Robert Todd

Robert Lorraine Todd left this life for another on Friday, Dec. 23, 2005, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born June 20, 1924, in Iola, Allen County, Kan., the third son of Benjamin Franklyn Todd and Lola Maud Barker. Bob, as his many friends and associates knew him, relocated with his parents to Fort Collins at the age of 3. He grew up in Fort Collins, graduating from Fort Collins High School. He served during World War II in the Army Air Corps flying and repairing B-24s, out of Lecce, Italy. He returned to the United States in early May 1945 and was in New York at Times Square on VE Day. His final few months of active military duty were aboard B-17s, flying into thunderstorms on scientific missions. Bob returned to Fort Collins in late 1945, where he met and married Shirley Nadine Seaworth. Bob and Shirley met at a dance held Feb. 27, 1946, at the Central Hall located in the 100 block of North College Avenue. They married on Dec. 3, 1946, at Bob's parents' home in Fort Collins. In early 1947, Bob and Shirley moved to Long Beach, Calif., where Bob worked two full time jobs to support his family. Their first two children were born in Santa Ana, Calif. In the spring of 1949, the family relocated to Kirkland, Wash., where Bob worked for Boeing Company building airplanes. Then, in early 1950 an opportunity arose to lease a service station back in Fort Collins. Bob operated his business under the name Todd's Service until the fall of 1968. He then owned and operated a truck stop in Limon until 1981. In addition to the service stations, Bob was active in auto racing with friend John Rostek and in business developments including Lamp Lighter motels, apartment complexes, light industrial parks and a roller skating rink at the site of the current Fort Collins Moose Lodge. Bob became active in trap shooting and for many years traveled to Arizona and other areas during the winter months to pursue that hobby. He was a member of the Amateur Trap Shooting Association and other trap clubs including the Shoshoni Indians and Rocky Mountain Oysters. He belonged to the Fort Collins Elks Lodge, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the National Rifle Association. He also supported wife Shirley in her bowling activities. Bob enjoyed other hobbies including golf, hunting and fishing. He especially appreciated the times he spent with his friend, Fred Kennedy, pursuing these activities. Bob and Fred had a 50-year friendship. Bob lived a very active life while helping to raise four sons and one daughter. The family has fond memories of activities at the family cabin located near Pingree Park. Bob and Shirley spent the past several summers living at the cabin property. His parents, along with brothers Merwin Kenneth, Leland Eugene and sister Gwendelyn Sylvia Denning preceded Bob in death. He has one surviving sister, Mary Kathryn Jones, and husband, Hubert, in Holyoke. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, and all five of his children, Merwin Edgar Todd and wife, Connie, of Hayden; Larry Gene Todd, of Fort Collins; Debra Diane Todd, of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Jerry Evan Todd and partner, Charles Hall, of Galveston, Texas; and Robert Frank Todd and wife, Dawn, of Longmont. Fifteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren also survive him. His life partner, Shirley Nadine, will miss him dearly following their 59 years of marriage, and his children will miss the man that provided the backbone to their lives. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Plymouth Congregational Church, 916 W. Prospect St. Pastor Sharon Benton will officiate. Bohlender Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.