Boy are we going to miss you dear friend…
There are so many great memories to hold onto…The biggest one that stands out most in my heart is when he and Mandy came to our family’s rescue during a sudden move. They helped us move countless household items, big furniture, and more; up a flight of stairs into a 2nd-floor apartment.
I had never personally experienced such an act kindness and help from people at church before? That was the moment a true friendship began to form.
I remember thinking, this is God…this is what a church family is supposed to be like!
He even injured his back that day and we felt so bad about it, yet he remained so humble. He & Mandy were just happy to help. “Gratitude” doesn’t even begin to describe what we felt.
There were many lessons learned from Todd especially on Sundays at church but the greatest lesson came through unexpectedly during his cancer journey.
The courage, belief, and hope he showed in eternity with God was like confirmation to me that no matter what happens in this world, death is not something to fear.
As a Christian, it can even be something beautiful.
It strengthened my faith more than any other experience I can think of. It felt like a final gift he gave…not just to me but to so many.
A story of Todd’s kindness that touched my heart…
Early in our friendships, we discovered that Todd and my husband shared the same taste in music, specifically the band “Five Iron Frenzy” a Christian Ska band from the 90’s!
We were honestly a little surprised if we’re honest because Todd seemed so reserved and that detail revealed a whole other side of his personality.
It was actually really funny and special; His son was even named after one of the band’s leaders, Reese.
A couple of months later, Mandy surprised Todd with concert tickets and Todd chose to invite my husband, Ian, to go with him. That gesture meant so much. It created a special bond between them and my husband had the best time. It’s a memory he will cherish forever.
A day with Todd I’ll never forget, It’s hard to choose just one. He was present when both of our boys, Marcus and Jordan were baptized in the ocean…such a special and meaningful day.
There were also so many moments serving together at First Friday events, Christmas and Fourth of July parades, dinner hang outs, small group gatherings, and the extra personal care he gave when he came to the hospital to pray with us during a medical situation with my husband.
There are many days I will forever remember because of Todd.
Todd had a gentle spirit and was a man of few words, yet his presence alone brought a smile. There was a peace about him that you could feel just being around him.
We are going to deeply miss him. Miss seeing him with Mandy and their family together, hearing him speak and teach, and all the ways he served and cared for our church family.
Most of all, I’ll miss the friendship we were blessed to have, one we will forever cherish.
