Comments on: Edmund J. “Ed” Caplis, age 62, of Helena

By: Randy Wilke

Randy Wilke — Tue, 05 May 2026 15:34:21 +0000

Had the good fortune to work with Edmund for a number of years at Revenue…some interesting times. His intellectual skillset was extraordinary. He was a very personable, good, kind and honest man. The good ones slip away all too soon!

By: Terry

Terry — Sun, 03 May 2026 15:35:21 +0000

Ed was a friend of mine. We got to know each other when he worked for the department of Revenue. I always enjoyed our short chats and his willingness be provude information when I needed it. We developed a closer friendship when he asked ne if I had any need for farm help at my farm. I eventually had his daughter Tara do some gardening work for me. She use to ride her bike out to my farm to work. Like her dad, she was so pleasant and a delight to have her work. I always told Ed how I appreciate her and I know Ed was a proud dad. My condolences to the family and may your memories be a blessing. Ed was a great guy.

By: Myra Snyder

Myra Snyder — Sun, 03 May 2026 15:26:25 +0000

Ed, Thank you for your military service for our country. Very honorable of you! God Bless this US Veteran and this family!

By: Pattie (Dahl) Weatherston

Pattie (Dahl) Weatherston — Fri, 01 May 2026 15:39:20 +0000

So sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. I went to school with him and he was always such a nice, happy guy. Heaven gained a good one there.
Sending sincere condolences to his family and friends.

By: Brad Martin & Cindy Smith

Brad Martin & Cindy Smith — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:22:33 +0000

Christina –
I’m so sorry to read of Ed’s passing and Cindy & I send our deep condolences. Ed was such a good heart, who loved you, Tara & Ben so much, and was such a strong advocate who loved Montana and the fight for justice. I know will be missed by many and I hope you find comfort with family, friends and warm memories.
With condolences –
Brad & Cindy

By: Monica Abbott

Monica Abbott — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:47:57 +0000

Cristina I was saddened to hear of your loss. Ed was nice, smart, and a definite presence in this world. I’m sure your world is shattered as you two seemed as one. Loss is so hard. My prayers and deepest sympathy for you and your family!

By: Brian DeVore

Brian DeVore — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:42:04 +0000

Ed was a good friend growing up and we spent a lot of time together. I think he may have eaten dinner at my family’s house more than his own. We also enjoyed some crazy times at his mom’s cabin on Flathead lake as well as trying to keep his blue Ford pickup running. Ed loved life. To his family, I hope you find peace and solace in the fact that his enjoyment of life rubbed off on all those he touched. He will be missed.

By: Bill Bentley

Bill Bentley — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:42:29 +0000

Great guy. Always in a good mood and a person really liked by all whom he came in contact with. An individual who nobody ever uttered a bad word towards. RIP , Ed.

By: Brad Simshaw

Brad Simshaw — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:51:59 +0000

Ed was a good friend of mine. The kind of friend that made my life better. I first met him almost thirty years ago when he came to work for TPR where for a bit I was his supervisor. Now that was a learning experience. I mean that in a very good way. While I like to think Ed learned some things from me, I know that I learned things from him. Our job in the office was very analytical, very numbers oriented. I was good at identifying the steps needed to solve a problem. Ed provided something beyond that. He saw more than just numbers. He had the insight to see the cause of problem, of why it was even there in the first place. Working with Ed I learned that why people do things is as important as to what they do. I benefited greatly from that realization. It made me a better person and a better friend. It is also the skill that took Ed from being a minion in the office to eventually running it. Well done Ed. After supervising Ed for four years I left the department. Not because of Ed. I had other pursuits. But I was lucky enjoy his company for many years with gatherings at local pubs and the annual Big Hole camping trips which involved lively conversations around the campfire and the occasional Ed Caplis Great Driving Adventure. Ed earned my respect for the way he treated others and he gained my admiration for the pride he took in his family. Cristina, Tara and Ben, he loved you immensely. It was very clear that you brought great joy to his life. I miss him. His friendship was important and meaningful to me.

By: Nan LeFebvre

Nan LeFebvre — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:56:15 +0000

Oh my goodness Cristina, my heart absolutely breaks for you and the kids. I was shocked and saddened to learn of Ed’s passing which was way, way too young. He truly was a wonderful man, husband and father. I remember seeing him when we would pick up the kids at Sue’s house and I also had the privilege of crossing paths with our work for the State of Montana.
Stay strong. You WILL get through this. Hugs to you, Tara and Ben.

By: Steve Dagenais

Steve Dagenais — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:06:51 +0000

I remember Ed in school nice person my condolences to the family

By: Jill Caldwell

Jill Caldwell — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 14:05:26 +0000

Cristina, I am sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you and your children. I wish you peace and good memories.

By: Mary Anne McMahon

Mary Anne McMahon — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:34:37 +0000

Ed and I met in grade school. He was one of the kindest people and that smile made everyone smile! After high school we lost touch until, lo and behold, this young man entered my classroom at Helena High! Ed’s son, Ben, is a spitting image of his dad! Visiting with Ed on “parent night” at HHS was the highlight of the evening! He was still the same ole Ed from a lot of years ago! I’ll always remember meeting Ed’s wonderfully kind wife too! During Covid the best and most original project that was submitted via online instruction was from Ben. His math project was an original song played and sung by Ben. Musical talent is definitely in the Caplis genes! Hugs, thoughts and prayers to the entire Caplis family!

By: Sharon (Applegate) Eslick

Sharon (Applegate) Eslick — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:03:35 +0000

I knew Ed from grade school and I believe we even stood together as fellow drummers (or percussionists as Mrs. Hall referred to us) in the Rossiter School 5th Grade Band. I remained friends with Ed through high school but like many of us, lost touch as we became adults and our adventures took us elsewhere. My prayers go out to his family as they learn to navigate without him. May you all find peace and healing.

Sharon

By: DAVID SANDFORD

DAVID SANDFORD — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:32:35 +0000

I knew Ed from 7th grade on. I lost touch with him after high school, but still considered him a freind. I’m sorry to hear of his passing.