View Top Shelf Todd Story

Adam Wellikoff

It is hard to link Todd's legendary status to one moment in time. I think Todd's legend grows from his ability to make everyone feel like his best friend. The times that come to mind for me are being included on the planning committees for the Temple's galas. The first one in particular sticks in my brain. Megan and I had only recently started to get involved in the temple and get to know everyone better. I walked into that meeting, not knowing what to expect, not being very familiar with anybody and having only recently met Todd. I remember standing at the bar and ending up next to him, and we chatted for several minutes before the meeting started. I am not terribly good in social situations, especially when I am not familiar with the people there, but I was immediately struck with how easy it was to talk to him. Then, when the meeting started, he put everyone at ease with his laid-back personality and style. I have never met anyone as comfortable in those situations as Todd. As the years went by, and as our families got closer, I realized that Todd is that person to his core. Whether it was temple events, a guys' night out or bourbon tasting, Todd is always the life of the party. The most impressive thing, however, is his devotion to his family. For as long as I have known Todd, it is obvious that no matter what is going on socially, his family always comes first. Deb and the girls are clearly his first thought in everything he does. A wise man (Jimmy Buffett) once said "Life is a journey that's not measured in miles or years, but in experiences." By that measure alone, Todd has easily reached legendary status! It is hard to link Todd's legendary status to one moment in time. I think Todd's legend grows from his ability to make everyone feel like his best friend. The times that come to mind for me are being included on the planning committees for the Temple's galas. The first one in particular sticks in my brain. Megan and I had only recently started to get involved in the temple and get to know everyone better. I walked into that meeting, not knowing what to expect, not being very familiar with anybody and having only recently met Todd. I remember standing at the bar and ending up next to him, and we chatted for several minutes before the meeting started. I am not terribly good in social situations, especially when I am not familiar with the people there, but I was immediately struck with how easy it was to talk to him. Then, when the meeting started, he put everyone at ease with his laid-back personality and style. I have never met anyone as comfortable in those situations as Todd. As the years went by, and as our families got closer, I realized that Todd is that person to his core. Whether it was temple events, a guys' night out or bourbon tasting, Todd is always the life of the party. The most impressive thing, however, is his devotion to his family. For as long as I have known Todd, it is obvious that no matter what is going on socially, his family always comes first. Deb and the girls are clearly his first thought in everything he does. A wise man (Jimmy Buffett) once said "Life is a journey that's not measured in miles or years, but in experiences." By that measure alone, Todd has easily reached legendary status!