Ted Erwin Spicer

Ted Erwin Spicer 72, a long time resident of Oxnard, CA, died peacefully at 4:15 pm Saturday, April 4, 2020 in Rexburg, Idaho with his wife Susan by his side doing one of the things he loved - listening to the worldwide broadcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Annual General Conference.

Ted was a cancer survivor. In June of 2011 we suspected Ted had cancer. In July it was confirmed, he needed surgery and six, week long, rounds of chemo therapy. On November 30, 2011 he went into the hospital to begin his last round of chemo and less than 24 hours later on December 1, 2011 Ted suffered a massive stroke leaving him with virtually no speech, no use of his right arm, and for a time he was unable to walk.

In March of 2020 Ted and Susan moved to Idaho so Ted could receive more assistance as his needs had become more than Susan could manage on her own. Susan was continually by his side encouraging him and serving him until he passed away.

He was born in Los Angeles, CA June 20, 1947 to Erwin Spicer and Norine Tyler. He was the second of four children. He grew up in Henderson, Nevada and Thatcher, Arizona. Ted played all kinds of sports but Tennis became his lifelong favorite. He loved to both watch and play tennis throughout his life. He was known for stopping right in the middle of a store or the check out line to practice one of his tennis strokes, like his forehand, backhand or serve.

In 1966 Ted accepted a call to serve a two year full time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to the Northern Mexico Mission where he was blessed to see much success. He carried a lifelong love of the people and the language of his mission. He loved the Lord, the Scriptures, especially The Book of Mormon, Missionary Work and Temple Work. He continued to serve his church in many capacities throughout his life. He was the Pianist for the Spanish Ward for many years, a Counselor in a Bishopric, a Seminary Principal, an Ordinance Worker, a Ward Mission Leader, a Ward Missionary, a Stake Missionary, the Primary Pianist and a Teacher in many organizations. He was quick to feel the spirit of the Holy Ghost and the language of the scriptures just flowed through his conversations.

Ted attended Ventura College, Brigham Young University, Cal State Northridge where he received his Bachelor degree and Cal Lutheran where he received his teaching credential.
Ted had many interests: Ted was a Real Estate Agent, a K-12 Substitute Teacher, a High School Spanish Teacher, a Coach, an Insurance Agent, a Traffic School Teacher, and an Interpreter. For a time he worked at an animal park where he developed a love for the big cats - lions, tigers, and leopards. Tigers being his favorite.

On June 25, 1993 he married Susan Burrup of Rockville, MD, daughter of Mont L Burrup and Patricia Ann Jones. Ted and Susan were married in the Los Angeles, California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They made their home in Oxnard California until March of 2020.

Ted was known for his firm “crushing” handshake and his broad smile. Ted’s eyes would twinkle and sparkle each time he saw a friend or family member come into the room - radiating instant excitement and joy for these beloved people.

Ted was preceded in death by: his beloved mother Norine Tyler Blosdale, father Erwin Spicer, step father Harry Maxwell Blosdale, brother Tom Orson Spicer, Uncle Eugene Tyler, Uncle Austin Tyler, Aunt Julia Tyler Beard, Aunt Blanch Tyler Lee, two nieces Michelle Suzanne Graham, Rosalin Camille Spencer, and grandparents.

Ted is survived by: his wife Susan Burrup Spicer, his two sisters Sylvia Spicer Ward and Suzanne Spicer Lusk, 17 nieces and nephews, cousins and numerous friends.

A memorial service celebrating Ted’s life will be determined at a future date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.