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Todd Goodman Ramsay

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Bellingham High School Northwestern University Washington State University

FUNERAL HOME

Sig's Funeral & Cremation Services

809 W Orchard Drive, Suite #2

Bellingham, Washington

Todd Ramsay Obituary

Todd Goodman Ramsay, age 53, passed away on Sunday, August 5 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham. His death has sent shockwaves through a wide-ranging community of loving family and friends. Todd was born in Bellingham in 1965. He attended Columbia and Birchwood Elementary schools, Shuksan Middle School, and Bellingham High School. He received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Washington State University, where he played football and was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He was also a graduate of the School of Police Staff and Command at Northwestern University and Harvard's Kennedy School of Government senior executive program. He was die-hard Cougar to the end. Todd became a commissioned officer with the Bellingham Police Department in 1987, following several years with the department's Explorers cadet program. He rose through the ranks and served as Chief of Police from 2008 until his retirement in 2012. Above all, Todd was a family man. His pride and joy is his son Hayden. Todd was never happier than when he was on the sidelines watching Hayden play baseball, basketball, football, and rugby. Todd also coached youth and high school football and baseball, and made an impact on countless young lives. Todd's parents Ray and Rhea were deeply influential and instilled in him a sense of duty, honor and service, as well as a keen sense of humor. He and his wife Torhil recently celebrated their 8th anniversary. Todd served with many community organizations, including the Bellingham Boys & Girls Club, Bellingham Bay Rotary, WWU's Athletic Advisory Board, the Commission Against Domestic Violence, and many others. He was an ardent supporter of local service agencies. Whether you knew him as Chief, Hoss, Rams, Coach, dad, son, or simply friend, Todd was always quick to share a laugh, lend a hand, or serve as a sounding board for advice. He will be greatly missed by many. Todd is survived by his parents Ray and Rhea, son Hayden, brother Lance (Kendra), niece Kelsey, wife Torhil, his beloved Rottweiler Samson, and numerous other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents William and Helen Bishop, and Ira and Florence Ramsay. In lieu of flowers, the family would like any donations to be made to the Behind the Badge Foundation (www.behindthebadgefoundation.org). A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 12 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bellingham. Go Cougs. Please share your thoughts and memories of Todd online at, www.sigsfuneralservices.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald from Aug. 8 to Aug. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Todd Ramsay

27 Entries

Kim Shannon

August 3, 2019

I have very fond memories of Todd I believe I first met him in third grade at Birchwood elementary then we went to shuksan and Bellingham high School together lots of good memories lots of laughs and smiles .Todd also reached out to me in a very caring matter after I lost my son he is greatly missed by many

Julie Larson

August 21, 2018

We grew up next door to the Ramsay's and have some great memories of playing with Todd & Lance & Shasta in our back yards, Woods and neighborhood. Rhea and Ray were the friendliest nicest people in the hood and our lives are better for knowing you all. Know that we hold Todd in good light and are sending his entire community prayers for their new journey of grief. Very very sorry for the loss of Todd.

August 14, 2018

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your entire family. Please know that the God of all comfort has loving concern for you at this time, at Psalm chapter 34 verse 18. I know you will miss your precious loved one every day, may God give you strength, peace and loving memories. Ann Smith

Kirstin Fitzgerald Stocker

August 13, 2018

I went to Shuksan and Bellingham HS with Todd. He was one in a million and a wonderful classmate - I remember him as always full of school spirit, with a great sense of fun and good humour, and always willing to help others. He made people feel happy. My deepest condolences to his family at this very sad time.
With best wishes,
Kirstin Fitzgerald Stocker

Tracie Jarratt (Johnson)

August 12, 2018

I remember meeting you as an Explorer, a new officer and knew you every other stop along the way. Your big smile, larger than life laugh and crushing hugs will never be forgotten. Todd, you came to my rescue on more than one occasion, you will never know the comfort you created in my heart; sadly because I never thought to tell you. Being a cops kid you treated me like a little sister and were always so protective, on or off duty. You always took time to stop and say hi to genuinely see how everyone was doing. Words cannot express the sadness I feel; you were taken way too soon. I pray for comfort for your wife, parents, son and the rest of your friends and family. May you be Resting in Peace #GoCougs!

Rob Neale

August 12, 2018

So sad to hear of Todd's untimely passing and condolences to the family. Todd and I occasionally worked together in police-fire cooperative efforts and he always the shining light in the room or on the street. RIP, Chief.

Kimble Lukenbill

August 12, 2018

Not enough words to cover all Todd has been to so many !
I could go on for hours of memories all the way from whatcom county all stars with Coach Smoot, to so many years of softball on the fields in Bellingham. Not to mention all the times he helped me out as a officer at the BPD !
Todd is a guy that can never be replaced !
Condolences to all of his surviving family !

Greg Todd

August 10, 2018

Rock on my friend! Tanner will never forget you picking him up when he late for school.Give Ronda a hug. GT

Randy Stegmeier

August 10, 2018

Torhil, Hayden, Ray, Reah, Lance and family,
What a true friend and amazing colleague Todd has been! I loved playing softball and basketball with him (always glad to be on his team!)! His competitive spirit showed there as it did in his career.

For years we talked about how much we would like to work together as we attended training courses and shared Cougar "ups and downs." When I saw the opportunity to come to Bellingham as the Chief of Police at Western, I jumped at it knowing that I would get to work with Todd.

He welcomed me with warmth and support that was far beyond what I had even hoped for and was a big reason that my time in Bellingham will always be five of the best years of my life!

I'll cherish our last visit, when he came down to see me at the Pike Place Market. We had a great time and laughed a lot.

He will be missed, but never forgotten. Hayden, aspire to be like your dad and you'll continue an awesome legacy!

August 9, 2018

Ray and Reah,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time. I so remember Todd in my kindergarten class at Columbia and what a fine young man he grew into. He will be missed by many who knew him.
Nancy Albaugh Baldwin

August 9, 2018

We are very sorry for you family's loss Todd was a good man. Many prays and hugs to you all

Tim and Michelle Frank

Karen Flaherty

August 9, 2018

Todd lived a life of service to others. I enjoyed the years we worked together and will always remember his smile and laugh. Torhil, Ray and Rhea, I am so sorry for this loss in your family and pray that you will find comfort in the many good memories that Todd left you. "What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." -- Helen Keller

Donna (Murray) Erickson

August 9, 2018

I was so sorry to hear of Todd's passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Todd.

Jason Turrell

August 8, 2018

Todd had such a huge influence on so many of us growing up. I know he helped to shape me into the person that I am today and led so many into careers in law enforcement. Rest In Peace Spuds... we love you!

Peggy Hinton

August 8, 2018

I am sending my sincere sympathy and caring thoughts to Ray, Rhea, Entire Families and Friends affected by the passing of Todd. Peggy (Jepperson) Hinton.

Stephanie Landers

August 8, 2018

Torhil and Ramsay family, I'm so sorry to hear about Todd's passing. I always enjoyed working with Todd at the City of Bellingham. Being in a town with predominately UW fans, I loved our conversations about the Cougs since I was a fan too. He always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by many.

Mark & Debbie Green

August 8, 2018

Ray, Reah, Torhil, Hayden, Lance and family,

Inscriptions at the National Law Enforcement Memorial remind us that it is better to remember how an officer lived, not how they died. This is absolutely true for Todd. This guy strived to be the best at whatever he set his mind to. Todd was an important part of our lives from the moment we met him at about age 17 or 18 and his influence and friendship will be with us the rest of our lives. This was his gift to us.

August 8, 2018

To the Ramsay family, Todd was a good friend, colleague and public servant. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you. Bill Elfo

Kim Shannon (Bullard) Shannon

August 8, 2018

Sad to hear your gone.... you'll be remembered fondly by me ..grade school.. middle School & high school friend...you had kind and caring words when I was going through my grief rest in peace.Todd

Gene & Jan Knutson

August 8, 2018

Torhil & Ramsey Family, Words cannot express our sadness for your loss. I have known Todd for over 44 years. He was my little league catcher in 1974.
Then we crossed paths again when i joined the city council and he was a police officer then Chief. I will always remember is kindness and sence of humor and his love for Bellingham.
All i can say now is "REST IN PEACE MY
BROTHER MAY PEACE BE WITH YOU" Gene & Jan Knutson.

Bill Boyd

August 8, 2018

Todd was a great colleague, father, and friend, who I will deeply miss. Dianne and I send our deepest condolences and well wishes to Torhil, Hayden, the Ramsay family, and the BPD family. A reminder to live everyday like it is your last.

Orest&Jeri Kruhlak

August 8, 2018

Please know the your family is in our thoughts, hearts and prayers as you grieve this most difficult loss.

Mike Johnston

August 8, 2018

To the Ramsey family. I am so sorry and shocked by the loss of Todd. I watched Todd grow up as a police cadet to Chief. He touched so many of us at the PD and we always knew when he was around by his laugh. He will be truly missed and words can not express how Sheree and I feel for all of you. You will be missed Todd but not forgotten.

Tom Rosenberg

August 8, 2018

I enjoyed knowing and working with Todd at the City of Bellingham. He was someone that I admired for his work ethic and sense of humor. Rest In Peace.

August 8, 2018

Was shocked to learn of Todd's passing.My thoughts and prayers are with Rhea and Ray and the rest of the family. He was a great kid and always willing to take my teasing. RIP my friend. Linda Rhea

August 8, 2018

So sad to hear of Todd's passing. Always remember the good times.

Kurt and Sandee Oberleitner

Lorna McGowan-Smith

August 8, 2018

Todd's passing is a sad reminder of how tenuous life is. I will remember the fun times and laughter we shared while working together some years ago. To Torhil and the test of Todd's family, I send you my heartfelt prayers and condolences.

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