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Donald Todd Obituary
Big Timber —Donald "Sonny" David Todd passed away peacefully of natural causes at home on his ranch in Big Timber, Montana on Friday November 8, 2013. Sonny was 75 years old.
Sonny was born on May 1, 1938 in Columbus, Montana. He was the oldest son of Donald M. Todd and Helen M. Anderson. Sonny attended school and graduated from Reed Point High School in 1956 and joined the U.S. Navy. After returning home from the Navy, he was married to Rosalie M. Myers on July 11, 1960 (35 years).
Sonny lived, ranched, and guided hunts in the Deer Creeks, Work Creek, and Bridger Creek areas after returning from the Navy. He was able to fulfill his dream of taking his young family to Australia where he managed the Delemere Cattle Station consisting of a million and a half acres near Kathryn, Northern Territory for two years. Most of Sonny's life revolved around horses, managing cattle and ranch operations. Returning to Montana's Deer Creek area, he managed different places and later owned the Circle T Quarter Horse Ranch at Big Timber. One of Sonny's proudest accomplishments was when he owned "Diamond Duro" and "Shy Ole Man".
In later years Sonny's life revolved around his grandkids. You could always count on the first words being, "Where ya' at?" Then he would ask when the next time you would be by was going to be and what you wanted to eat. He loved barbequing for everyone and anyone and making sure you ate as much as you possibly could. Then he'd ask, "Did ya' get enough?" Attending his grandchildren's numerous events always kept him busy. Whether we did well or not he was always there with a supporting hug letting us know he was proud.
Sonny was passionate about the real estate business. He loved showing property to clients and expressing his love of Montana. People often said that Sonny's vehicles had gone where most people wouldn't take a four-wheeler. This was also true about his love for elk hunting. During hunting season, Sonny's truck would often be parked outside the Frosty Freeze with a bed stacked with his family's and friends' elk. Sonny served as a mentor to many young aspiring cowboys who held a special place in his heart. Sonny was also active in the Evangelical Church.
The funeral service and celebration of life, will be held at the Sweet Grass County High School on Saturday November 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Bryan of the Evangelical Church and Pastor Joe Brandt, Sonny's nephew, officiating. Cremation has taken place. A family burial ceremony will take place in the spring. A reception will take place at the American Legion Hall following the service.
Sonny is predeceased by his father, Donald M. Todd (1974), his mother Helen M. Anderson (2013) Sister Peggy Todd Shaw (2009) and his oldest son, Donald Stetson Todd (2003).
Sonny is survived by, Patricia (Leonard) Todd Brandt Wiedmier, Clarence "Bruv" Todd, Rosalie Myers Todd, Justin (Vonda) Todd, Ninette "Nikki"(Art) Perry, Rick Todd, Linda Streett Todd, Donna E. Todd , Grandchildren; Britt Todd, Collin Todd, Ashley Blaylock, Dillon Todd, Logan Todd, Garrett (Jaclyn) Todd, Colter Todd, Beau (Brittney) Blaylock, Tucker Blaylock, Shasta (Chris) McCorry, and numerous family, friends, and neighbors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cowboy Christmas Ball Scholarship; P.O. Box 788 Big Timber, MT 59011.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Todd
Shannon Holman Kelley
November 20, 2013
To Justin, Nicki and the entire Todd Family,
When I met Sonny it was a day I will always remember. I was visiting my uncle Rolf Holman and he told me about a friend of his who was auctioning off all his ranch equipment. We went to Sonny's ranch and my uncle introduced me to Sonny. I met a man who was happy, smiling and joking as his equipment was being sold never showing his pain. I watched as he moved from piece to piece greeting newcomers and laughing with others. When we left the auction Sonny had left a wonderful impression on my mind that I would never forget. Sometime had passed when I was again visiting my uncle and I was reintroduced to Sonny and that time was the first time I was introduced to his "Sour Dough Starter". I have kept that starter going for over twenty-five years and it is still going strong. I even wrote a little story about it and sent it to Sonny. As time went by Sonny, Rosalie and the kids (They were kids then)would come up to my uncles, we would go down to the basement and dance to music on the jute box (Including Rolf's own songs). One day I was watching "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" and there was Sonny being interviewed by Robin Leach. They were up the Boulder and Sonny was talking about how Montana was the "Last Best Place". I called him and told him what I was watching and he just laughed. The longer we knew each other the better friends we became. Sonny started taking Uncle Rolf Antelope hunting and I don't think they missed an opening day for at least ten years and maybe longer. Soon, I was lucky enough to be included in some of those hunts with them and the stories that could be told. I remember one hunt where we were at his house, Sonny was cooking up the liver and his "Sour Dough" pancakes and when I looked outside the steam was still coming up from the Antelope in Sonny's pickup and he just commented " You will never get it fresher than that. Another day we were out and I had just taken care of an Antelope, Sonny told me to put out my hands so he could pour water on them to clean them. It was in the 20s and when the "hot water" flowed onto my hands from his water jug I just starred at him and could not figure out what to say. I felt his pain as we talked about his son Stetson, he looked at me and told me he had never felt so much sorrow! Sonny and I became closer and closer as the years went by and I think we hunted together on opening day of deer and elk season for the last 10 years and probably a little longer. Before they closed we would have breakfast at the Four Winds and tell all the funny hunting stories that we experienced. One day we were sitting on the Bridger Creek property he owned when I looked across the creek to see the largest group of elk I had ever seen and he just said: "Montana the Last Best Place". He guided my son Shannon to his first and biggest Bull and cousin Richard to his.
He always referred to my uncle as his "Uncle Rolf" and was very much a part of our family.
Sonny and I were very good friends, my wife and I loved him, we will miss talking to him, spending time together
when we could and laughing together as we did. Sonny will be greatly missed by my entire family and especially me.
Kenny Higgins
November 18, 2013
Justin and Family,
Me and Sonny had made big plans thsi summer some snowmobile grooming and talking about some more property transactions. I know when he go tto heaven he was glad to his son! He will missed greatly by me and my family as we always stopped in when we could. Love all of You. BTW On our last helicopter ride looking at property in Sweetgrass co, I bet he is thinking he has his own wings now in heaven!
Bruce Pinkerton
November 18, 2013
So sorry to hear of Sunny's passing!! Always a great neighbor to our little place there in Greycliff. Offering help after our devastating fire. And always a friendly 'howdie' !! We are diminished with his passing!!
Rudy Renfandt
November 16, 2013
The world lost a truly irreplaceable, good man. A good ol' cowboy and a friend. Thanks for the Elk hunt on the " Mules " Gone to another place but never to be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to the family for this great loss.
Matthew Ryan Bailey
November 15, 2013
Sonny Todd- A true gentleman
Warmest blessings to the family & friends. I had the honor of meeting Sonny recently on a trip to Montana. Unfortunately, we didnt get to speak too much one -on-one, but the words we were able to speak went something like this... Sonny spoke of how proud he is of his grandchildren, his time in the Navy & being a Cowboy. Sonny opened up his home to myself & several other Marines on our unforgettable trip to beautiful Montana. Logan Todd, if you read this... I sat in your Polaris w/ you when you gave us that cruise around Sonny's property looking for Elk. I'm deeply sorry for your loss ... I know how much Sonny loved you man, I could see it in his eyes. Sonny is in a good place smiling down. God Bless you all!
Jay Bentley
November 15, 2013
Justin: Your dad was the greatest! He was an institution. I will miss him greatly. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.
Brett Maeder
November 14, 2013
Please accept my sincere condolences. I had the pleasure of being a recipient of Sonny's hospitality during a recent trip to Montana with fellow Marines. I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet him as it was a memory I will always cherish forever. His kindness meant so much to all of us and he will be sadly missed. God bless
Mike & Sandy Regli
November 13, 2013
Justin & Vonda, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. May your memories be happy ones. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Terry & Lynn Groth
November 13, 2013
Justin & family,
I was very sorry to hear of Sonny's passing. The first wedding I ever attended is when he and Rosie got married. Think I was 6 years old. Sonny lived life "large" and reached many goals and fulfilled his dreams. An excellent businessman and a true cowboy. He was proud of his Todd heritage. I hope all the good memories outweigh these days of grief and sorrow. God bless!
Sharon Peterson
November 13, 2013
Sonny _ What a great guy - a huge part of Montana's history. We will all miss him
Bonnie Morgenstern
November 13, 2013
Keeping the light burning for a much loved family man
Roberta Kelley
November 13, 2013
Sonny lived his life " his way" and with his passing it will be the end of an Era. He will be missed by many
James Moran
November 13, 2013
Very sorry to hear of Sonny's passing.
I met Sonny for the first time in September with fellow Marines on a fly fishing trip to Montana for Wounded Warriors. He rolled out the red carpet for us and stuffed us with more food we could handle along with the best steak we ever ate.
Although we only met briefly, Sonny had a way of making you feel like you were friends for many years.
Rest in Peace.
James Moran, Jr.
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