TV Pioneer Roy Steffens [Captain Z-Ro] 1914-2012

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Steffensen, Roy July 29, 1914 - August 2, 2012 A pioneer of the television industry passed away peacefully in his Woodland Hills home with his loving daughters at his side. A showman by birth, Roy was the instigator of back yard plays and elaborate theatrical productions at Palo Alto High.

In 1951 Roy launched Captain Z-Ro, a weekly program on KRON-TV in San Francisco becoming an intrepid traveler through time and space. Z-Ro visited historical events, sharing adventures and educating children in the process. Captain Z-Ro was a local sensation for 3 years, performed live with only 2 cameras. Picked up for national syndication in 1954 and expanded to a 30 minute format, Captain Z-Ro aired until 1960. The show was hailed for being both educational and entertaining, applauded by adults, teenagers as well as children. A Renaissance man, he was gifted mechanically preferring to repair anything before replacing it.

A natural raconteur, he would spin droll tales and endlessly entertain. He sang, he danced, he drew, he wrote. He had a zest for life and a twinkle in his eye. Above all else, Roy loved his family and they adored him back. Roy is survived by his wife of 75 years Kim, sister Verona Bloomquist; daughters Kita and Kris Tina and 8 grandchildren.