Edmund “Ed” Joseph Caplis, 62, of Helena, Montana, passed away on March 04, 2026. He was born on November 15, 1963, in Missoula, MT, to Michael G. Caplis and Rose O. (ne Cosner) Caplis. Ed’s birth held special significance within the greater Caplis Clan, as Ed was born the same day that his paternal grandfather and namesake passed away. The youngest of three, he joined his older siblings Kerry and Tim. Though he was born in Missoula, the family lived in Polson, MT, until the fall of 1964, when they moved to Salt Lake City, UT, where his father attended graduate school at the University of Utah. When Ed’s father finished his studies in 1967, the Caplis family moved to Missoula. In 1969, the family moved to Butte. In 1974, the family moved to the Helena Valley, where he continued his youthful adventures in the Scratch Gravel Hills. Ed finished his elementary education at Rossiter, moved on to C.R. Anderson Junior High, and, to his parents’ prayers and eternal gratitude, he graduated from Capital High School in 1982.
While still a high school senior, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He completed his basic training in 1982 and specialty training in anti-submarine warfare systems in the summer of 1983 in San Diego, California. He was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, beginning in late summer 1983.
After discharge from the Navy, Ed returned to Montana and enrolled in the Economics program at the University of Montana in Missoula. While at U of M, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Cristina Medina. Ed had a lifelong love of music, though his childhood dream of being a drummer perished in a junior high music class; he channeled his love of art and music into the Performing Arts Coordinator position with the Associated Students of the University of Montana. In his ASUM role, he was responsible for scouting and bringing music, art, and culture to the U of M campus. Ed worked for ASUM until he followed the love of his life back East to Philadelphia, PA, where he enrolled at Temple University. Ed and Cristina married in August 1990, and in December 1991, Ed earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economy from Temple University. Soon after he earned his degree, the young couple decided to move back to Montana in the fall of 1992 and settled in Helena, MT. Ed was adamant that because of all the moving around he did as a kid, his future children would know only one home, and he planted roots on 6th Avenue – roots and community were very important to Ed.
In 1992, Ed was hired as the Executive Director for the Montana Senior Citizen Association, advocating for the senior Citizens of Montana and lobbying for pharmaceutical drug cost reform – he was following in the footsteps of a long line of politically minded Caplis’ advocating for the rights of Montanans. In 1996, Ed went to work for the Montana Department of Revenue in the Tax Policy and Research Division. 1998 was a momentous year for Ed. While still working for DOR, Ed earned his master’s in public administration from the U of M, but most importantly, he attained the highest honor of becoming a Dad and the biggest fan. Ed and Cristina welcomed their first child, Tara, in September 1998. Followed by Benjamin in November 2002. Ed became the supervisor of the Tax Policy and Research Division of the Montana Department of Revenue in 2004. He retired from that position in 2022 to become a full-time “Biggest Fan.” He encouraged his children to follow their dreams, and he was there to support them every step of the way.
Ed loved music, woodworking, political debate, camping, and exploring the state. There were countless afternoons and holidays when the family would gather around the large cherrywood dining table he made by hand, having meandering political discussions that would morph into a discussion about great camping spots. Ed would inevitably pull out his Montana Gazetteer Map to tell us about this cool camping spot he found. Ed insisted that his children spend time in nature, and he often took them camping and fishing. Some of the best memories were made in the Big Hole Valley. Ed’s diverse passions are reflected and live on in each of his children, though in different ways. Tara is his “nature girl” who loves the outdoors, is a vocal advocate for others, and is pursuing a master’s degree in city planning and public transportation. Benjamin is the musician (drummer) who is bringing beautiful music to a chaotic world. Of everything he accomplished in life, Ed’s greatest accomplishment was being a great father.
The world is upside down and chaotic, but Edmund J. Caplis died peacefully in his sleep on March 4, 2026, having lived a full, meaningful life. He was 62.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Rose in 2018, Mike in 2024, and by his father-in-law, Leo Medina, in 2020.
Ed is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cristina Medina; daughter Tara of Baltimore, Maryland; son Benjamin of Helena, MT; sister-in-law Monica (Steve) McCurdy of Philadelphia, PA; sister Kerry (Steve) Schultz of Lakeside, MT; brother Tim Caplis of Butte, MT; sister Lori Caplis of Helena, MT; step-mother Karen Caplis of Helena, MT; step-sister Valerie (Todd) Russell of Custer, SD; step-brother Shannon (Jen) Tustin-Park of Shanghai, China; niece Magnolia, step-niece Noelle, nephews Alex, Evan & Fletcher, step-nephews Leo & Johnny; and lastly, but not least his TPR family and the retirees at Department of Revenue and Bergy Derby Bros – you all meant the world to him.
Please join Ed’s family in a good old-fashioned Irish wake celebrating his life with music, stories, and raise a pint of IPA or a bit of bourbon in his memory, Wednesday, July 8th, at 11:30 am, Myrna Loy Center.
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
11:30 a.m.
Wednesday July 8, 2026
Myrna Loy Center
15 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
11:30 a.m.
Wednesday July 8, 2026
Myrna Loy Center
15 N. Ewing Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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DAVID SANDFORD says
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.
Sharon (Applegate) Eslick says
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
Mary Anne McMahon says
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!
Jill Caldwell says
Cristina, I am sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you and your children. I wish you peace and good memories.
Steve Dagenais says
I remember Ed in school nice person my condolences to the family
Nan LeFebvre says
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.
Brad Simshaw says
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.
Bill Bentley says
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.
Brian DeVore says
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.
Monica Abbott says
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!
Brad Martin & Cindy Smith says
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
Pattie (Dahl) Weatherston says
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.
Myra Snyder says
Ed, Thank you for your military service for our country. Very honorable of you! God Bless this US Veteran and this family!
Terry says
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.
Randy Wilke says
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!