A Tribute To Los Alamos ‘Community Man’ Bill Todd

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on November 18, 2020
- 9:15 am

Bill and Marie Todd were married 64 years when he died Oct. 29, 2020. Photo by Bernadette Lauritzen

Marie Todd receives the American flag that covered the casket of her Navy Veteran husband Bill Todd during the recent burial service for him at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Photo by Kitty Gandee

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
LARSO

Billy E. Todd (Bill) was a wonderful community man in Los Alamos and White Rock.

He passed away peacefully at age 87 on Oct. 29, 2020 in his home in White Rock and was laid to rest at the Santa Fe National Cemetery surrounded by those he loved most.

In the uncertainty of our world, the request was made of the family if they would share about the service for those who wished they could have attended to honor Bill.

Tim Todd was asked to elaborate on his dad after consulting with his siblings. They all agree that he was a very good father and that he always listened well and tried his best to let them make their own decisions, within reason of course.

“Dad would drop whatever he was doing and drive through the night if he thought we really needed him, no matter how far it was,” said the younger Todd. “He was kind, respectful and generous to a fault.”

Bill was the man that we as the community hoped he actually was, he had a soft spot for people who were struggling to make ends meet, had a strong faith in the Lord and believed in Jesus and the Bible.

He served the community in many ways, in addition to his military service. His family was proud of his Navy service during Korean War.

His two sons followed in his footsteps, also joining the Navy. Todd’s commitment to service continued through the American Legion and White Rock Senior Center, which demonstrated he was a take charge guy and wanted to help others.

Bill and Marie volunteered once a month at their church, Immaculate Heart of Mary, to count money and Bill enjoyed cooking and helping out at the Senior Center Fish Fry. He was on the committee that hired former senior center director Pauline Powell Schneider. He told the current director that it was one of the best things he had ever done. He also encouraged White Rock Senior Center’s Lisa Larson to apply for a part time position that brought her into the fold.

To share some additional history from the family, the year was 1955 when Bil was on his way to Texas from California to start a new job and his car broke down in Albuquerque. He spent the next few months working odd jobs to repair his car. While in Albuquerque he met his wife to be and he and Marie were married in May of 1956. They were married 64 years at the time of his passing.

It was important to Bill and Marie that the family stay close. When the kids were small and into their young adult years, they were always going camping and fishing. Marie would have things ready to go when Bill got off work on a Friday evening and they wouldn’t get home until Sunday afternoon. The children include two boys and two girls, Duwayne who passed in 2015, Paula Nichols, Roberta Reinhardt and Tim Todd. His legacy includes seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

During this time of year, Marie always sells the famous poppies prior to Veterans Day. The pandemic has caused that not to take place for 2020, but we are certain that donations could be made to the local American Legion Auxiliary, at 1325 Trinity Dr. in Los Alamos, in memory of Bill.

Scene of the recent burial service for Bill Todd at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. Photo by Kitty Gandee