Tribute to Todd
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Todd always thought he was better at basketball than his father and John would never have admitted it then, but today he realizes that Todd was the better player. Although basketball was Todd’s first passion, he was much better at playing football for the Buena Colts and during one of his home games he received the Most Valuable Player of the game award. At the end of the season Todd also received the Most Valuable Receiver Trophy. Todd and his grandfather, Kevin had a “unique” relationship during these years for they shared their great compassion of sports and grew quite close.
Because Todd was a competitive young man, he would challenge his brother in many ways. Being the older brother, Todd would most likely win the challenge, but enjoyed having his little brother look up to him (and you can take that literally)! Their unique relationship was always held together with a strong brotherly love, and when Trisha stepped into the family, it didn’t change… for there were more challenges and new laughters to be shared. But the bonds didn’t end there… for Todd had more cousins than he could count, 34 ~ we think! No matter what age group this family was in, Todd welcomed them in and would challenge them on.
The macho side of Todd started at a very young age; his father and uncle Scott taught him to lift 100# dumbbells at the age of 2. What you don’t know is that they “had a hand in it”, and if you don’t know what I mean, check out the picture on one of the picture boards. Of course this only made Todd’s head get bigger… he always thought he was the toughest, the fastest, and the best at what ever it was he was doing. I guess this was good for his self confidence, but it may have driven each of us a little nuts a time or two. There was at least one time when Brian, at seven years old, was able to defeat Todd, and that was climbing up a suspended rope from a tree that hung about 15’ high. I wish you could have seen the smile on both of these boys faces when Brian achieved this ability of strength which Todd could not.
Family was important to Todd; his first tattoo was the Japanese symbol for family. In his teens he stated that he wanted to have enough kids for football team. Later, Valerie brought him back to his senses and agreed that two children would be enough to fill their home. That does not mean he would have lacked in family members; just show up at one of the Stansbury’s family parties, there are so many adults and children there that they wouldn’t know if you belonged there or not. Swimming at grandpa’s pool with Jessica, Michael Jr. Chelsea, Corey, Cassie and Brian was a common activity, of course Uncle Troy had to teach them how to water wrestle without drowning each other. Water skiing was a delight, and Aunt Tammie, and Darin worked hard at teaching Todd and the kids how to water ski. Once again Todd learned quickly and beamed his smile and waved at everyone as he soared through the waves.
Todd loved every member of his family equally. The little ones were never forgotten because Todd enjoyed giving them piggy back rides and “high fives”. Mike Manning and Todd played for different football teams, but continued to be the best of cousins. I‘m sure each of you have your own special memory of the way Todd shared his love with you too!
Yes; family meant a lot to Todd. Rather than roaming the streets looking for something to do, he would enjoy stopping by Aunt Theresa and Uncle Scott's to watch a movie. Or play a game of spades with Ike and Joy Cotes; Valerie’s parents. Of course he could never beat them, he wanted to make sure that they didn’t feel bad considering they were much older than him and would one day be his in-laws.
Now, on to his height: Todd stood at 6’ 4”, and would use that to his advantage; anyone under 6 feet would hear about how short they were; but that was OK, because if anyone under 6 feet needed something off a top shelf, they would just holler for Todd rather than pull out the step ladder.
Don’t let all this Machoness and competitiveness fool you, for Todd was also soft hearted. The loss of his grandmothers Lavern and Melody, weighed heavy with Todd, which lead him to his second tattoo; praying hands, a rose and ribbon with their names printed on it.
When Todd was down, or his heart was broken, he still needed mom. Being in his mother’s arms made them both feel more loved and comforted, even during his most recent years. John taught his boys to always put their mother first in their life; later Darin confirmed these same values and Todd cherished his mother with all his heart. She was the light in his eyes.
Todd did not do everything right, in fact, he had many rough roads he traveled. Like any typical kid, Todd was just trying to grow up. He made mistakes, he was hard-headed, and he went against the rules on many occasions. He broke things and lost things and sometimes he made us mad. If you think about it – this describes just about everyone here today. However, his life was heading down a much better road lately and he was even doing better in life than some of us. He graduated from Buena High School in 2002. He enjoyed his latest job and friends at Bachmann Springs, he always had a smile on his face and had just announced that he needed to purchase an engagement ring for his wonderful girlfriend whom the family will continue to love and embrace. He loved his dog, Cheech, and enjoyed living with Eric in the country. He did a lot for everyone and showed respect and consideration when he should.
Todd’s parents were completely successful and brought Todd up in life to be the great person he was. They carry pride in Todd’s accomplishments. His family will miss him, but he will never be forgotten. As John stated, “The heart is a very small organ, but like a computer, it holds more information than you can possible imagine”. For most of us, Todd will continue to be at the front of our hearts. There are many stories we can each share to keep Todd’s memory alive, and you can hold on to him through these memories for all the years that lay ahead of us. Todd will miss us all just as much as we will all miss him. It is a shame that this fine young man will walk with us no more but we can remember his smile, remember his laughter, remember his “macho attitude” and remember his unique way he loved each and every one of us.
The family has this message for you: “Parents, hug your children and hold onto them tightly. And Children, hold tightly onto your parents and let them know that you know how strong their love is for you”.
Because Todd was a competitive young man, he would challenge his brother in many ways. Being the older brother, Todd would most likely win the challenge, but enjoyed having his little brother look up to him (and you can take that literally)! Their unique relationship was always held together with a strong brotherly love, and when Trisha stepped into the family, it didn’t change… for there were more challenges and new laughters to be shared. But the bonds didn’t end there… for Todd had more cousins than he could count, 34 ~ we think! No matter what age group this family was in, Todd welcomed them in and would challenge them on.
The macho side of Todd started at a very young age; his father and uncle Scott taught him to lift 100# dumbbells at the age of 2. What you don’t know is that they “had a hand in it”, and if you don’t know what I mean, check out the picture on one of the picture boards. Of course this only made Todd’s head get bigger… he always thought he was the toughest, the fastest, and the best at what ever it was he was doing. I guess this was good for his self confidence, but it may have driven each of us a little nuts a time or two. There was at least one time when Brian, at seven years old, was able to defeat Todd, and that was climbing up a suspended rope from a tree that hung about 15’ high. I wish you could have seen the smile on both of these boys faces when Brian achieved this ability of strength which Todd could not.
Family was important to Todd; his first tattoo was the Japanese symbol for family. In his teens he stated that he wanted to have enough kids for football team. Later, Valerie brought him back to his senses and agreed that two children would be enough to fill their home. That does not mean he would have lacked in family members; just show up at one of the Stansbury’s family parties, there are so many adults and children there that they wouldn’t know if you belonged there or not. Swimming at grandpa’s pool with Jessica, Michael Jr. Chelsea, Corey, Cassie and Brian was a common activity, of course Uncle Troy had to teach them how to water wrestle without drowning each other. Water skiing was a delight, and Aunt Tammie, and Darin worked hard at teaching Todd and the kids how to water ski. Once again Todd learned quickly and beamed his smile and waved at everyone as he soared through the waves.
Todd loved every member of his family equally. The little ones were never forgotten because Todd enjoyed giving them piggy back rides and “high fives”. Mike Manning and Todd played for different football teams, but continued to be the best of cousins. I‘m sure each of you have your own special memory of the way Todd shared his love with you too!
Yes; family meant a lot to Todd. Rather than roaming the streets looking for something to do, he would enjoy stopping by Aunt Theresa and Uncle Scott's to watch a movie. Or play a game of spades with Ike and Joy Cotes; Valerie’s parents. Of course he could never beat them, he wanted to make sure that they didn’t feel bad considering they were much older than him and would one day be his in-laws.
Now, on to his height: Todd stood at 6’ 4”, and would use that to his advantage; anyone under 6 feet would hear about how short they were; but that was OK, because if anyone under 6 feet needed something off a top shelf, they would just holler for Todd rather than pull out the step ladder.
Don’t let all this Machoness and competitiveness fool you, for Todd was also soft hearted. The loss of his grandmothers Lavern and Melody, weighed heavy with Todd, which lead him to his second tattoo; praying hands, a rose and ribbon with their names printed on it.
When Todd was down, or his heart was broken, he still needed mom. Being in his mother’s arms made them both feel more loved and comforted, even during his most recent years. John taught his boys to always put their mother first in their life; later Darin confirmed these same values and Todd cherished his mother with all his heart. She was the light in his eyes.
Todd did not do everything right, in fact, he had many rough roads he traveled. Like any typical kid, Todd was just trying to grow up. He made mistakes, he was hard-headed, and he went against the rules on many occasions. He broke things and lost things and sometimes he made us mad. If you think about it – this describes just about everyone here today. However, his life was heading down a much better road lately and he was even doing better in life than some of us. He graduated from Buena High School in 2002. He enjoyed his latest job and friends at Bachmann Springs, he always had a smile on his face and had just announced that he needed to purchase an engagement ring for his wonderful girlfriend whom the family will continue to love and embrace. He loved his dog, Cheech, and enjoyed living with Eric in the country. He did a lot for everyone and showed respect and consideration when he should.
Todd’s parents were completely successful and brought Todd up in life to be the great person he was. They carry pride in Todd’s accomplishments. His family will miss him, but he will never be forgotten. As John stated, “The heart is a very small organ, but like a computer, it holds more information than you can possible imagine”. For most of us, Todd will continue to be at the front of our hearts. There are many stories we can each share to keep Todd’s memory alive, and you can hold on to him through these memories for all the years that lay ahead of us. Todd will miss us all just as much as we will all miss him. It is a shame that this fine young man will walk with us no more but we can remember his smile, remember his laughter, remember his “macho attitude” and remember his unique way he loved each and every one of us.
The family has this message for you: “Parents, hug your children and hold onto them tightly. And Children, hold tightly onto your parents and let them know that you know how strong their love is for you”.
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- X
- Other Apps
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