Here's a shout-out to one of the best friends I've ever had in my life. Todd was taken from us, far too soon I might add, after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was 56. The void in the lives of those he leaves behind can never be filled.
The survivors in Todd's immediate family include a stepmother, a brother, a sister, and several nieces and nephews as well as his extended San Francisco family, strong in both numbers and admiration.
Todd was born and raised in Hawaii, where his ashes will be scattered soon. He moved to the mainland in the early 1980s, establishing a career as a hair and make-up artist and did hair for several Hollywood movie stars. (He talked me into becoming a redhead!) He also worked as a bartender at the famous Phone Booth bar in the Mission. Todd's passions were movies and politics. A close friend remarked only the other night that he was in great command of his facts in both areas. Todd was a complicated man and we clashed on occasion over our 12-year friendship, but never a more loyal and devoted friend ever lived. At Todd's request there will be no funeral service but a celebration of his life will be held on November 5 by a host of his close friends (for more information, call 415-272-9343). Rest in peace, our beloved friend.