Richmond, Virginia
TODD, Alfred Howe, 87, of Richmond, died January 12, 2010. Howe attended Dumbarton Elementary, Saint Christopher's School, and Lehigh University, where he received a Civil Engineering degree. During WWII, he joined the infantry, attended O.C.S., became a machine-gun instructor at Fort Benning, and was stationed in the Philippines. He returned to Richmond to work as a draftsman in the Planning Department before receiving a Master's in City Planning from MIT. Howe was Director of Planning in the 1960s and then Assistant City Manager for Richmond for 15 years. He retired as Acting City Manager in 1986 after 40 years of service. After retirement, his passion for serving Richmond continued. He was active with the Historic Richmond Foundation, the restoration of the Kanawha Canal System, Moral Re-armament, Strategies to Elevate People, and Hope for the Cities. He was a longtime member of Chamberlayne Baptist Church. His faith, Christian values, and commitment to serve God and others guided his life. Howe was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Georgie Todd; and his wife of 44 years, Joyce Eubank Todd. He is survived by one brother, Dr. Julian P. Todd of Richmond; and one sister, Nancy Todd Lewis of Gatesville, N.C. He is also survived by his children, Gail Walton, Glen Todd and Joy Calkins; and their spouses, Clayton Walton, Kathy Todd and Ron Calkins Jr.; and grandchildren, Joy and Todd Walton and Ronnie and Nellie Calkins. He will be greatly missed by a loving extended family, numerous friends; and devoted caregivers, Beverly Massie and Jean Britt. He raised his family in Ginter Park, where he was involved in the community and with scouting. Howe enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved music, dancing and was the caller for the "Peapickers" square dance band. His hobbies included sculpture, painting, woodworking, ice skating and sailing. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 23, 2010 at Chamberlayne Baptist Church, 215 Wilkinson Road, Richmond, Va. 23227, at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Chamberlayne Baptist Church or the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Richmond Chapter.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Glen, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. I don't think I saw him after the old days at Ginter Park Elementary when we had sleepovers and he supervised us on your basement shooting range, but I remember him as a great guy.
My condolences to your family.
Andy Throckmorton
January 19, 2010 | Richmond, VA
Dear Gail, Glen and Joy,
Your mom and dad were very, very important people in my life. They taught me so much about life values and family values. They spent time with me when I was young and showed me what it meant to be a family. I will be forever grateful to be a part of their lives. God bless you all.
Love, Cheri
Cheri Krauser
January 17, 2010 | Malvern, PA
To the Family of Mr. A. Howe Todd - Mr. Todd was a wonderful person and I enjoyed working with him when he was with the City of Richmond. He was always very plesant.
Mary Woodley
January 17, 2010 | Richmond, VA
To the Todd Family,
I met Mr. Todd as an Assistant City Manager, a supervisor and then then I met him later in Moral Rearmament and Hope in the Cities as a friend. I am thankful for both meetings. I have fond memories that I will cherish even more. I thank God for having met him twice and his encouragement. My husband and I share in your loss.
Carolyn and Rev. Earl Bledsoe
January 17, 2010
NANCY, DR.TODD AND FAMILY,
I AM SORRY TO READ OF HOWE'S PASSING. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU. NANCY, I DON'T THINK YOU WILL REMEMBER ME. WE MET WAY BACK WHEN BOTH OF US WERE IN ST. ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, HAVING APPENDICKS OUT. HOWE CAME IN ONE DAY AND DRANK WATER FROM A JONQUIL FROM THE FLOWERS YOUR MOM AND DAD HAD SENT. AFTER HE DRANK HE GRABBED HIS THROAT AND SAID HE SWALLOWED A BEE. OF COURSE YOU AND I GOT TO LAUGHING AND A NURSE CAME IN AND ALMOST THREW HIM OUT FOR...
January 17, 2010
Joy,
I was sorry to learn of your father's passing. I remember the few times I saw him, he was always smiling and cracking jokes. (You obviously inherited his sense of humor!)
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Shannon Yowell
January 16, 2010
To Glen, Joy, and Gail,
Time separated us, but as a child I remember many visits to your home. I remember your father as a much older cousin who had a wonderful sense of humor and many stories to tell, get him and his brother Jack in the same place and laughter was the rule. As you walk through the valley of shadow we pray that God's comforting spirit will lift you up and heal your hearts. God be with you, Stephen and Sylvia Wiley
Stephen Wiley
January 16, 2010 | Williamsburg, VA
I WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL TO MR. TODD. FOR HE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN STARTING AND ADVANCING MY PUBLIC SERVICE CAREER. HIS KIND HELP AND GOOD ADVICE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED. A. HOWE TODD WAS TRULY A VIRGINIA GENTLEMAN.
STAN BALDERSON
January 16, 2010 | LANEVIEW, VA
I will always remember your magic tricks and waltz lessons at the farm:):)
Thank you for all the memories.
My thoughts and prayers to everyone who knew him.
Love,
Emily
January 15, 2010 | Springfield, VA
