Todd Kimball

I met Todd as a business person in collaboration w/BESThq in Beaverton. He was smart, including business smart, funny--witty and w/a great sense of humor, great sense of fairness and justice, and so "can-do". He did stand up comedy and you can imagine what fun he made of that. And he had such great ideas such as his realty work to be a realtor to market to persons w/disabilities. I hope to continue his legacy...Diane Henkels

Gracias por todo. Fuiste un gran amigo y un apoyo increíble para integrarme en Portland. Tu ausencia se siente profundamente. Dondequiera que estés, ojalá sigas haciendo tan feliz a la gente y arrancando tantas sonrisas como lo hacías aquí. Te quiere mucho, Carlos.

Thank you for everything. You were a great friend and an incredible support in helping me settle into Portland. Your absence is deeply felt. Wherever you are, I hope you continue to bring as much joy and laughter to those around you as you did here. You are dearly loved. - Carlos

Fellow Tod Kimball fans:

We gathered recently to celebrate the extraordinary life of Todd Kimball-a man whose spirit shone exceptionally bright, whose laughter echoed in the hearts of everyone he met, and whose resilience taught us all what it truly means to live life to the fullest.

Todd's passing has prompted me to reflect on the profound impact he had on each of us; and especially upon me.

It´s often said that our best days can be measured against the worst days of others. In Todd´s case, as a consequence of his medical challenges, my worst day was better than his best day. Yet, he never allowed his disability to define him. Instead, he transformed it into a source of strength, a catalyst for joy, and a platform for inspiration.

Todd was an eternal optimist. He had this incredible ability to find light in the darkest of places. When faced with challenges that would have left many of us feeling defeated, Todd would simply smile and say, "Well, this is just another adventure!" He taught us that life is not about the cards we are dealt, but how we choose to play them. His humor was his armor, and he wore it proudly. He had a knack for turning obstacles into punchlines, reminding us that laughter is indeed the best medicine. And if he were here with us today, I have no doubt he'd spend most of his time cracking wise about about dying.

I speak from experience in that regard, as after I nearly died from a knife attack a year and a half ago, he showed me no mercy making fun of it; and his humor provided more comfort than a thousand sympathetic pats on my back.

Fearlessness was another of Todd´s remarkable traits. He approached life with a boldness that was contagious. Whether it was trying new things, meeting new people, or simply sharing his story, Todd never shied away from the unknown. He showed us that fear is just a feeling, and that courage is the choice to move forward despite it. His bravery inspired us to step outside our comfort zones, to embrace the challenges that life throws our way, and to do so with a smile.

But, as we all know, Todd´s journey was cut far too short. He left us too soon, and the world is dimmer without his light. Yet, as we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind. Let us honor Todd by embodying the qualities he exemplified: optimism, humor, and fearlessness. Let us strive to live our lives as he did-fully, joyfully, and without reservation.

I urge each of you to carry Todd´s spirit with you.

When you face your own challenges, remember his laughter.

When you feel fear creeping in, think of his courage.

And when you find yourself in a moment of doubt, let his unwavering optimism guide you.

Todd Kimball may no longer be with us in body, but his spirit will forever live on in our hearts and in the way we choose to live our lives.

- Legion Anders

I didn't know Todd as well as I'd've liked, yet I know every interaction we had was genuine and meaningful. He was uncommonly vibrant, and honest, with a great sense of humor. When he asked how you were, he really listened to your answer, paid attention. Days that were hard for me, if we shared an elevator, just being around his energy briefly would lift my spirits -- as would his words, or jokes. I am saddened for all who knew him, myself included, and am grateful to have been his neighbor. I will miss his light and smile and voice.

What an incredible human being Todd was. I was so shocked and sad when I learned of his passing that tears streamed down my face at the airport. I´m so sad that I cannot dialogue, brainstorm, laugh with him anymore. So many amazing things I can/want to say about Todd. But to summarize them, was an incredible friend that always was there for me and others and try to help, always saw the bright side of things and smiled, always had great stories, and he was simply a do´er.
I will always miss him but I am very grateful he lived a really full life, albeit I wish it would have been much longer, and we were such great buddies.

Open, that´s what always struck me about Todd. I helped Todd occasionally as a substitute caregiver when Kristin was unavailable. You always knew where he stood. He was unafraid to be himself. So refreshing when so many of us only reveal slivers of our true self. Todd threw the doors wide open. Never any confusion about who he was voting for and why, what team he was cheering for etc.

His life was full. He continued to promote social opportunities for himself and for many of us who seemed to need a push to get out there. He put the time in to do things to make improvements in so many ways and always with that bigger than life sense of humor. Definitely in the glass half full group. He touch a wide circle of people and charged us up in a good way. He will be missed

May a spirit of peace of mind, heart, and comfort be presented to loved ones grieving Todd's transition. I am honored to have met you during District 7 Toastmasters' competition last year, Todd. Thank you for the legacy you left behind.

There are some people who leave an impact so deep that their presence continues to be felt long after they are gone. Todd Kimball was one of those rare souls. To me, he was a personal hero and a good friend-someone whose kindness, wisdom, and unwavering spirit made the world a better place.

But if you knew Todd, you knew that his sense of humor was at the heart of everything he did. He had this uncanny ability to make people laugh, even in the most serious of moments. His wit was quick, sometimes sharp, but always filled with a deep warmth that let you know he cared. Whether it was an inside joke that would resurface years later or a perfectly timed quip that left everyone in stitches, Todd had a gift for turning even the ordinary into something memorable.

He approached life with a lightness that was contagious, reminding us all not to take ourselves too seriously. His humor wasn´t just about making people laugh-it was how he connected, how he comforted, and how he made even the hardest days feel a little bit easier.

Todd was one of a kind. His presence could fill a room, and his absence leaves a space that can never truly be filled. Though he is no longer with us, his laughter, his stories, and the joy he brought to so many lives will never fade.

Rest easy, my friend. You are deeply missed, but you will never be forgotten.

Todd was the person who showed up. He introduced friends to the Humanists of Portland, expanding circles of connection for those seeking community grounded in reason and compassion. As an active member of the Multnomah Athletic Club's Toastmasters, he helped others find their voice and confidence in public speaking. As Director of Volunteers and Homestays for the Portland Film Festival, he orchestrated the invisible infrastructure that allowed art to flourish, creating spaces where strangers became friends and where stories found their audiences.

Those who worked alongside Todd remember his pragmatic idealism. When accompanying his friend on a last-minute mayoral campaign filing-despite his well-founded reservations about the timing-he still showed up, cellphone in hand and advice at the ready. "He was against doing it so late. He was right," recalls the friend whose mayoral ambitions Todd supported. Todd possessed that rare combination of visionary support and practical wisdom; he believed in people's dreams while helping them navigate reality.

The night before his passing, Todd engaged in conversation as he always did-present, thoughtful, and making plans for tomorrow. An appointment that would never transpire now stands as a poignant reminder of life's fragility and the importance of cherishing each exchange.

The night before his passing, Todd engaged in conversation as he always did-present, thoughtful, and making plans for tomorrow. An appointment that would never transpire now stands as a poignant reminder of life's fragility and the importance of cherishing each exchange.

What Todd leaves behind isn't measured in monuments but in moments: the film festival volunteer who found purpose under his guidance; the hesitant newcomer who found community through his introduction; the aspiring candidate who found courage through his support. He leaves us with an inspirational duty to our community and a sense of friendliness in each interaction.

Portland's corners feel a bit emptier now, but Todd's legacy invites us to fill those spaces with the same generosity of spirit he embodied. In honoring Todd Kimball, perhaps we can all show up a little more, listen a little better, and build community with a little more heart.

For those wishing to celebrate Todd's life, consider volunteering for a local cause he championed, introducing someone new to a community gathering, or simply taking the time to have a meaningful conversation with a friend. These were Todd's gifts to us-now it's our turn to pass them on.

Todd´s wit and humor were unmatched, and he brought an incredible energy to every room he entered. Whether delivering a speech at Toastmasters or sharing a sharp observation, he had a way of making people laugh while also making them think. His passion for civic engagement was just as inspiring-he didn´t just talk about making a difference; he took action, whether through advocacy, entrepreneurship, or community building. And of course, his love of sports was undeniable-whether discussing a game, sharing a stat, or loyally cheering for his teams, he brought the same enthusiasm and sharp insight that made him such a joy to be around. Todd´s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed.

Helped him at the PSU Rec center and he was always kind and nice to everyone!

Tall

One of the tallest men I ever knew
never stood a day in his life.
He rode with conviction
over cliffside curbs,
and ignorance;
their failure to see
his avenue for change.

Come at life from the perspective
of a seated frame
and face another's mirror,
there will you see courage,
and the beauty of a polished vase,
will you cherish
this day's freedom
with no retreat from tomorrow's
work? This was his call, his grace.


Todd leaves a void in the world that cannot be filled. He was a genuine master having lived with a drive to make better that which was a struggle, not for himself, but for others. He refused to back down, and the piercing honesty that drove him made wrongdoers wilt. I loved that about Todd. He was a warrior for justice, with the kindest, most radiant smile.

Thank you, Todd, for letting me be in your life. You made me a better person, and I will miss you.

Todd,

My only regrets knowing you, is that it was not sooner and longer. We connected immediately. Later, cheerfully I told my little boy I had meet a nice new friend. And how much I was looking forward to again.
We learned quite a bit about eachother personally during the short max ride. How our day was, where we were going next, a little about our pasts, present, and our future goals. I was so relieved you were down to earth and a sense of humor like wise. We could relate on many personal levels.
"I am so glad I had the honor and pleasure to have meet your aquaintance Todd.
" Soar high with the Eagle's my friend, now-
you're limitless and timeless."

Rest easy,
Sincerely,
Eva Rodriguez,

So nice to see your messages about Todd here. I heard him talk about so many of you (and met some of you), about how much you meant to him--and I can assure you-- but if you know Todd you already know this--I didn't hear an unkind or bad thing about ANY of you. Simeon, I want to reassure you, but again I bet you know, just how much your help at the PSU gym, and that of your colleagues over the years, meant to Todd. You and your colleagues were a really big part of the reason he loved going there.

Was it Melissa who went to the prom with him? (Sorry I am in the middle of this message and don't know if I can look it up without losing this!) And had the son, Gabe, who Todd helped out? That is SO Todd. He genuinely loved doing that, I know, and I know you meant so much to him.

Brad

I work at PSU's CampusRec where Todd would often come to do his workouts. What I will remember the most is his smile and friendly attitude towards staff. He will be missed here.

I had the privilege of being Todd's friend and housemate a few years ago. I remember his quick wit, perpetual smile, and bright eyes. He brought a lot of happiness to a lot of folks over the years. Our world is better for having had him in it.

I´m writing to Todd`s family and friends,
Being one of Todd´s friend myself. I am truly sorry for your loss. Todd was a wonderful man and friend to me and also He will be remembered always, and he will be truly missed. I am very grateful for the opportunity of being one of his reporters for mainstream media and also united by media. My deepest condolences to you all during this very difficult time.
Yours truly
Melissa Halstead

My sister Kristin has been one of Todd´s caregivers for several years. They spent a lot of time together. They helped each other through a lot & went through a lot together. I had the joy of meeting Todd last summer when I traveled from Michigan to visit Kristin. I´m grateful I could meet him. I´m sorry he´s gone so soon. May he Rest in Peace.

I rented a room from Todd for a couple of years. After meeting for coffee, we knew it was a good fit so he said he would cancel his appointment with the next prospective tenant. Becoming fast friends, we shared interests in sports, progressive politics, and humanism--among other things. Just a few days after he died, I was watching a college basketball game and had a question about a rule concerning rebounding. No problem, I thought--I'll call Todd, as I had done in similar situations so many times. But it wasn't to be.

No one I've ever known got more pleasure out of helping others. That's what he would want to be remembered for. That and being a complete pain in the ^ss to people he didn't care for.

He worked with me in vocational Rehabilitation. He was training to be a job coach. After that we became real good friends!

Dear Todd,

I'm so grateful for the short amount of time that we had to reconnect again this year. I am also so sad we didn't have more, but we forged a deep friendship in these past eight months based on our 38 year foundation.

We went to your senior prom together--was it at Top of the Mark in San Francisco? You would remember, but now I can't ask you. I can see our prom picture in my head, but wish I could put my hands on the physical copy. We corresponded through college (yes, actual letters through the mail, kids--google it), but then lost touch for, oh, 34 years maybe?
Then in June 2024, a message popped up from you here on Facebook, even though you were quick to point out that you detested this platform--as do I, and yet, where else can we share these memories with so many who loved you? We quickly caught up via text, calls and zooms and it was just like old times.

I was impressed (but not in the least surprised) by all that you accomplished in your various careers, projects, and interests. You had so many stories to tell, but you always wanted to spend more time hearing about my life and family, immediately offering your guidance and support for my two autistic adult children, based on all of your experience mentoring young people with disabilities.

It turned out you had been living in Portland, Oregon, for the past two decades, which happens to be where my son 24 yo Gabe resides. You immediately offered to take him to lunch and assist with his post-college job search. From afar, I enjoyed seeing you two get to know each other. When our family came to visit at the holidays and we finally got to meet in person after all this time, you immediately bonded with my 21 yo daughter Olivia, too. You took us to your favorite breakfast spot (Jam on Hawthorne) and we took you to our favorite pizza place (Apizza Scholls). We came back the next month and you came with us to see Gabe in a play.

It's been such a gift that we got this chance to reconnect, Todd. Thank you so much for reaching out last June and prioritizing time for us to get to know each other again. You've made a big impact on my life and the lives of my kids--and so many others who are telling their stories of you on your page. I hope we can collect all of these stories and do something wonderful to remember you by, because truly, you are unforgettable.

I met Todd at Living Room when I happened to be sitting next to him in his first meeting. He could pull anyone into a conversation and before I knew it we were fast friends and he had chosen to partner with me to serve all his clients. I am so grateful he did, in the time we worked together I got to know him well.

Todd was a one-of-a-kind human known by everyone who encountered him for his big personality, relentless positivity, and sense of humor - with a very healthy dose of sarcasm. He could trap you in conversation with an hour-long story that was supposed to be 5 minutes, but I always left them with something new to think about. He lived so much life in his 56 years here, they were all entertaining stories. He was such a big presence with so much life and energy it's hard to believe he's gone.

I was learning so much from Todd. I really admired how he seemed completely unaffected by rejection and could find a way to talk to anyone. He had big ideas and just kept going until he made them happen no matter the roadblocks he encountered. His ideas to go on a country-wide trip to "Escape the Portland Bubble" and of an accessible rental house for folks visiting Portland were so big and ever-evolving, it was hard to keep up sometimes!

Todd was involved in everything, he was the most social person I knew and always going to or from some meeting, party, or event. Truly a super-connector, he was part of the Humanists, a Toastmasters group, constantly networking with disability rights organizations, was at the gym all the time, did stand-up comedy in the evenings, and always had a dinner party invite or game to go to. Losing him leaves a huge hole in our community.

I'm honored to have had the opportunity to know, learn from, and work with him.

peace to all those who knew Todd