William Michael Todd

Todd William Michael Todd, a lifelong, devoted Catholic, passed away from complications of pancreatic cancer on Pentecost Sunday, June 4, 2017 at the age of 64. Bill was predeceased by his parents William C. Todd and Jennie A. Todd. He is survived by spouse, Kathryn A. Todd of Bexley, Ohio; sons, William Andrew Todd of Washington, DC, and Eric Michael Todd of Bexley, Ohio; as well as step-son, William Moses of Washington, DC; sister, Gail Sladek-Hach of Garfield Heights, Ohio; and nieces, Erica Sladek and Laura Sladek. Bill was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he received a music scholarship and later an academic scholarship, and was a proud member of the marching band until his graduation in 1973. He then attended the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, from which he graduated in 1976. Bill began legal practice immediately at what was then called Porter, Stanley, Platt & Arthur (which soon became known as Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur), where he quickly became an experienced litigator trying many cases in the area of medical malpractice defense as well as other complex tort and contract matters. As a result of his medical malpractice defense work, he gained significant knowledge and understanding of the medical profession, which enabled him to build a practice in which he represented physicians both individually, in appearances before the Ohio State Medical Board, and in medical associations and medical practices. During the 1980's he rose to national prominence as a health care lawyer when he served as a member of the Board of Governors of the American Bar Association Forum on Health Care. His litigation and regulatory experience also became the basis of his significant practice in first amendment, campaign finance and election law, as well as government relations and political affairs. After many years as a partner at Porter, Wright, he moved his practice to Squire, Sanders & Dempsey (now Squire Patton Boggs), where he continued his health care, regulatory, and political law practices and again rose to national prominence as Ohio counsel to the George W. Bush campaign during the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections. As an active participant in the Republican Party, he counseled both Ohio and national political candidates in subsequent presidential campaigns as well as many state and local races, and was the Republican candidate for Mayor of Columbus in the 2007 mayoral campaign. Bill opened his own law firm in 2011, where he continued to represent hospitals, physicians, and political candidates, and also advised many elected officials as well as the Ohio and national Republican parties. He continued active representation of major clients while fighting pancreatic cancer. He was a long-time member of the Columbus Athletic Club, and in later years began long distance racing and bicycling. He completed seven full and three half marathons, and for many years rode with his Bexley neighbors in support of Pelotonia. Friends may call 2-6 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2017 at SCHOEDINGER MIDTOWN CHAPEL, 229 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2017 at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St., Columbus. Private interment Resurrection Cemetery. For those who wish, contributions in memory of William M. Todd may be made to the University of Notre Dame, c/o Development Office, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5612 for future marching band scholarships. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a memory or condolences with Bill's family.