Remembering Jeff Todd...

Dear Jeff,

Regrettably, we were never formally introduced although our paths crossed often over the years.  I blame myself for that.  Even so, I feel like I knew you and I have long been a secret admirer of yours (and your wife, Becky, too, for that matter) for the tireless work you’ve selflessly done on behalf of the greater Mount Vernon community.  I’m sorry I’m only getting around to telling you now.

I first heard your name when our daughters attended school together at Washington Mill ES.   I saw you at PTA meetings; I attended a multitude of school functions where Roy Rogers played a starring role and provided (literally) carloads-full of fried chicken; I was aware of and benefitted from your innovative corporate partnership with the school; I participated in many a fundraiser that you graciously held at your Woodlawn restaurant on behalf of WMES (and many other local schools for that matter) and I witnessed your ubiquitous spirit and presence in the halls and classrooms of WMES during  your frequent volunteer stints.

One of the most impressive qualities about your philanthropy and leadership was that, astonishingly, WMES was only a portion of what it touched.  In you said, “You just can’t help people enough.  Giving back is the right thing to do.”  And true to your words, you spread good will everywhere in this town.  It almost got surreal.  Seemingly, each time we returned from a community event, someone in my family would remark (always in awe and amazement) how “the Roy Roger’s guy” was there yet again donating time, talent, treasure or all three. 

I recall going to the grand opening of Anytime Fitness and there you were greeting us on behalf of the Lee-Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce.  We attended a basketball game at Mount Vernon HS and there you were out on the court at halftime conducting a raffle on behalf of a sick child in our community.  We worshipped at Good Shepherd Catholic Church and there you were ushering us to our pew.  I drove by your Woodlawn restaurant a couple of weekends ago and there you were letting a local Boy Scout troop conduct a car wash out front.  And every time I picked up a copy of the local Mount Vernon newspapers, there you were plastered on the pages for a recent contribution you had made or accolade/honor you had received.  I often wondered if you ever rested or how Roy Rogers could turn a profit with the amount you so prodigiously gave away!

Especially endearing, to me, anyhow, was that in spite of your high profile in the community and your plethora of accomplishments, you maintained such a genuine sense of modesty and humility.  In the aforementioned Patch interview, you were asked how you responded to the Lee-Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s request to appoint you its new Chairman.  You said, “I’m just a burger guy, I don’t view myself any different than the guy making chicken in the back.”

That same accessibility and lack of pretense was evident the time I ran into you and Becky at a Mount Vernon Estate wine festival.  I was there with five of my out-of-town high-school girlfriends and we needed someone to take our picture.  You graciously entertained our request (and willingly endured  having to take multiple photos on each of our cameras), even good-humoredly egging us along at one point with,  “How about we do a cheerleading pyramid for this next shot?”  In hindsight, I now regard that night as another blown opportunity to have shared with you and Becky how grateful I was to you both for all you had done in our community.  

Sadly, on Facebook.  Upon reading the post, I gasped, covered my mouth, felt my eyes fill with tears and exclaimed, “Oh no, not Jeff Todd!”  Even though I didn’t really know you, I still felt like I had lost a close friend.  I am sure my shocked reaction was replicated across many a household in the Mount Vernon community this past weekend.

It is heartening and a true testament to your legacy to read many of the warm sentiments that have been posted in response to the FB notice: 

                “A wonderful person.  A big advocate for Mount Vernon”

                “Good Shepherd Church is mourning the loss.”

                “A man of conviction and a pure heart”

                “He was one of a kind.”

                “A great man who cared deeply for our Soldiers, particularly our  Wounded Warriors”

                “Jeff had such a sincere heart.”

                “What a giving man.”

                “What an inspiration to us all.”

I know, in your opinion anyhow, your work in our community was just getting started.  In the Patch article, you mentioned a desire to focus your efforts on recruiting community volunteers once you concluded your tenure at the Chamber.  You said, “I’m going to do my best to get people more involved whether it is reading to the elementary school kids or volunteering at the high school.  There are several opportunities to help and it is as easy as writing a check or spending an hour.”

It is my personal belief that your wishes were prophetic and will prove galvanizing to our community, who in a collective desire to pay it forward in your honor, will want to carry on your servitude.  Because the truth is Jeff, you have always inspired us with your philanthropy and leadership; moved us with your incessant displays of compassion and generosity and made us a better community just by your presence in our midst.  The tragedy of your sudden passing further underscores the importance of your work and reminds us how vital it is to contribute.  As members of the community, we will learn from your fine example.  May your life continue in each of us as we gently take the reins from you and finish what you always so tirelessly and selflessly put in motion.

To give is to live.  You embodied this Jeff and our community will forever be impacted by your life and your legacy.   Thank you Jeff.  Now rest and go in peace.  We promise to keep Becky, Kimberly and Hannah in our hearts and prayers and will cloak them in the love and support of our community.    

Fondly,

Beth Jarvis