Eulogy / Evan Levi Barron

Eulogy for Todd D. Barron by Evan Levi Barron “Always Be a Giver!”

Eulogy transcription-
Good Afternoon Dear Friends and Family of Todd Barron. For those who don’t know me, my name is Evan Barron, proud nephew of Todd Barron. I’d like to begin by showing everyone in the audience this watch. Now this is not an ordinary watch. It was Todd’s watch that he graciously gave to me a few weeks before his passing. Along with the nice watch, a note engraved on the inside, a way for me to remember Todd in 4 words. Always be a giver. I couldn’t think of a better phrase to summarize his life than that. Now I will always have this gift, memory of him that will guide me to live as he did, especially during his inspiring 6 year battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma. It will guide me to be a fighter, just as Todd was. In the 6 years of his fight, covering about 40 percent of my life, all he did was fight. He beat the odds of only living 1-2 years with Ewing’s Sarcoma to last almost 6 years, a remarkable feat. I know to never back down in any scenario, in school, in business, and in life in general. It will guide me to cherish every moment possible, just as Todd did. I’ve learned now to not take every day, every hug or kiss, every meal, every call, every vacation, and every “I love you” for granted as it could always be your last. Todd treated every day like it was his last, leading him to experience one of the best 6 years worth of memories any man could ask for. He reached so many milestones during his time. Being able to walk after amputation, my Bar-mitzvah, my dad’s fiftieth, all of Todd’s parties, and who could forget most recently Sarah Bat-mitzvah. It was so amazing to watch him experience these events knowing they could be his last, but staying in the moment and enjoying them with him. On the topic of his parties, I will be guided to be a giver, just as Todd was.

I have never seen a man more cherished by his friends and family, deservedly. He was such an important part of so many people’s life. His generosity, hospitality, and party planning skills are all traits that I hope to absorb one day. The experiences he gifted to people over the last 6 years have been unforgettable. That is especially the case for me. One memory I would like to point out was last May, when the Heat were playing in game 3 of the conference finals, I really wanted to go, but my dad couldn’t take me. Instead, I offered Todd as an option, an uncle-nephew bonding experience that neither of us would ever forget. Both Todd and my dad said yes and days later Todd and I sat in the arena as we watched the Heat take a 3-0 series lead against the Celtics. Todd had always made it a priority for that special bonding time between me and him, in our common interests, sports. I’ll never forget all of those Sundays at his house watching Miami Dolphins or Buffalo Bills football. Finally, towards his end, I nor his closest family or friends will forget Deb birthday weekend in Key Biscayne. Somehow, someway, Todd was able to rally the troops and create such a magical and special “cruise to nowhere” as he called it, for Deb, the most special person in his life. While doing that he also gave so many people the greatest gift of all. Himself. I know no one will ever forget the time they got to spend with him that weekend, whether watching football, sitting out drinking by the beach, or rapping to his favorite songs. Furthermore, I would like to tie Todd’s life into Judaism. Todd’s Hebrew name, Tevya David, has a special meaning to it. The name Tevya means God’s gift and David is a Hebrew name meaning beloved or friend. I think it is fair to say that Todd’s life has been a gift from God to all of us here. The greatest gift Todd gave anyone is his friendship, making him so beloved. In closing, I would like to refer back to the watch, Todd’s last gift to me, but one that I will always remember. One that will remind me to stay close to the morals I have learned from Todd. One that will guide me to persevere, never take moments for granted, and most importantly, always be a giver. These are takeaways from Todd’s life I hope everyone in attendance can take away from this 6 year journey. To be the gift in other people’s lives, just as Todd was. Thank you.