the garden, and carved out time in a busy life to be fully present with those he loved. He gave freely, asked little in return, and left behind a legacy not of words, but of love expressed through action.

He is survived by his loving wife, Martha; his four children — Laurie, Amy, Tim, and Kristen — and 14 grandchildren who will forever carry his love within them. Oh, and two incredibly well-behaved miniature schnauzers, Lizzy and Rose, who still diligently guard his shoes at night.

Ted’s life is a reminder that what matters most are the moments shared, the care given, and the love expressed. For that, and for him, we are forever grateful.

Ted, Dad, Grandpa — we love you, we miss you, and we look forward to the day that we will be reunited with you again.  Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.

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