Remembering Todd with love on his 60th birthday.

Todd and I spent a month in early 87 travelling around Malaysia and Thailand together. He then headed north, I got a post card from Nepal/Tibet, and I headed to Australia. I thought my 3 years backpacking was good but, compared to Todds adventures, it was nothing. I have wonderful memories. I remember him, as many do here, as a beautiful soul and easy wonderful company. I had tried to locate him numerous times over the years, but even when Google appeared I never could. I always hoped one day we might meet up again and discuss the paths life took us on. Only the other day I was thinking of my travels and Googled Todd again, to find of his passing. What a wonderful life he had and I’m delighted that he found love and clearly had a wonderful circle of family and friends. I plan on visiting Varanasi again someday, and I’ll think of Todd in the Ganges when I do. Richard Waring, Dublin Ireland.

Todd was a fierce yet gracious competitor. Although our high schools were rivals (I attended St. Albans), I always enjoyed pre-match and after-match conversations with Todd. He was tremendously positive, a great student athlete and intrepid world traveler. May he rest in peace! Tom Duckenfield, STA '82

May you Rest In Peace.

Wow. I can't believe this. Don't know what to say. So many great memories. Glad to hear Todd continued to live life to the fullest after Landon, Prep! (I hope he continued to play ultimate in Taiwan.)

I saw Todd when we played Landon in Basketball. I went to St. Albans. There was a play in 8th grade (it may have been 9th) in Landon's Old Gym where he went for a ball going out of bounds and tried to get it with one hand and he tossed the ball behind him and it went up and hit the top of the gym. Who does that? It was superhuman. I will never forget it - the hustle going after the ball, the ability and strength. I knew he was Landon's QB and a Lacrosse God. He never knew me. I saw him once at an STA NCS Dance at NCS I believe. I always wondered what happened to him. This is so sad, yet he lived a great life that impacted so many. I still jog on the Landon track. I began running there in 1971 when I attended day camp. I like being at Landon. I prefer it to being at STA. I live nearby and though I feel young, I have been going there for 47 years. I always visit the Old Gym. I always think of that play where he went to save the ball.

I was introduced to Todd while at my brother TJ's graduation from Stanford in 1980 where his brother Mark and TJ introduced us. We were 17 and only knew each other for two days...but our mutual crush and friendship turned into a pen pal relationship for years. I only saw Todd twice after that on his visit to California and to NYC when I was in my early 20's . However, Todd and I had become pen pals (back in the day before email and FaceTime) and he wrote me from all of his stops while traveling around the world. I returned his letters with less interesting details about my grad school, move to NYC and then my wedding. I have a box in my attic filled with his letters and photos of all of his travels...all fascinating filled with wonderful details of his adventures ...and romances along the way. I plan on getting the box down tonight and organizing the letters and photos and will send copies to Mark via my brother. Todd was one of the most philosophical, athletic interesting people I have met on my 53 year journey. I am so saddened by the thought he is not out there somewhere as I had many times daydreamed where he would be. All my love, Betsy

Happy Birthday Todd. You are an old friend and I am very sad that you have died. I remember you as a very gentle and kind man and a loving husband. You were a great host, a good conversationalist and loved to invite friends to your home for drinks and snacks. I enjoyed playing table tennis, & scuba diving with you and Victoria & remember how you always used to share Victoria's air on her AA source despite my disapproval.  :)  Our last conversation was, as usual, very pleasant.  I wish I had known you were ill, I would have been to there to talk to you.  My deepest condolences to Victoria. be strong.

Such a beautiful smile and a kind man.

Dear Todd,
I wish healthcare worked like AppleCare: if they can’t fix your body they just give you a new one. I'm sorry yours didn't last longer :( Your mind certainly wasn't ready to leave this life.
I will always remember you being full of love and passion for your family, deeply caring about everyone spending time together. Thanks for giving me access to your world and mind by sharing how you felt about things and what your hopes and fears were.
Authentic human connection creates these beautiful moments in life worth living for. As an English teacher, you dedicated your life to facilitate human connections between people of different cultures.
This life may have been short for you, the impact of it will forever live on as the life-changing opportunities you have created for others.
Hugs xxx

Todd, I just learned tonight of your passing and while it has been many years since I last saw you I was instantly and genuinely sad. That sadness though soon turned to weighted happiness when I learned through others’ words and pictures of the great life you have had and the lives you have touched.
I get the impact that you had on so many – you were a key figure in making me want to become a Phi when you were a 4th year and I had just arrived at UVA. I recall you always had a smile, acted with passion and inspired those around you. I saw the old picture of our football game in the mud and it is no surprise that in that photo you had no interest in the camera but instead had your head turned with attention to your brothers and no doubt something positive on your lips. After you left UVA you entertained us periodically with letters recounting your early travels, a selfless act of inclusion and community. 
Thank you for your friendship and inspiration, you were ever a true brother in the bond. 
Ed Rockwell

I'm shocked to hear about the passing of Todd. He clearly left an indelible impact wherever he went. He will be sorely missed. I'm grateful for the memories, and the laughs back in our Phi Delt days.
Al Bacon

I was saddened to hear news of Todd's passing. Although from 30 years ago, my memories of Todd are vivid. From the first week when we met in the dorm, where we renamed Todd, "God" because he was the only member of our floor who could dunk, giving us high but misplaced hopes for intramural success. He was tremendously athletic, but he also had an earnest, questioning approach to interactions that came off as awkward to those of us who favored repeating lines of "Caddyshack". (Little did we know he would end up being the real life Bill Murray character -- "So I jumped ship in Hong Kong, made my way across the Himalayas to Tibet...").
Along with the probing questions and intense focus on whatever he was doing, one of the things I remember about Todd was his daring wardrobe, consisting of 3 T-shirts (we all recognize that brown Landon one, right?), and 2 pairs of very long legged jeans. We didn't know he was preparing for the life of an ascetic master. 
When I look at what Todd did in the years since college, I am equal parts jealous and amazed. He had the courage to strike out on his own, to forego the pursuit of material wealth, to travel, and judging by the responses above, to continue to focus on each interaction and to make people feel special. In the process he touched many lives and made them better.  Many of us will live longer but not have the same impact.
Even in his passing, Todd can continue to teach. His life is a lesson in which a little bit of courage, a little bit of daring, and a little bit of risk-taking can lead to a different and more meaningful outcome. And his memory is a blessing to all of us he encountered along the way.

Todd - I don't think I've seen you since we graduated UVA....but have followed your travels and life through our mutual friends.  Will always remember how you not only remembered the names everyone who you ever met, but also knew numerous details about their lives and past.  You were truly invested in your fellow human beings Todd....and so many of them were better for you being a part of their lives. Rest in Piece old friend. John.

Dear Todd,
You are the best teacher I have ever met. In my memories, you always got whole kinds of candies, gave us marker to write vocabularies on the board, check my answers and so on. Maybe we don’t have class together for a long time, but these become my memories I will never forget. I will miss you, and miss everything about you.
Sincerely,
Vivian

I am truly grateful to know you in my life since I was 15. We have a lot of great memories and stories, I also enjoy every time when you make fun of me! I wanted to let you know I am doing really well in United State, thank you for making me love English and get to know this culture.
You will be remembered with your passion of teaching, your kindness, your curiosity and your sense of humor. There are still a lot of things I need to learn from you, and I know I will even you are not here. I believe you are in a better place now and exploring a different world. Again, thanks for being an important part of my life.

Todd is the best teacher I've ever met either for languages or life.
If life was a book, then Todd would be like the guide to suggest people how to live up simple but amazing and colourful life.
Many thanks for broadening my views with sharing diverse concepts during the lesson in English.
It does help and support me a lot when living and studying in Australia.
We miss you.
May you rest in peace.
Vianne

Dear Todd,
The phone rang, just like first time we talked, but this time, it’s not you and I chatting on the phone, it’s your student and my mom. I couldn’t believe what my mom told me. It is just like a dream. At that time, I was preparing JCEE so I didn’t go to class for few weeks. I was excited that I was going to have class with everyone again, but you left before I went back.
I just wanted to say thank you for these 8 years tutoring. We have had class for more than 350 classes! I will remember every jokes you said, every story you told us, and you wrote “Julie, brain dead.” on your calendar. Just like Victoria said, you are humor, sincere, intelligence and so on. Last time we asked you why don’t you want to have a child? You said “I already have hundreds of children!” I am very lucky to be your student. Especially during my third year of high school life. Having your class makes me feel happier, and that is what I really need during that period of time. It is you that makes me have more confident about my English, and have more chances to participated in English speech contest. You are the best teacher I have ever met. I will cherish every memories we had.
Sincerely yours,
Julie

Dear Todd, it’s Julie.
It's so hard to accept your leave, for a while I couldn't understand it. I can't express how I regret not to pay you more visits and bug you with small things in life.
I still remember when we first have class at your place, you surprised us teenagers with your fluent Chinese ( tho after on you faked not knowing Chinese), endless snacks, your bed time story like adventure, and passion to life. You probably wouldn’t know as a kid of that age, you’ve taught us more than just English but how to live everyday like it’s last, what you’ve gave us mold us into who we are today, and its such an honor to have ever been taught by you for your one of the best person I’ve ever known.
Someday we’ll be having guacamole and pink lemonade watching TV gossiping again, I believe you’ve simply go on your vacation ahead of us all. You’ve proceed on your great adventure to a better place, and we’ve missed you already tho you’ve just started your journey.
You’ll live forever in our hearts, remembered as that big-hearted smily mentor, love and miss you forever.

Todd, I wish I knew you in high school or shared some time with you after UVA. As one of your Phi brothers, we were all lifted by your humor, your grace, your enthusiasm, your smile, your spirit. We are a better brotherhood because of you. I recall how much fun life was for you, so easy for you to enjoy. Our gift from you is that we each have a little part of you in us. So sad that you are gone. My deepest sympathies, Victoria.

Dearest Todd,
My apology first. It’s a shame that our last meeting was in the summer of 2008 - a decade ago! Yet it just happened like last year, and maybe that’s why I did not feel like we haven't met that long. I still remember on that day, I visited you with Johnson, and you showed us to the rooftop garden and proudly introduced the plants you grew. And requested by me, we took pictures there. Thank god we did that, because that was very likely the only photo we took together. Upon learning this saddening news last week, I was in shock and great regret. I should’ve taken the initiative to visit you and Victoria, or at least call you, or even just write emails once in a while in the past years…
Anyway. I do want to say thank you. You are a teacher/man with passion, inspiration and power, and always know how to impress others, especially your students. The days, even not long, I spent in your class were one of the wonderful and valuable time in my life. It was almost twenty years ago during my last year in senior high. Amazingly, what you had taught and shared in or after class still stays in my mind. For example, you read with us the then President Bush’s remarks on the tragedy of 911. It was also at your place that I got chances to have a taste of some western food such as avocado, black olive and pretzel. As a passionate yoga man, you also demonstrated how to use an exercise ball, and it’s my first time to see this stuff! Unlike others, you love Kaohsiung much more than Taipei, and I think the city was really lucky to have a warm and knowledgeable dweller like you. I was also lucky once being your student.
Anyway, I would also like to update you on my life over the past years. After our last meeting a decade ago, I had spent a year in the Netherlands as an exchange student, which was also one of the very important periods in my life. After that, I had finished my master program in NTU for international relations study. Then I served my alternative military service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Afterwards, I got my first job in the Control Yuan, the highest supervision organization and one of the five constitutional institutions in our government, as a specialist in international affairs and had worked for nearly 5 years. Since summer of 2016, I shifted my career to media industry, and work in the international department in the Public Television Service of Taiwan. And I could never experience all of these without my English language ability. So, you are also the one who made me who I am today.
Okay, maybe I would stop here. It is still super unreal to learn that you are about to start your next life journey. Saying goodbye is hard, but I will send my best regards and wishes. The life you had lived was an extraordinary one and you had left a great legacy and influence for the many, including me.
Again, very very nice meeting you. You will be greatly missed. Big hug!
Sincerely yours,
David

Dear Todd, this is Tracy, you are the greatest teacher I have ever met. In the small class room, you had taught us not only English, but also the passion towards our life. You always share many stories and new things to us, encourage us to explore the world and embrace the challenge. I will always remember the time that we playing UNO, eating pretzel, drinking Dr. pepper and updating our life.
Thank you for being a great teacher, I am so lucky to be your student!

Todd holds a special place in the minds and memories of so many of us that went to Landon with him He was easily the best Landon athlete of our era, and the best that I ever stepped on the field with at any level. It was immediately apparent how naturally talented he was, but anyone that played with him recognized how purposefully he shaped his skills to become the extraordinary competitor that we knew. His force of personality led us and drove us to be our best. With Todd's passing, so many memories of those moments spent with Todd as he drove himself and us to be our best have come back to me. The really special memories for me are not the big plays in the big games, but working with him on the small details of a play or a skill that made those big moments happen. 
Todd was not the stereotypical one dimensional athlete. He always charted his own path. Others have mentioned the Kung Fu movies, the offbeat humor and General Hospital. My memory of Todd then and now was his capacity to be near and far at the same time. He was good friend right there with us clowning around and giving each other a hard time, and also really listening to you when you talked with him. Even so, you always felt like Todd was a little removed from it all as well, not from a sense of superiority, but as an intent observer taking everything in. 
I really lost track of Todd as he traveled the world and saw him only a handful of times after college. Those few times that we did see one another, that intense desire to know about you, to listen to you, to learn about your life was always there. I suspect that that curiosity and penchant to observe fueled his wanderlust. 
To Victoria and Todd's siblings, I am so sorry that Todd is no longer with us. In our time together, he made me and so many of us who knew him better. I suspect he did the same for you and others whose lives he touched. In that sense, he will never leave us.
Rest In Peace Todd. 
Joe Kenary

Dear Todd,
Sorry for my late response to you, Todd, my teacher, my mentor, and my model in teaching. The news of your abrupt decease came so overwhelming to me that I kept postponing what I should do now. I knew you would be dissatisfied with this act of procrastination but please forgive me for such weakness. Before this letter is overflowing with memories we had, I would like to note in advance that every period of my memory here is about genuine love, my heartfelt gratitude and most sincere blessing to you and your family. This tells you, your family and friends how great influence you’ve had on an ordinary Taiwanese student. So far she has been a regular senior high school English teacher for ten years. We are all proud of having you in part of our lives. R.I.P, my model, mentor, and my lifelong teacher-and-friend.

The first time we met:
I had been struggling in my first year in KGHS. Not knowing much nor having enough chance to practice speaking, I thought diligence in English learning merely would pay off. Within one year I had continual defeats in the English speech contest, youth meeting representative audition, English writing competition, and English Research club leader election, not to mention my lousy ranking at school. I then realized I needed a coach for better methods and knowledge. At that time there were few qualified foreign teachers in Kaohsiung. Then one night, my mother told me she found a teacher through her colleague. She heard this teacher was experienced and had to interview his students before admission. With those failures still in mind, that made me even more anxious. Another night, she drove me to your neighborhood. I still remember the first time I met you in the convenience store nearby. As I walked into the store with mother behind, I saw this bald, tall, dark, slim but fit man wearing plain sandals waiting among the products, dwarfing the store shelves beside him. “Oh no! He is bald and looks stern! He looks like the head of a gang! Oh, I need to talk in English with this guy? Could I just turn and run away? Oh no, he was coming toward this direction!” Then my mind went blank. I couldn’t recall a thing we talked, but later, according to my mother, I survived the interview.
The first class:
The one you introduced to me first was not any of my classmates, but the tiny avocado plant at your ninth-floor apartment. You pointed at this still fruitless unknown plant and pronounced this magical sound, “avocado.” I frowned and felt embarrassed of my ignorance and decided to look it up in the dictionary later. And then one day you made guacamole, another magical word along with the most impressive taste. You led me downstairs to the classroom in the basement. You pointed at the work-out gears at the wall (some kind of weight-lifting gadgets) and counted how many times you could do it. Victoria passed by and sniffed, “Show off.” I could not help but smile. Then at break time, I saw a plastic bottle placed in the toilet for conserving water. These were what I still remember almost 20 years ago.
What we did in class:
With an intensive curriculum and highly competitive atmosphere at school, everyone is busy going to BuShiBan after school, and every BuShiBan is advertising how much vocabulary and phrases they could squeeze into their students’ heads. Then in our first class, you said you requested we learn two new words once a week. You said you would rather make us internalize two new words and put them to practical use than make us memorize ten words. You asked us to make two questions with vocabs. There was this big round table. On the table were drinks and various snacks. I sat down timidly and then you humorously asked, “What is your poison?” Then kindly explained this slang to me. You made us a Latin affix list, which I still teach my students today. The first class was made up of cheerful Johnson, intelligent David, and me. I was too anxious to cope with this high-leveled class, so I ran away from classes once in a while. But you kept saying I resemble Johnson’s sister. You said you could see the same passion for learning English my eyes. You said she went to Tai-da and so you believe somehow I am gonna make it, too. After one month, I finally adapted myself to this intensive weekly round-table conversation class.
The session of the early classes includes questions with vocabs, local and international news discussions, and the Word Power book. It was filled with witty talks, hard-hitting questions, and laughter. I shared my worries at school sometimes, and you led the class to give me love and warm support, which made Johnson and David from classmates to lifelong friends. When it was Tom Yang and Minnie Wei (the two younger school bro and sis later studied medicine at 陽明大學), you call me the Queen Bee of the class. You hoped I could be the role model of Tom and Minnie, just like Johnson and David were models to me. It was then that I grasped the linguistic sense that you have tried so hard to pass down to us. I finally realized something far beyond the knowledge details of this language. I began imitating how you define a word, or provide situations as examples to illustrate the meanings and usage. At first year of college, I returned to the class and we had a speech class during summer vacation. You majored Rhetoric, so you asked us to practice giving informational speeches, persuasive speeches, and so on. We discussed and gave advice to one other after every speech so that every student had feedback and substantial advice. I remember we listened to JFK’s inaugural speech, and I thought, “This is so much like Todd’s way of speaking.” I observed that you adjust your speech speed to students of different levels. You pitched higher or lower to grab the audience's attention. I sensed you ended every phone conversation with courtesy in a calm and oftentimes humorous tone. I came to realize that a fluent English speaking ability does not mean to speak very fast or mumbled words hurriedly. From then on, I tried to mimic ways and the feelings you demonstrate in our weekly contact. Thanks to you, I have made considerable progress and ranked high in conversation and speech class in the English department of 台灣師大.
At first you told me you were a traveler and a speech coach, and so didn’t lead much of a reading discussion group. Your class began to include reading books after you have mastered the Word Power session. We read a few chapter books. You made word comparison list in just one sheet of paper. Later, you gave us movies with English subtitles. My first one was Bedazzled, which humor was a little awkward but amusing to me. When my little sister, Angela, joined your class. I heard you were holding the Harry Potter reading groups for these naughty, restless kids who cannot remain seated for two hours. You bookmarked the pages and came up with content-based questions and open-ended questions. A few years later, I heard you made lists of synonyms out of these novels and pushed them to internalize them and put into articles. I knew you have been working so hard to advance your teaching approaches. Being a teacher now, I know how much effort and determination it takes to make these progress. You told me, “Live and learn.” And you showed me. I know you are not satisfied with being the top English teacher. You are striving to be a great teacher that inspire. The kids are not just reading stories. The kids are taking J.K. Rowling's writing classes!! No wonder they all topped in all four aspects of learning English. You have made the impossible possible.
The first phone call:
I still remember the first time I called your home. Well, in fact, I hung up a few times upon hearing the answering machine, “Hello, this is Todd and Victoria. We are not around…” Well, there were no instructions on how to leave a message in English on an answering machine from my school textbook, the only resource I could turn to. Back then, I had little contact with foreigners and zero experience of a phone conversation. I wrote on a cheat paper of how to respond to an American teacher during phone conversations. I wrote two scenarios both began with “May I speak to Todd?” If the answer is “Speaking,” then I will go directly into my topic. If someone else picks up the phone, then it will be “May I leave a message?” I breathed deeply to calm myself down before dialing. “Hello?(Female voice)” “Umm, may I speak to Todd?” “喔，他不在喔” It was Victoria speaking in Chinese, but I got too nervous to cope with this situation and so I went, “Oh… Oh, err... May I leave a message?” “你可以說中文唷” Victoria laughed at the other end of the phone.
The day you moved to your current residence (About what a real American is):
I often ask students or friends about how they think of Americans. Well, the information they get mostly comes from Hollywood movies. “Americans are rich and bold.” “Americans scatter their paper bills in the air like they don’t care, drive fancy cars, have ultimate weapons and are always heroes.” Well, probably I would be the same if I had not met you. You and Victoria were moving from the ninth-floor to another tall building. Some foreign friends and I were there to help with your furniture. I remembered there were many old odds and ends that you insisted still usable but Victoria would like to get rid of those mess, renewed them, and accelerated the moving process. You repeatedly said, “It is still in great condition. I can fix it.” Then there was this old shoe cabinet, whose paint already faded and surface layer forked. It was so heavy that it took more than 2 strong foreign friends to move it into the elevator, so Victoria ordered us to throw it away when we reach the ground instead of moving it into the new apartment for fear that we might get hurt. “I can fix it.” You looked at Victoria in the eyes and said again firmly. Then Victoria exploded with anger for you being so obstinate. I smiled because I totally understood why Victoria went mad. Meanwhile, I must say I was stunned at this self-made Mr. Fix-it in front of me. You made me realize something: I finally knew a true American. Yes, I have had real-life contact with a very down-to-earth, self-made American. Never throw it away if it is still fixable. To me, this image is far more powerful than any Hollywood heroes. I will remember the precious value you demonstrate by passing down your story to everyone I know.
One door leads to another:
After I graduated from the English department in 台灣師大 and began to pursue my career as a regular English teacher at high school in Taiwan, I often felt hopeless due to numerous failures in teachers’ exams across the country. I thought about giving up. You skyped me from 高雄and insisted to see me in 新竹 through skype camera. You said you believed I could make it in the end and would become a great, passionate English teacher. I doubted why and you replied like it was an obvious fact, “I saw the passion and humor your little sister, Angela, had in class. It was all because of you, Annie! She has exactly the same passion and thirst for learning English, and she’s got your humor! It must be you that was bring her all those positive traits!” You believed in the bright coming future that I was unsure of and you made me believe in myself. “What if… I don’t want to become a teacher at school?” You said it would be a pity but you would support me in everything I do and you believe I can still bring people positive influence. “You left your own country when you graduated… Why do you want to leave America after college?” I became curious about my mentor. “Because I don’t want to be a regular salary man.” “How do you know you can survive in Taiwan?” “Well…” you shrugged and then put your palm on top of the other, “One door leads to another. You just have to knock on the door and open it. It will leads you to your path.”
Now I have made it and have been teaching in New Taipei City. Others often thought I have studied overseas. They didn't know that my first time abroad was after meeting you. I went to the US on a packaged tour for a week and lost my luggage. That experience got an A in my writing class in college. The only English I learned from the trip was “How much?” spoken by our senior packaged tour members. It is you that have worked this miracle on me. My life would have been totally different without you. I own you a great deal of thanks.
I thought whenever I had problems in my career, I could always turn back and found you there. I never thought you would leave us so soon.... Anyway, wish you all the best in your journey in another world. Thanks again for everything you taught and inspired. I will pass down your sincerity, generosity, knowledge and value. I love you and you will forever live in my heart, dearest Todd.

Thank you for loving my dear sister Dung!!t Thank you for your kindness to my family all the time!! Please give us power to remember your love until we meet in heaven!!
We will stand by Dung and take care of her always!!
素敵な人生を送ったあなた,御冥福をお祈りします！

@ Todd's passions in life:
Ping Pong
Ultimate Frisbee

My dear brother-n-law Todd,
Gone way to soon I'm still somewhat in shock of your passing. It seems almost like yesterday when we were in the taxi on the way to the Jeng's family home to eat dinner with our Jeng sisters( Victoria & Susan). On the way there you drop a "Oh by the way Mr. Jeng doesn't like Americans" I'm like "WHAT! WHY ARE WE GOING, CAN I GET OUT" remembered I didn't say much at all that night. Or the time we took the Jeng sisters to San Francisco and we walked and walked and walked but I'm thinking at least we're going to have some great seafood. But NOOOOO, you made sandwiches for us. You always loved great conversation as we had in our early days about religion nothing mean or hateful just great conversation and I appreciate that. You are the most interesting man in the world! You love life, adventure and sports oh yeah and Victoria. Whenever I was in Taiwan and couldn't get down to see you I made sure to talk to you. My kids loved being with you playing games and just hanging with uncle Todd. My white brother you will truly truly be missed. Love ya much your black brother.

Oh, Todd, what a lovely soul you were. We met when I was very much a third wheel, but you always were so great at including me in much of the activities. I recall moments with you as if they were merely a few years ago—not decades. I hope the next world you are traveling in is as interesting as you found this one. Sleep well and namaste, dear friend.

Rahel Crowley

I, like Mark, remember Todd playing in our pickup games in his driveway. As we all got older, Todd became better than many of us. I remember those days well. While I have not seen Todd in 25 or more years, I feel fortunate to have known him. May he rest in peace. I am thinking of his family. Russ G.

Still trying to figure it out, come to grips with it. So much to celebrate and be grateful for and so much to feel, selfishly, that it is not enough. I went looking for some pictures and other things and also came across some postcards and letters from Todd. These capture his early years after graduating from UVA as he headed off on his journey to see the world. I did leave a few things out so if you want the full version call me, or better yet, come to the event this fall where we can tell all sorts of stories and be together to remember, to miss, to celebrate and to honor our classmate, teammate and friend.

3/19/87 (Thailand)

Hello Jaws,

Welcome back to the states.  Since you are reading this I assume you are back in the states. Last I heard, you were M.I.A.  Just having finished your travels, you, more than others, know how much fun it is. New cultures, new currencies and beautiful sights. I left Australia Jan 27 for S.E. Asia. I’m sorry you didn’t choose to “Break on Through” to this area from Greece. I’ve seen Indonesia, Singapore (stayed with Bildo’s parents), Malaysia and now Thailand. As the scenery proves, this postcard doesn’t lie. It is this pretty … and more!  I will visit Burma and then decide whether to go to China or back to Australia for another lax season. If I got my act together sooner you could have done it too. Write all your stories and good news to: TBreier GPO Bangkok, Thailand. I’d like to hear from you. If you have plans to do Europe again, I might be there this summer. 

Todd

March 6, 88 (Guatemala)

Hola Amigos,

Guatemala is a very colorful place, obviously. Immediately it was necessary to speak Spanish everywhere. Dame cerveza por favor! I’m off to a city in the mountains on a lake. There are 3 volcanos overlooking the plateau. The word is El Salvador is a great place. I’ll be in Guatemala one month then I will head S. thru C. America. There’s a bird in the run down hotel that speaks Spanish. “Comas Mierda!” 

Vaya con dios,

Todd

Sept 8, 1988 (Ecuador)

Jorge you fool who … and never wrote me back. Just for that you not on my X-mas list for … Who will strike it rich first, you, Scottie or JR? I’ve figured you can live like a king in some of these places I’ve visited for just $2000 a year. So make $100,000 and live like a filthy king off the interest. I’ll soon be walking the streets of Medellin – Bogota. It’s been fun knowing ya. Still write to TBreier Lista de Correros, Guayaquil, Ecuador. My plan is to be in Brazil for Carnival in February for any vacationers up there. Pass the word, I ‘ll be in touch. You really should see the mini skirt action in Colombia. The tops are just as tight and revealing!!! God give me strength!!!

Todd

March 16, 89 (Chile)

JORGE! 

Finally, I can write a letter in English. Just finished 2 in Spanish, one to a kind family I lived with for 3 wks in Peru and the other to a foxy chickina I met on a beach in Chile. Quite a different tone to the letters as you might expect. Received the Manly 12 pg letter from “the Boys” but the butt heads left out the address. Luckily while cleaning out my backpack I came upon your (old?) address. WHATEVER! 

Lorenzo Goco left yesterday on a 15 hour bus ride to Santiago to be followed by a 7 hr wait for an 8 hr flight to Miami; then a connecting flight to DC. He’ll be home for St. Patrick’s Days. I continue in Chile – Alone. Now I can throw my Spanish rap and land another “cowgirl”. Ask Lorenzo about that. He should have a bottle of PISCO for you guys. It’s national rott gut made from grapes. Sure to make someone YURP if you drink enough. With Loco here we visited 2 live volcanoes a few cobalt or turquoise lakes and tented under the Southern Cross on many occasions. Chile can be an inexpensive country if you aren’t in a rush. It has very friendly people who smoke more herb than any other country I know. Ask Loco about the two days we spent with Cheech or pura hierba. The wine costs 80 cents a liter – well… I know wine!? You take what you can get. For the seafood lovers out there… we recently ate giant crab at 40 cents a shot, abalone at 80 cents a piece (there not as big as Mexico’s abalone) and a free 7lb salmon that was given to us at one of the best salmon/trout fishing spots in Chile. 

Tomorrow I board a 4 day cruise from Pureto Montt to Tierra del Fuego. I’ll visit a national park for a 6 day hike (including camping in front of a glacier). Then I’ll say “ciao” to Chile and enter Argentina. After completing 1 year in Latin Am (March 7) I thought I should hop on a plane with Loco to move in with the men/boys to gain back the 20lbs I’ve lost and reacquaint myself with my childhood cronies (I miss the VCR and wouldn’t mind a beermister). However, I think I’ll stay in S America for most of 89 and finish off the continent. Tough choice! 

I’m still game to teach English in Buenos Aires or Caracas. If I don’t I could be home by Aug/Sept. Quien sabe? Sounds like there is a minor job shuffle going on. At least it seems like people are headed back to school. Is this what awaits me? Jaws send me one of your classic tapes to Rio. Kick JR in the balls (ass) and tell him he better write too.  Rocky… fat chicks don’t exist here. Meet me in Buenos Aires. Do drop me a line, or I may just continue south to Antarctica! Colombia still has the hottest chicks but Chile’s are easier to talk to. Reliable sources tell me Brazil’s are wild, easy and everywhere. Anyone game? 

Ciao,

Todd

March 6, 91 (Taiwan)

Yo Pappas,

Thanks for the Lax shirt. It was just what I needed before setting off for Taiwan, new clothes! As you have already deducted, you brilliant lawyer, I’m in Asia once again. I’ve been breathing the fresh air (yeah right!!) here for 6 weeks now, spent 1 week in Taipei with old students and friends before heading 6 hours south to my old home in Kaohsiung. After sleeping on a living room floor of a friend’s apt for 1 month, I finally acquired a free (vacant) room.

I feel kinda settled in here now. I have a room a bed, a 90 Honda CC scooter, 20 teaching hours a week and 6 hours of Chinese a week. I’m looking for 5-10 more teaching hours and these will come easily with time. I teach kids, teenagers and adults of all levels. The classes I really enjoy are the advanced adults because there’s more feedback and I get insight into their culture and perspectives.

The entire system here is free structured. You can choose to work any schedule you like. I have some private classes too. I teach a Colombian girl (26 yrs old) English for $18 an hour. Her Finish engineer husband leaves her alone all day. Another class is teaching 2 40 year old mothers, who are English teachers, advanced English.

I spend my spare hours exercising, drinking, reading and sussing out new possibilities and new road side kitchen stands. My sight is on Thailand, Burma, Nepal and India sometime in 1992. I content for now to study Chinese and flirt with the long, black, silky haired Taiwanese. After 1991 finishes, I should have $10,000 saved to continue my vagabond ways. Believe it or not!

Chinese New Year, Feb 15-19, allowed me and 2 friends to tour the southern tip of Taiwan and its beautiful eastern coastline. There snuggled in the mountains lies one of Asia’s most beautiful roads. It’s a construction masterpiece and still an ongoing battle, how this road winds up, thru, down, across the mountain chain, halfway down Taiwan.

I got a letter from Bildo whose headed to Australia March 28 for 1 month work, 1 month travel. He’s almost a true doctor. Ed is fairing well in San Francisco in a very well situated, well furnished apt. Kober is playing commute- a-wife with Lauri – almost finished Harvard business school. Well that’s all I got, know, did, have. You can call, fax or write me 011 8867 201 1722.  The address is good for one year. Pass it on to Rocky, Mug etc. I gotta run to Chinese class. Pass on hello’s to everyone. How’s Ms. Bank’s doing?

Tsai Jien,

Todd

Todd was a good friend, a great teammate, and an outstanding person. We crossed paths infrequently after our college years, but those opportunities were always fulfilling. The first few minutes were spent catching up, and then the conversation moved on to our current lives and what we appreciated. He was a man who made “to live” an active verb.

I suspect our parents have their own memories of Todd – I know mine did. During Todd and Victoria’s travels in Asia, they visited my parents in Singapore and Hong Kong several times. Todd mentioned how much he appreciated their hospitality every time we caught up. For my parents, Todd was always the gracious and welcome guest. My dad enjoyed sharing travel experiences with him – Todd was an engaging communicator. For my mom, it brought back her wonderful memories of our high school social events (and how much food young men eat!).

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die – Thomas Campbell

I remember meeting Todd at UVA at the beginning of my freshman year. We became friends right away and roomed together my third year there at Phi Delt fraternity which produced many great times and memories I still think about today. He was such a social animal but in an honest, sincere way that is rare and had a passion for people, sports, then travel and diving. Even when he was travelling all over the place and eventually settled in Taiwan with you Victoria we kept in touch electronically and saw each other on his trips to the US every few years which I always looked forward to. I knew when I saw Todd whether going to a sporting event, getting cheese steaks in Philly, or just hanging out at his parents place in Maryland it was going to be fun/time well spent. A person I could be totally at ease with which isn't easy to find. I always admired the unique path he took after school--travelling all the continents for years and everything he must have seen and experienced. I think that is something many people would like to do but don't get around to it or have the courage to postpone or pause their careers. Todd, you got a lot of out of life and then some. I wish you had more left in the tank and would hear that skype call coming through from you tomorrow. You were one of the good guys and I will sincerely miss you dude. Our thoughts are with you Victoria and your extended family---Wags

Hello Todd, this is Yuki.
I was just planned to visit you, before my internship have started. You're the best teacher that I've ever met, you're my friend. You like my sister, Sandy and me a lot, you called us often and asked if we have time to go to the class.
You're old enough to be my dad, but sometimes still like a teenager. We share many interests.
I want to tell you, I got the opportunity to have my internship in National Cheng Kung University Hospital. I want to share the FIFA mania with you.
-
One time in the class, you said "Yuki, you've changed" and I don't believe that. You then continued, "You once had a poker face, you're quiet and seldom speak. But now you smiled more often. You tell jokes and bad words a lot. You're now open minded."
-
You've always been optimistic and full of enthusiasm. You taught me your philosophies of life, you've turned me to into a better guy.
Thank you, my friend. Thank you, teacher Todd.

An inexplicably wonderful educator, a mentor, and a true friend— Todd. He showed me how a teacher is. He isn't like most 'foreigners' who just come to Taiwan and easily land themselves a job of teaching English. Todd studied rhetoric back in university, which means he's always capable of explaining the English language in a proper manner or, at least, in a logical way. I could still vividly recall that, in my sophomore year, when I was about to leave the class for a while, he called me one night, and we just talked and talked for around two hours. He gave me lots of advice on teaching, and shared his experience with me on the phone. What I learnt the most from him is that "You gotta have fun teaching. If you don’t, then don’t do it.” Also, he always told us to pay it forward. I'm just so blessed to have him as my English teacher, who opened up a whole new world for me and taught me many other things in life more than just English.
Somehow, a week though it’s been, a part of me still couldn’t acknowledge the fact that you’re gone. The 3500/4500 book, Green/Red book, your cheat-sheet(though it didn’t exist back in my time), Memoirs of an Invisible Man, Vocabulary time, Snacks, Movies, Series, hearing you talk fanatically about lacrosse and basketball, our first avocado+salt dish, your own dipping sauce, Aesop’s Fable, The Journeyer, which we never get to finish (or even start)... so many more indelible memories.
It’s been a week, yet I still found the news hard to digest. One thing is for sure. You always say we should pay it forward while we could. Well, I’ll keep on teaching, and have your words, your spirit, and your humor with me. I’ll try to teach my students the way you did so that their horizons will be broadened as well.
Todd—my teacher, my friend, my mentor, and a man of great wisdom and passion—I’ll always cherish all the memories we had together.
Sunny

Dear Todd,
9 years ago, I couldn’t even distinguish between “do” and ”did”; but 9 years later, I am able to talk to my foreign friends in English. I have the ability to read all of my textbooks in English, and now I can write this letter to you. Although my English is not good enough but I believe it’s already better than most of the people in this country, and I’d like to give all of the credit to you, the best teacher I’ve ever met.
To be honest, your class was the one I enjoyed the most. I stopped going to other cram schools several months before my college entrance exams, but I didn’t even stop the class until the week before my enrollment of college. I know I was not a good student, and perhaps Columbus and I were the two greatest trouble makers you’ve ever met in your teaching career, but you not only treated us as students but also as friends. Our chatting topics are covered by everything, from your early life, sports to our video games, and I still wonder if it was true that you put your dislocated arm back to normal during your high school basketball tournament…
A few months ago, I visited you when I came back to Kaohsiung. I shared my freshman life with you. Did you remember the guy from Haiti I’ve mentioned? He plans to visit Kaohsiung in August and I would have brought him to visit you, but that’s not gonna happen. I received this bad news last Saturday and both Columbus and I couldn’t believe it. I contacted Ricky to check if this was any misinformation, but it was not all what we wished, your demise was a truth, you really left us.
We are thankful for being your students, to take part in your teaching career.
I want to say, thank you; thank you for teaching me English; thank you for being one of my friends; if there’s any chance, I am really willing to be your student again.
Rest in peace, the best teacher I’ve ever met. Thank you.
Respectfully yours,
Student Eric曾瑋淯

I was a Taiwanese student of Todd’s. In the devastating wake of his passing, I wish to leave here a few words in the form of a message to Todd.
Dear Todd:
I can’t believe you’re gone. A part of me had always vaguely believed that you would always be there, in building Nobel with your garden, hanging bar, movies, and an endless supply of life stories and wisdom.
I hadn’t ever really thanked you for all that you’ve given me. I owe a great part of my English abilities to you. It was you and your class that gave me a place to learn and use the language extensively, through various activities that were at once meaningful and interesting, and with a group of like-minded friends. Furthermore, you acted as a life mentor to me, embodying a fulfilling and brilliant way of life. Through the stories of your various travels, I glimpsed a world full of possibilities and adventures; through your words of encouragement, I discovered a world where anything can happen as long as one has enough courage and knows the right words.
The memories—your classes, teachings, insight—shaped my back then, and have become a part of me now. What knowledge I have invariably contains some piece of information gained from you, and my memories from high school are inseparable from memories of you and your class. The snacks, stories, news sharing, vocabulary discussion, board games, list of Latin affixes, stacks of movies, world map on the wall, and occasional threats of throwing someone out the window are an invaluable part of my past—a priceless part of my life.
Thank you for the memories. Thank you for playing a large part in making me who I am today.
I believe most, if not all, of your students can testify the same—that they too have been greatly influenced by you and the time spent in your class. From your one-room classroom, you touched the hearts, molded the minds, and changed the lives of many students. We were—I was—extremely fortunate to have you as a teacher.
There was this book you lent me, The Journeyer, a fictional story of Marco Polo’s travels. Towards the end of the book, old Marco Polo looks back on his life of exotic and exciting escapades, and realizes that all that remains of his past is memories—and he is satisfied. Memories of you will always be a part me—and a part of all who have known you. You have connected with many and left traces that are undeniable and indelible.
At last, once again, I thank you deeply. Hope you find peace, wherever you are. I hope there’s lacrosse there and the newest TV shows too.
Thank you for the haven disguised as an apartment room. Thank you for the teachings based on practicality and wisdom, and adorned with splendor and hope.
Goodbye, my teacher, my mentor.
Sincerely,
Student Sabrina

I was two years behind Todd at Landon and knew him because my brother was in his class, but moreso because everyone at Landon knew Todd Breier! He was a charismatic star athlete and genuine great guy. For me, being a skinny insecure high schooler trying to find my way, the fact that someone like Todd would acknowledge me with a kind encouraging word made me feel welcome and valued. I had heard about his world travels and admired his sense of adventure. My condolences to his loved ones. Mike Cole, Landon ‘84.

I came to Landon from Woodward as a junior in 1978 and had the pleasure of meeting/knowing Todd immediately due to pick up basketball. He made me laugh because for almost that entire first year, he could not remember my name nor my former school and called me “Pete from Wootton”. We had some great games of basketball and I knew that as a Freshman he had a great future in Landon hoops. He had the best ball fake to get his opponents in the air - it was even better than the one Bill Walton taught me many years later in a fantasy camp. It was that attention to detail that I think distinguished Todd from most other excellent athletes. 
Toward the end of the year we happened to sit at Lowell Davis’ lunch table and Todd regaled us all with his story of a recent Maryland vs. Duke basketball game that we had apparently both attended. Todd was smiling and speaking loudly about all of the Maryland fans supporting star center Buck Williams, by yelling “Don’t (mess) with Buck” in the pre-game, with the rhyming word upsetting Coach Davis to no end. As Coach’s face twisted in frustration, Todd was not picking up the signals and kept repeating the chant. Finally Coach emphatically stated, “Mr. Breier, I think we have heard about enough of this story.” We all had a good laugh watching Todd’s face change colors. Needless to say, Dean Mitchell and I nicknamed him “Buck” when he joined the varsity hoops team as the lone sophomore. 
Todd was a great teammate, not only due to his skills, but also his unflappable nature. Being the team’s youngest player, we teased him good naturedly (and mercilessly) and he never got mad. He would just laugh and then zing us right back. He was cool under pressure, very confident but not cocky. I can see why he excelled at QB as well.
As he moved to Taiwan, i saw him only once after Landon, at a home football game that was delayed until Sunday during the 2002 sniper shooting crisis. It sounded as if he had a great life, living where he wanted and doing exactly what he wanted with his life and career. I know that his friends and family will greatly miss a fantastic athlete and a truly nice, unique person.

I'm so sorry, Victoria. We will all miss Todd.

I didn't know Todd that well at Landon, but got to know him and Victoria better when we were both living in Taiwan. I will remember ultimate frisbee in Kaohsiung, conversations at his place, and watching him demonstrate his yogi skills by holding his breath underwater for like five minutes.

I enjoyed his visits back to Bethesda so much as well-- he always called to include me at Landon classmate get-togethers and always brought wasabi peas. We heard of his adventures, listened to his views on the world, and went bike riding on the C&O canal.

He was open, interesting, positive, dedicated to his work, dedicated to his practice, and full of energy. I will miss him.

So sad to hear that Todd is no longer with us. He was so full of energy, and such a stud at Landon. I remember hanging out at his house with my brother watching him dunk a basketball or listen to Rush or eat his wasabi peas. Or watching him rule the field at quarterback like a Tom Brady figure or being on the field with him in lacrosse or watching him shine with UVA lacrosse at Hopkins in front of a packed house or at his crazy fraternity or at Dune House at beach week. Or listening to his philosophy and his unique outlook on life. Miss those days, and we’ll miss you man!

I was devastated to hear of Todd’s passing. Though Todd was a year younger than I was, I actually always looked up to him in high school. He had a sense of who he was and comfort in his own skin that made it very easy to be in his company. While so many of us were searching in vain during high school for sense of self in the weird time of the late 1970’s early 1980’s, Todd already had it figured out. He didn’t try to evangelize a friend to adopt his world view, but he would not hesitate to call you out if you shared superficial, unthoughtout views.

While being the star on three sports teams, he was a serious, respected student. As an athlete, he was a champion! There is no question he was physically gifted, but he more defeated his opponents with his mind and with technique. Todd called his own plays as a high school quarterback, an indication of the trust Lowell Davis had in his athletic intelligence. I remember in football being one of his receivers, he insisted that we catch every ball he threw with our hands (never using the body to secure the ball on the catch). He knew that by the end of the season we would all have better hands if we caught every ball with our hands. In basketball, he was a “glue” player. He would play whatever role we needed him to win. If that meant scoring, he would fill it up. If that meant locking someone down on d, he would find that player’s tendencies and take them away. If he needed to be the facilitator, he could pass with the best of them. He had this very unique dump off pass that I have never seen anyone else do at any level. If he was contested around the basket, he would go up for a shot like he was going to try to put the ball in, but on the way up he would deliver a perfect bounce pass to his teammate on the other side of the basket, and then he would continue to fake as though the ball was still in his hands, actually leaping with empty hands simulating a shot. It worked every time! The defender would always completely go for his fake, leaving his teammate with a truly uncontested bunny.

We played two seasons of Landon basketball as starters on two of the school’s most successful teams in over a decade. We played lots of summer league basketball games and one summer attended 5-Star Basketball Camp together. At 5-Star I remember Bobby Knight giving a lecture in which he employed some sort of all camp concentration game. Todd was one of two kids left standing after over 200 other kids (myself included) had been eliminated. Todd was not fazed in the least by the brilliant but infamous Knight, staring back intently with laser eye contact as the coach tried to intimidate him. This of course infuriated Knight and thus resulted in him targeting Todd so he wouldn’t be the winner. Bogus! I was proud and in awe of Todd for standing up to Knight.

I was fortunate to ride Todd’s coattails playing on an IAC Championship football squad. During all of this, I spent considerable time at Todd’s home hanging out (listening to Rush) or playing hoops in his two hoop (one lowered for practicing dunking) driveway, and also making runs into Bethesda to our favorite delis and fast food joints.

After graduating from college, Todd obviously chose a non-traditional path. Todd had such a wonderful curiosity about his fellow man and other cultures. He wasn’t going to accept preconceived notions about people in other countries. He was going to make up his own mind by going to as many countries as he could reasonably visit and form his own opinions. 

Since I moved to Dallas in 2001, Todd and I have regrettably only been in touch a few times. However, we did actually have a very pleasant email exchange about a year ago. I was trying to connect him with one of our Chinese teachers, who does exchange trips every few years with Taiwanese students. We ended up sharing news about our lives. I was delighted to report to him that I had taken up yoga four years ago, knowing that he had been a long-time yogi. I should have known everything was not quite right with him, because he told me that he no longer practiced yoga as he had had some back problems. That should have been a red flag that something else more sinister was in play.

Todd asked if I knew how to use Skype. I said that I did and we made a loose plan to Skype each other in the weeks ahead. To my great regret, I didn’t follow through. And, now he’s gone.

Great person and a wonderful, influential friend in my high school years. My condolences to Victoria and Todd’s siblings.

Todd was referred to by our classmates from Landon as "Caine - the man who walked the Earth". How appropriate for the guy that sought adventure after college, while the majority of his peers were doing our best to land jobs and join the "real world". 
He could have earned that nickname in high school, as I remember many a midnight show at a local movie theater seeing Bruce Lee and other kung fu type movies. Did I or any of the others he coerced into going with him really want to do it, probably not, but Todd had that ability to make something that might not be your taste cool to do and enjoyable. I had the honor to share the field/court with Todd, having played football, basketball and lacrosse with him at Landon from 8th grade on. We had some great successes and wonderful memories. We then played against each other in college, literally in both our junior and senior years where Todd covered me. Needless to say those were tough games - totally shut me down.
I will miss Todd greatly. Even though he was half a world away we stayed in reasonable contact through email and thoroughly enjoyed our times together when he would return to the DC area. I was a short walk from his childhood home and he would just stop in and we would talk for hours. 
There are too many memories to go through and I will always cherish them. RIP my dear friend.

Last time I saw Todd, which had to be about 20 years ago, he enthusiastically left me his pocket copy of the writings of Gandhi. Perfectly apropos from him—generous, thoughtful, soul-searching. Farewell, seeker.

The Landon community, especially the Class of 1982, is poorer today for Todd's passing. He was an exceptionally gracious member of our class and no one should have been surprised that he decided to pursue a non-traditional route in life.
All that's left to say is the old adage that it is more appropriate to smile at the memories of someone who has departed than to mourn his departure. Todd, pal, we miss you.
PA

I will always remember Todd as the little brother trying to break into our backyard basketball game. My friends --- Pags, Gags, Paul, Scott, Bobby -- and I would exclude him (in favor of "older brother Kurt, aka "David Thompson").
One day, Todd joined us. He was actually pretty good.
We went off to college and he became GREAT!

If a man can be defined by his passions, then Todd is (beyond Victoria, of course):
Travel
Lebron James
Rush
Body flexibility
Headstand (without hands!)
Wasabi Nuts
Dr Pepper
Fritos
Diving
American Ninja Warrior
What else?