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Anderson Todd Obituary
1921-2018
Anderson Todd, FAIA, died peacefully at home on December 21, 2018, in Houston, Texas.
Born in 1921 to Rear Admiral Forde Todd and Sylvia Leland Barnes, he graduated from St. George's School, and received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Princeton University. During World War II, he captained the U.S.S. SC 742, a submarine chaser in the South Pacific. He arrived in Houston in 1949 to join the faculty of the School of Architecture of Rice University. He married Lucie Halm Wray in 1953, and continued teaching at Rice until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure there, he served with great delight as professor, director of the School of Architecture, and co-founder of the School's preceptorship program and Qualifying Graduate Workshop. He also had an active architectural practice, with work recognized by the Texas Society of Architects, the American Institute of Architects, and the National Register of Historic Places. In 1992, he married Iris Gracey Todd, who collaborated with him on his final projects, including their house near Rice.
He was proud of his past board roles with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Contemporary Arts Museum; and Planned Parenthood, and enjoyed fellowship with other members of the Eagle Lake Rod & Gun Club and Petroleum Club. As well, he is remembered for his storytelling and for the glee he took from travel, photography, dancing, car-racing, hunting, sailing, crossword puzzles, and sometimes-gentle, sometimes-not, caricatures.
He is survived by his wife Iris, his children, Emily Todd and David Todd, his daughter-in-law, Wendy Todd; his granddaughters, Hannah and Margaret Todd, his step-children, Michael Lawrence; David Lawrence (and wife Cheryl) and sons, Stephen and Christopher Lawrence; and Tamara Roberts (and husband Johnny). He was also fortunate to have a wide circle of former students whose lives and careers gave him great pride and happiness, and lucky to have gentle caregivers who eased his final days.
A gathering in celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019, at Cohen House, Rice University, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the Anderson Todd Award at the Rice University School of Architecture, or to the charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Anderson Todd
Sponsored by Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston.
14 Entries
Hy Applebaum
December 24, 2021
I owe what success I had as an architect to the guidance at Rice from Anderson Todd. He will always be remembered by me.
Ariel Brain
March 25, 2019
Andy was a great teacher and loved by all. I have fond memories of his stories and critiques. I still replay many of these in my mind years later. I received my M. Arch. in 1993, Andy had a huge impact on me and the way I approach architecture. Sometimes in a tight spot I will imagine how Andy would respond. He approached every problem with humor, elegance and intelligence. He will be missed!
Allan Cooper
February 1, 2019
In 1968 I asked Professor Todd to write me a letter of recommendation as I was applying to graduate school. His letter was a memorable one as he reminded me that my talent would improve so long as I kept "looking over my shoulder". I took his message to heart and conveyed this message to my architecture students over a 30 year teaching career at Cal Poly. Mr. Todd had a profound influence over me, he was "one of a kind" and he will be missed.
Donna Conley Pierce
January 23, 2019
Truly the best of the best -- so remember in the early 50's when you took our Class '56 to your home for meals (still love your silverware design)and architectural conversations - to this day our class can start talking where we left off at our Rice Reunions. Rest in peace.
Frank Douglas
January 7, 2019
Truly, One if a kind.
H. Ralph Hawkins, FAIA, FACHA, LEED AP
January 2, 2019
During my time at Rice, Andy was very active with the GQW. I remember him always surrounded by students where ever he was on campus. He was much loved and highly respected as an architect by all at Rice.
Maria A
January 1, 2019
What a wonderful long life your loved one had, Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.Special mightiness indeed. May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.
January 1, 2019
Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving god promises to give the strength and courage you'll need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. (Isaiah 40:29, 41:10, 13)
JL
December 31, 2018
My deepest condolences go out to the family. May the God of all comfort give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2.
December 30, 2018
Very sorry for the lost of your loved one May God the hearer of prayers comfort you during this difficult time and give you strength. 2 cor. 1:4
Augusto de León Fajardo
December 29, 2018
So sad to know that Andy Todd has passed away. I owe him so much for as I studied for a M.Arch. at Rice in 1971-72, he was the School's Director and made my time there a very pleasant one. I had the honor and the pleasure to host him, his late first wife and Mrs. Redmond from Rice Library here at Guatemala during their short visit some years later. I will warmly remember him. My deepest and sincere condolences to his family.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
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Memorial Events
for Anderson Todd
Jan
26
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Cohen House at Rice University
TX
Funeral services provided by:
Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston1734 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098
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