Howard Michael “Mike” Todd Sr. was born to Howard and “Tillie” (Helfrisch)Todd on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina, on April 22, 1925. Mike spent his last years at Horizon House in Seattle before being welcomed home on March 19, 2016. He is survived by his six children: Dee Webster, H. Mike Todd Jr., Kathy Todd, Pat Todd (Ken Hanson), Teri Todd and Lori Todd (Randy Smith), as well as by six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and a sister, Hazel Thomas. Mike was preceded in death by the love of his life, his “sweet babboo,” Grace Marie (Milliman) Todd, as well as by two sons-in-law, Jerre Webster and Jack Byrd, and sisters, Vivian Bonnoit and Helen West.
After growing up on Sullivan’s Island, Mike attended The Citadel in Charleston. His time there was curtailed after two years when he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served from 5/31/44-4/11/46. One of his few regrets was not completing his studies at the Citadel.
However, the Army inadvertently set in motion a much greater good when Mike’s orders sent him to Oregon State University to study engineering. It was love at first sight for Micky and Sunny (as they came to be known) when they met at an OSU student dance. They married on August 24, 1945. Mike would go on to work as a civil engineer in Portland, before moving the family to Bellevue, Washington. He worked for the next 32 years at Boeing as an engineer and manager on electronic and aerospace projects. After his retirement, he and Grace lived on Vashon Island, and in Lacey.
Mike was a man of eclectic passions that embraced poetry, the cosmos, science, woodworking, travel, auto repair, gardening, religion, fishing, philosophy, art, and opera. He was also an avid outdoors man, who delighted in drawing his children into a love of nature. Many a camping adventure was accompanied by the words: “come on, kids, the campsite is just over the next ridge!” Mike loved life, dancing, and laughter. His was a joyful, distinctive laugh, that spilled over into the hearts of all who heard it. He radiates joy now – just over the next ridge – as he dances again with his sweet babboo.
A service celebrating Mike’s life will be held in the Horizon House chapel at 2:00 p.m. on May 5th followed by internment of ashes at Woodlawn Funeral Home, Deer Creek Niche in Lacey. Remembrances can be made to:
Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Wash DC, 20090-6011 or on-line at Alz.org Providence Hospice Seattle, 425 Pontius Ave North, Suite 300, Seattle WA 98109 Horizon House Employee Fund, Horizon House – RC, 900 University St, Seattle WA 98101
