I think I am going to miss the little things the most. Things like when we had our family vacation to Hawaii and we were in our rented condo (or whatever it was) with little to do between the beach and dinner. Toddy, Alex, and I would get a beach ball and hit it back and forth and try to keep it up the longest with the most consecutive hits. And of course either Auntie, my Mom, or Nana would quickly shush us and say COLE IS SLEEPING! He always loved to engage in the activities with my sister and I that no other adult would. His child-like gaze watching Rio at Nana's house was testimony to this. Though most of the time these child-like activities got all three of us in trouble, it is perhaps what I will treasure the most. Our summerly San Diego trips also made for a lot of spectacle. I generally wound up stealing Toddie's money while playing card games with Cody and Todd. Not to mention the grand, trash-talking fashion I would do it in. I think the best way to describe Todd in words is through each person's personal experiences with Todd. We love you Toddie and it's going to be hard to experience places like the Zoo and Horse Races without your constant humorous remarks (though many of the sarcastic ones got you in trouble with Nana.) Love Zach

I woke up each morning in Hawaii to Todd handing me a large Starbucks coffee (my special order) that he drove to get for everyone,....it was 10 miles away! Who does that? Anytime I have walked into his home he has a drink in my hand a huge smile and hug and times just flies by with some of the best conversations and belly laughs I've ever had, not to mention that once Toddie starts to laugh we all laugh more,........usually by the end on the night I am trying to figure out how I can just stay and live here in this "island of Toddie & JoAnn"......the warm comfort they Leave you with makes you feel like family, always! I think the best way for me to honor Toddie is to play a round of golf, cook some lamb chops and have a great glass of red wine,......here's to you Toddie!

Even though I only knew Todd for a relatively short time, the year or so that I knew him was such a pleasure. Whenever we had family game night my first and second question to Zach was, in no particular order, "Is Nana gonna be there?" and "Is Toddy gonna be there?" I can honestly say Todd will always remain one of my favorite people. I was instantly drawn to Todd because of his easy going, fun, and hilarious personality. I loved that short/loud bursted laugh! It cracked me up! My most favorite memory has to be when Zach and I came down this past summer to San Diego for the weekend. We were so excited because we had been waiting all summer. When we arrived I immediately felt a sense of comfort from both Todd and Nana. That whole weekend was a blast! I remember specifically watching the movie Rio and I couldn’t help but watch Todd's face light up. I grew to realize how he loved animated films, especially with animals! Most of our conversations were along those lines. I always told Zach how much I LOVED Todd and his Nana and enjoyed being around them. I have grown to feel that his family is an extended part of mine and will forever be in my heart. xoxoxo

I spent the best vacation I've ever had with Toddie and his wonderful family in Hawaii...I think we invented at least 10 new kinds of margaritas that trip! I remember snorkeling with him and seeing sea turtles for the first time..SO cool!!...It was SO fun to stay up till all hours and play "Oh hell"(I don't think I ever beat him!!)....I am SO gonna miss his laugh, and how his eyes would twinkle when he was teasing...He was such a good sweet man and I will miss him dearly. I love his family like they were my own, and feel SO lucky for all the wonderful memories we share. I love you guys... Bug p.s. I think we REALLY need to plan another trip....

Todd, you were one of the nicest people I had ever had the privelege to call a friend. Always a smile on your face and a welcome handshake everytime we met to play a round of golf . I stll can not believe I will not see you on the course. As I continue to play, I will always remember kidding around with you when either one of us would hit a bad shot. You always kept me grounded. Bob and Linda

Todd was my boss for a short while at Linear. Always a smile on his face. My condolences go out to you Joanne and your family. It was a great schock to hear of Todd's passing. May his smile continue to shine down on you from above. Thanks for sharing the great pics...he will be missed.

I worked with Todd at Linear and truly enjoyed his friendship. I had found out that he had to put down his older West Highland terrier . Shortly after hearing that and knowing what a great animal lover he was, I came across and ad in the paper for two free Westies that needed a good home. That morning I told Todd about the dogs and he let me know that he was pretty sure that he did not want another dog, it was too soon. Two hours later he went to go check out the dogs from the ad in the paper. Needless to say McCloud and McKenzie had a new home. The last time I spoke with Todd he asked me when I was gonna come pick up my dogs :). I miss you Todd and you will always be in my thoughts!

The first time I met Todd was about 3 years ago. It was someones birthday dinner, and me, Zach and Alex were near the end of the table with Cole at this Mexican restaurant. This was the first time I met Todd, and he and Nana were sitting across from me. I was new to hanging around the family so I was kinda quite (weird for me, I know..) but Todd was the first to really want to get to know me. His love for Nana showed right off the bat, and his passion for this family was so clear. We talked about what I wanted to do with my future, and at the time I wanted to act and he was interested in everything I had to say! Right away I knew I would have a connection with him, and that I was right. Ever since then we always had little jokes back and fourth during family get togethers. My favorite memory, and one that will stay with me FOREVER is the time we were at Aunties for I think it was Cole's birthday. I had work that week and had the most interesting customer. I told the story to the everyone over dinner, with me being me I had to do the facial expressions and the voice of the asian lady talking to me. I even had a recording of her talking to me cause I knew no one would believe me when I told this story of this lady telling me about her boyfriends "pena and butt." Todd LOVED this story, I don't know if it was because of the little asian women voice I did to reenact it, or just how I visually told it. But his laugh, OH his laugh, just made it 10 times better for me! I don't know how many of you know Todd, but his laugh was the most contagious laugh out there. Ever since the first time he heard the story, I think he had me tell it every time I was around him, also if someone knew came to the family get togethers who have never heard it. :) His loss was something so hard for me to hear. Not only because im not part of the Storey's life anymore, but because when you lose friendships you lose the family you gained. Todd was an amazing part of that family I gained, and words can't describe how much respect, and love I had for this man so loving and caring as him. You will be forever missed Todd, and anytime I hear a laugh I will think of you. My condolences for his family and dear friends. Much love, Andrew Nixon

Susie Storey

12 years ago

Todd absolutely LOVED that story!!! Thanks for sharing it Andrew.

Although I have many wonderful memories with Todd aka Toddie Todd (mine and Zachy's nickname for him), there is one that stick out in my head and every time I think about it I cannot help but laugh out loud. Me, Hope, Nana and Toddy spent the day in La Jolla and decided we wanted to go kayaking...Toddy was not very fond of the idea, but being the good sport that he was he decided he would come with us after a little pressure from Nana. We got out in the water and started kayaking out....really far out!!! Besides a little incident with me crying over a huge bird trying to attack and Toddy laughing at me it was smooth sailing...Well once we got out Nana and Toddy's kayak flipped over sunglasses, cameras and hats were floating away and it was a pretty hilarious sight. We finally got the kayak flipped upside Nana got in the kayak and Toddy was holding onto the side...we gathered the stuff that was floating away and as me and hope paddled to help Toddy in we hit him right in the back of the head...we couldn't help but laughing as he said "God Damnit" and Nana replied "Not in front of the children Todd". We then helped Toddy back in the Kayak and as he was getting in...IT FLIPPED AGAIN...hahahaha...me and Hope flipped trying to help them back in and after about 45 minutes of struggling they sent out the oldest lifeguard from shore (about 55)...major shot to Toddy's ego and he helped us all get back in... Too say the least this was like a scene straight out of the movies and the only us 4 could really understand how classic and hilarious... Let's just say Toddy never got near a Kayak again and we have laughed about this incident ever since it happened...Even Toddy <3

Alexandra

12 years ago

PS. my favorite thing about Toddy is his contagious laugh...I can still picture it everyday in my head

Susie Storey

12 years ago

Nana and I just read this and laughed so hard we cried...thanks you for sharing this story baby girl. Every memory shared is so precious; the funny ones are healing.

Janet Wight

12 years ago

The first time I heard this story I almost wet my pants! I can just hear Toddie yelling "Holy Crap"!!!!

Since I was young Todd has been very close to my family, The Cains. I can still hear his earnest laugh, which never changed over the years. And it was always paired with the best smile. The family was a little cheerier and a little louder when Todd was around. His visits were always anticipated and welcomed, and although I didn't make it to town often anymore, I can't believe our family will never hear that great laugh again. It will be missed for sure. He just plain made us happy!

Todd, Thanks for the memories. We will remember your great smile and great sense of humor. You were a pleasure to be around. You were a great family man for my sister JoAnn and my nieces Jennifer and Susie. You will be missed.

zach and I were late to our graduation and you and Joann were with us as we ran in a hurry while you made fun of us for being late. iunderstood why my friend Zach had such love for you was a pleasure meeting you.

Todd, how blessed we feel to have spent Thanksgiving with you! Thank you for the years of happiness you brought to my treasured friend, Jo ann. We will forever miss your humor, the mischievous glint in your eye and the fun loving good natured spirit you possessed. You left us much too soon! Susie & Mitch

Toddie, it is with a big smile that I remember all the emails you sent with incredible pictures of beautiful animals and mother nature, the conversations on planet earth and the need to take better care of her and of course the wonderful game of golf. You always had a warm smile, kind word and a love of family get togethers... and of course your love of animals, especially dogs. My life will always be richer having had you in it.

Toddie, Thanks for all of the memories we have shared, family gatherings, parties, Christmas's, Birthday Dinners and one special memory when you and JoAnn spent the night with us and the next day we went and had breakfast at Mimi's Cafe and toured the High Desert and of course we went to a golf course, (imagine that)!!! We will miss your beautiful smile and personalithy. We love you and will always be thinking of you.

Last year after everyone left our house on Christmas night, and you and I stayed up, drinking wine and playing pool in the indoor/outdoor listening to good ole country songs while the rain was coming down. Lesser people would have called it a night, but not you! I very much cherish the memories from that night and will not forget them anytime soon. This Christmas, even if it is only me out there, I will play a game in your honor and maybe even throw on some of those good ole country songs to boot! Lots of memories, lots of fun...you won't soon be forgotten!

So very touched by this beautiful tribute to a man who shared so many laughs and great times with my late husband, Larry Maciel. I have fond memories of a lifetime ago spent playing card games, going to Vegas, and that awesome train trip to Seattle and Yellowstone. JoAnn, thank you for sharing your life with him with all of us who knew him from a long time ago.

Toddie, I will never forget you teaching me to play craps on my 30th birthday. We had such a great time gambling downtown and we were all so lucky! You were always my partner in fun.... family game nights, trips to the zoo, days at the beach, and of course our annual trip to the racetrack. I still can't believe you are gone. I LOVE YOU!!! 7 or "yo"

As we drove to Thanksgiving, I told you how grateful I felt to have you in my life and how much I loved you. You looked over at me and said, "Ok, what do you want?" After we joked, we really took the moment to express how grateful we were for each other. I am thankful that our last days together were filled with family, friends, laughter and love. Miss you more than you know...you were my best friend!

Toddie, so many amazing memories...but I can not resist sharing the one where you dressed up as the hula girl for Halloween. It makes me think of all the years of FUN and LAUGHTER. You were always our good time guy. My heart aches...I Love You always! Susie