Todd Stewart Obituary

Todd Mattison Stewart 1951-2009 (58) of San Carlos, California, passed away on December 31, 2009, in his home. An avid Stanford fan, Todd apparently suffered cardiac arrest while enjoying the Stanford-Oklahoma football game with his dog Teddy by his side. Todd was born in San Francisco to George and Shirley Stewart. He attended Menlo School for Boys and University of Denver. The defining story of Todd's life began in the fall of 1973 when he was involved in a car accident that left him a paraplegic. He was 22 years old. It was at this critical juncture that Todd began a life that disavowed his handicap and embraced the ability to navigate in the normal stream of able-bodied persons. Todd ran his own foodservice brokerage business for most of his professional career. He traveled throughout the world, forging import/export opportunities and building relationships with a diverse core of business people. Todd's passions were 49er and Stanford football (tailgating), sailing in the San Francisco Bay, putting together successful business deals and spending time with his beloved dogs. Todd loved life and all the actors that walked across his stage. Triumph over tragedy would be Todd's daily mantra. His love of great food, wine and an occasional cigar, AND a good domino game, kept his cup full. He drank in life until his vessel overflowed. A life lived with passion and great appetite. Surviving family members include his mother, Shirley C. Stewart of Menlo Park; sister Carol Stewart of Redwood City, and brother Bill (Pam) of Boulder, Colorado; and seven nieces and nephews. Todd was a member of the Bohemian Club of San Francisco. The relationships and experiences of the Bohemian Club provided Todd with some of his most treasured memories. Please share thoughts, memories and condolences with others that are part of Todd's vast network of friends. A celebration of life ceremony is being planned.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Todd Stewart

15 Entries

Jakob gerber

January 25, 2022

Tuesday January 25,2022
It´s taken me this long to reconcile the loss of so many dear friends I lost in such a short period of time. I met Toad in late 72,possibly early 73. We were room mates off,and on for years.
San Antonio Road behind Beltramos for over a year etc.etc.
Mike Tittle´s apt. was across the hall. We were all inseparable .
Shortly after I met him I asked. " What was it like when the doctors told you, you would never walk again ? How do you handle that mentally . " I´ll never forget his answer . He replied " The first thing is the shock, and you have one of two choices in life. I had to make that choice while I was in the hospital . I´m either going to live the best life I can or I won´t live at all. It all came down to that , there is no middle ground, I made up my mind in that instant, it was a life or death decision " I remember having this conversation in my car in the Stewart´s driveway on Park Lane. It blew me away. We became best of friends . I still have a video tape of his Christmas party in 1994 or 5 ? It´s time to have it transferred to a DVD ,and get those of us that are still here to watch it. There is no way I´m going to watch it alone. The best Christmas Party of my life. Must have been forty people. I have no idea if anyone will be reading this all these years later, but if someone does please get hold of me. RIP my strong friend ...

Carol Kean

January 18, 2010

I met Todd about 25 years ago through my husband Dennis. Todd was a beautiful, fun and loving person with a great smile and sense of humor. And while he will be missed by so many, he will forever be in our hearts. RIP Todd...

rick knoop

January 11, 2010

Todd was a complete and thorough legend in my eyes. His colorful activities in the stables were epic!! I have known and loved the Stewart family for years. I will miss you Todd, wonderful gathering last Saturday at BBC in Menlo Park

Robert Gunderson

January 6, 2010

I met Todd when we were both in grammar school. We became better friends during the junior high years, though we never attended the same schools. The Todd Stewart that I knew always loved life, and lived it to the fullest, even through adversity. It saddens me deeply to know that I will never see him again, in this life. Rest in peace, brother.

Stewart Silverberg

January 6, 2010

The Man & The Legend Todd Stewart, my uncle!!! I have never met a tougher man in my life. He loved all of his family and friends deeply. Thank all of you for your ongoing support to my family. His pain is gone and he is in a better place now. Love you Todd and thanks for being my uncle!!!

diana havard

January 6, 2010

Wow...i knew Todd in the late 80's. I remember being at his home with his friends. I admired his spirit for life, despite his captivity in his wheelchair. Shocked to learn that my brother just had a re-union 2 months ago for Menlo Colledge, and sat next to Todd, at the Oasis in Menlo Park. Life is a gift. Make the best of it. Todd did.

Doug Roth

January 6, 2010

I've enjoyed trucking down River Rd so many times with Todd and trading stories of our youth together. We'll miss you old friend.

Barnett Bursley

January 6, 2010

I will miss Todd a lot. Our lives were intertwined in so many ways. We met each other around 1965 while we were in high school. Being with him was always an adventure and was always the source of a story that would be told years later among all of his friends.

A source of comfort is that now he can walk and fly free of all physical constraints. Just like his spirit did when he was with us.

January 5, 2010

I live at the junction of Edgehill and Cordilleras and saw Todd coming down the street many times in his scooter/wheelchair with his beloved dog on leash. Each time, the sight of his joyous demeanor, his verve and his lovely golden retriever brightened my day. I did not know him, but I will miss his energy and his spirit.
Pat Guyer, San Carlos

Robin Breuer-Mendez

January 5, 2010

I was fortunate enough to meet Todd through a mutual friend, and came to love him. He welcomed me into his life, and we became friends.
I have never met anyone, that had the spirit he had. His body may have been challenged, but he certainly wasn't.
Dance on my friend. Perhaps we will meet again.

Dean Paolillo

January 5, 2010

I have known and loved Todd for over 30 years. I loved his patio parties in the summer and just popping in on him for a chat in the middle of the afternoon in his office in the back. Todd was a lighted hearted warm man that always seemed genuinely interested in what you had to say and left you feeling like you were a good friend. Hard to find those kinds of people. Miss you buddy. Save me a spot at the bar.

Douglas Marshall

January 5, 2010

When I first met Todd in June of 1984, I was impressed by his spirit. Even more so, when I found he loved dogs. Some years later I saw him in a production in which he played a bartender. It appeared as if he needed no rehearsal. Safe home, Todd.

Bill Stewart

January 5, 2010

I hope to see many friends at the BBC on Saturday night.I am sure Todd will be very present in spirit.

Susan Woods

January 5, 2010

I had the joy of knowing Todd for over 40 years before and after that fateful accident. The amazing thing is that such a tragic event did not change him one iota or impede him from participating to the fullest. I loved his broad smile, deep laugh and enveloping warmth. The world is a sadder place without him. I will miss him very much.

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