My little brother, Todd James Church, was born on the biggest party day of the year, December 31, 1975, and it showed. Todd spent his days making friends laugh, dancing his heart out, and being the life of every party he could find. Todd (Grease) was born in Michigan, (he told everyone he was from Detroit… he wasn’t) He attended both Lake Fenton and Grand Blanc schools.
As an adult he lived several years in California, back to Michigan, then North Carolina, and eventually made his way south to Charleston, South Carolina. In his travels he left a strong imprint on so many people. I spent some time asking his friends how they thought of him, what impact did he have on their lives.
I feel these are the important things to remember about my brother, words from those that knew his true spirit and his beautiful energy. Brittany said “Todd had an amazing way of making people laugh even when he didn’t mean to. He had an infectiously amazing positive attitude even in the face of adversity and despair.
There was really No in between with Todd and when he cared, he cared viciously”. “Todd was super smart and could have been anything he chose to, but Todd did not like conforming to the norm. Definitely a free spirit”.
This is how his life long friend Christopher thought of him. Melanie told me “He was so kind, and so funny! !
! And just a really decent, good guy…. would give ya the shirt off his back”.
Dear friend Emily helped Todd more then once through out his journey. She had this message for him. “Todd, I wish you were still here to witness the complete outpouring of love the world came forth with upon learning of your death.
Everyone that ever met you fell in love with your genuine kindness, empathy for all living things, selflessness, fearlessness, humor and a vulnerability you don’t often see. That refreshing ability you had to wear your heart on your sleeve is so rare. You are now and will be forever missed deeply.
I love you. Until we meet again”. When Todd was only 14 years old we lost our mom which changed his world forever.
He spent his life looking for a love and family like the one that was taken away to soon. He was thrilled to have a son born in 1995, River Orion Church. Though circumstances again were not on Todd’s side, he loved River with all his might.
Searching for family connection led him to a short marriage to Robyn, though it ended, Todd was truly happiest in his life during the time he lived in Myrtle Beach and ran Cozmic Charley’z with Robyn. That relationship also led to a reconnection with River. Something he was always grateful for.
Todd also became a grandpa when Zaeder was born in April of 2017. I liked to call Todd a Gentle giant, the boy had size 14 feet by age 13. He had a tender heart and he was never afraid to show it.
My brother cried with me hundreds of times over the years. He made me crazy, and I worried everyday about him, but I also knew exactly how much he loved me. He was never afraid to show his feelings.
Ask anyone, he had your back, always. Todd had a deep love for children and dogs. He was basically just a big kid himself.
To me he was still that 14 year old boy. Maggie and Patches were both rescue Basset hounds that he loved dearly. This past year he adopted Maxwell an elder hound.
Todd would use his last dime to feed Max before he would feed himself. Todd was a lover of all things Volkswagen, The Grateful Dead and his favorite band Widespread Panic. I wish I knew exactly how many times he went to a WSP Show.
It was his happy place, it freed his soul. He cherished the simple things, a good beer, tye dyed T-shirt’s, Camel smokes, Detroit Baseball, a bacon cheese burger or a classic coney. He loved his friends, his son, Max and I know he loved me.
Todd passed away on March 13, 2019, he was much to young, and my heart hurts deeply for everything in life he did not get. When I had no wings to fly, you flew to me. – Grateful Dead Services provided by Charleston Cremation Center & Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to help cover the cost of cremation and expenses to get Todd back to his sister Amy and son River. 1102 S 180 W Hurricane Utah 84737 Or Venmo @Amy-MacKay-7 A celebration of life to be held this summer in Michigan. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Todd James Church please visit our Sympathy Store.
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